Buying into an interchangable lens system -- need advice

[PHIL RUDIN]

Guy makes a good point about the 12-50, zoom with macro. While it is not my first choice it covers a wide enough range that it has become as popular with M43 users as the Tokina 10-17 has become with APS-C users, not of course for the same situations.

Phil

 

[Interceptor121]

There is sigma 17-70 for cropped sensor that cover a similar range of the Olympus 12-50 for a 4:3 but behind dome so better at wide end and you can still put a flip diopter
On the other end there is no way to avoid the flat port pincushion distortion on the 4:3

Right now the em5 is on offer but the new em1 costs more than a Nikon d7100 with the sigma
However the housing for the d7100 is exactly double
In terms of image quality yes dpreview has a point but when you look at comparing the same test pictures the 24mp of the d7100 clearly show much better image quality
I believe the 4:3 offers a cheaper alternative to a cropped sensor and seems a good choice for macro however at wide end does not offer the same quality if I look at some of the shots around
A good cropped sensor gives you great macro and great wide but does cost more than a 4:3 though not as much as a full frame and it doesn't give the depth of field headaches at super macro of a fx camera

 

[PatW]

I had the choice between housing my D800 system and housing my Olympus OMD-EM5. When I compared the huge extra cost, size, and weight for the Nikon FF system versus the EM5, it was no contest especially with the EM5's excellent image quality. I have ultrawide 7-14 (14-28 in FF terms), general-purpose 12-50 (24-100 in FF terms) which includes full macro function (1:1 macro in FF terms, can fill the frame with something the size of an SD card, no close up lenses needed), and dedicated 60mm macro (120 in FF terms and 2:1 magnification for ultra-macro, no close up lenses needed).

In particular, the 12-50 rig is unprecedented in its versatility. There is just no other similar setup in either FF or APS-C that can compare.

The entire rig with housing, strobes, video lights, ports, batteries, chargers and all, fits in a roll-on size pelican case for easy travel. It is a superb above water travel system as well.

I love my D800e and will never give it up, but for underwater, the EM-5 is the way to go unless you are a full time professional.

Also, I will add that there is a huge difference in handling the smaller system, much easier all aroung but especially in challenging conditions such as a strong current.

My D7000 system handles fine under water. It is large so it requires two hands. It would be nice to have a couple of more limbs sometimes. It is true that the system is not exactly streamlined. I handled it fine in the currents at Cozumel but it was a bit like a sail. Also the system is a bit unwieldy to tote through air ports. Sometimes I wonder if I could qualify as a Sherpa.