- Location
- Boston Burbs
- Name
- David
I just completed a comparison of the P14mm / PL15 / O17 / P12-32 in which I decided to hang on to the P14 for size and the PL15 for focal range, image quality/rendering, and a couple of handling points. One of those points is I'm getting use to bigger hoods that don't reverse and make it so I can just store the lens hood down in my bag and don't really NEED to put the front lens cap on.
But at the end I commented about reviewing 20-25mm options, so...... I'll start with what and why I'm looking at options and then reply here to @MoonMind's reply to that thread instead of diverting that thread.
I have the E-M1.2 and Pen F now, I also have the PL25 now. At the time I got the PL25 I didn't have the Pen F, I had a Fuji X-E3 for my smaller setup. So size, weight, and AF weren't an issue and I actually like the mid size primes on the E-M1.2. But that was last week (Ok last year, but so far 2020 been pretty so...). So now I'm considering options again (I know ). And yes I've own both the P20 and O25 a couples of times each. I'm still on my first PL25 that I've had for a little over a year. Advantages and disadvantages of each:
PL25 - Aperture of f/1.4 and rendering are the big pluses. Size, weight, and noisy AF are the big minuses.
O25 - Smaller, lighter, and silent / lighting quick AF. The slowest aperture and while very nice, it doesn't render as nicely. But unlike with the P20, if I got the O25 I could consider selling the PL25.
P20 - Pleasant rendering, in between the other two. Size and weight are BIG pluses. But AF speed, AF in low light, being not continuous AF compatible, and reports of banding are all issues. No this would never replace either of the others for a family get together when I'm trying to get quick snaps. But would it fit in my really small camera bag or a jacket pocket?
Since I just sold off a P12-32 and O17, I probably could pick up an O25 and P20 to compare. But what do others think?
And to reply to MoonMind:
Yes the Sigma 30 is too big for me. But the reason I'm thinking about the P20 is also because it's slightly wider than the 25's. It's a focal length that might work really well for a lot of what I shoot, but not for how does it really work for quick snaps and street? Am I going to have to finally learn how to zone focus?
But a bigger question might also be does it exhibit banding on Olympus bodies and under what conditions? Does anyone have some examples?
Anyway, time for more research.
But at the end I commented about reviewing 20-25mm options, so...... I'll start with what and why I'm looking at options and then reply here to @MoonMind's reply to that thread instead of diverting that thread.
I have the E-M1.2 and Pen F now, I also have the PL25 now. At the time I got the PL25 I didn't have the Pen F, I had a Fuji X-E3 for my smaller setup. So size, weight, and AF weren't an issue and I actually like the mid size primes on the E-M1.2. But that was last week (Ok last year, but so far 2020 been pretty so...). So now I'm considering options again (I know ). And yes I've own both the P20 and O25 a couples of times each. I'm still on my first PL25 that I've had for a little over a year. Advantages and disadvantages of each:
PL25 - Aperture of f/1.4 and rendering are the big pluses. Size, weight, and noisy AF are the big minuses.
O25 - Smaller, lighter, and silent / lighting quick AF. The slowest aperture and while very nice, it doesn't render as nicely. But unlike with the P20, if I got the O25 I could consider selling the PL25.
P20 - Pleasant rendering, in between the other two. Size and weight are BIG pluses. But AF speed, AF in low light, being not continuous AF compatible, and reports of banding are all issues. No this would never replace either of the others for a family get together when I'm trying to get quick snaps. But would it fit in my really small camera bag or a jacket pocket?
Since I just sold off a P12-32 and O17, I probably could pick up an O25 and P20 to compare. But what do others think?
And to reply to MoonMind:
The PL25 II might be of interest one day, but I'm fine with the version I for now. Prices over there always are a bit of a shock. I can get a new US version for about $700 and an import version for about $600. Maybe if AF noise and speed is actually improved I might be worth it.Definitely interesting - and yes, another can of worms ... I ended up keeping the 20mm in spite of all alternatives, but the 25mm f/1.8 is one charming lens; that said, the new 25mm f/1.4 II seems to eat them all for breakfast. Unfortunately, it costs the equivalent of about $850 in Switzerland - so it's ridiculously overpriced ... (even if you can certainly get it cheaper, the official price makes acceptable offers completely improbable).
I know you're after small lenses, so I won't suggest the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 C - I do love that lens, especially on where it doubles as a nice portrait lens, plus it has certainly helped keeping me from going after the 25mm f/1.4 II. But it's definitely not suitable for the frame you established.
Looking forward to the next discussion
M.
Yes the Sigma 30 is too big for me. But the reason I'm thinking about the P20 is also because it's slightly wider than the 25's. It's a focal length that might work really well for a lot of what I shoot, but not for how does it really work for quick snaps and street? Am I going to have to finally learn how to zone focus?
But a bigger question might also be does it exhibit banding on Olympus bodies and under what conditions? Does anyone have some examples?
Anyway, time for more research.
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