New Olympus lens released for the Micro 4/3rds

[deeper thoughts]

M. ED 45mm f1.8

I called Olympus, it will be for sale in a couple of months.
They were not sure if it needs a separate port for the epl1/pt-03 housing.
They thought not because it is similiar to the 14-42mm.

I guess I will wait to find out before I look to purchase this or the panny 45mm and port.

Anyone have any additional info please chime in
Thnx

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

Hello Deeper,

Keep in mind that the new Olympus M43 ED 45 mm is NOT a macro lens and as such will focus to about 1.6 ft. (.5 M). The Panasonic 45 macro will focus to 6 inches ( 15 cm) at 1:1. The 14-42 zoom will focus to 9.84 inches (25 cm) at the 42 mm, short end. Even with a +5 to +10 diopter added this lens will be very limited for underwater use.

Phil Rudin

 

[deeper thoughts]

Hello Deeper,

Keep in mind that the new Olympus M43 ED 45 mm is NOT a macro lens and as such will focus to about 1.6 ft. (.5 M). The Panasonic 45 macro will focus to 6 inches ( 15 cm) at 1:1. The 14-42 zoom will focus to 9.84 inches (25 cm) at the 42 mm, short end. Even with a +5 to +10 diopter added this lens will be very limited for underwater use.

Phil Rudin

Thnx Phil I guess I was thinking about the 50 mm lens they were going to release soon. I got confused. lol

 

[ggibson]

There was never any official word on a m4/3 version of the 50mm f2, just speculation based on the way Olympus had been basically converting their 4/3 lenses. At this point, it doesn't look like we'll see one for a while, so if you want a macro lens, go for the Panasonic 45mm.

 

[deeper thoughts]

There was never any official word on a m4/3 version of the 50mm f2, just speculation based on the way Olympus had been basically converting their 4/3 lenses. At this point, it doesn't look like we'll see one for a while, so if you want a macro lens, go for the Panasonic 45mm.

I am going with the Panasonic but there was a roadmap and it contained the 50 mm for the spring of 11

 

[JackConnick]

That was a very old roadmap. From what I've been told, don't expect it this year. But I agree, I think it's too bad that they didn't do a great 45mm macro lens.

Jack

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

There is no need to bemoan the lack of an Oly macro. I have an e-pl2 and the panny/leica 45mm and it is truly stunning in its quality. Plus, with 1:1 at 6 inches it gives plenty of working distance so as not to scare subjects. It is all you could want in a UW macro lens. Go for it!!!

Also, you do NOT need the Zen flat port to use this lens. The 45mm works inside the standard port, so you can save yourself $300. The only thing is that the lens does not go quite out to the end of the port. This has no effect on the quality, but it means that you have to get the housing a couple of inches closer to the subject than you would with the Zen port at the extreme 1:1 magnification, because the zen port is shorter and tailored to the lens. For ultra-macro specialists I would say the Zen port is a better idea. I might add one in the future, but there is no hurry.

 

[Meyr]

There is no need to bemoan the lack of an Oly macro. I have an e-pl2 and the panny/leica 45mm and it is truly stunning in its quality. Plus, with 1:1 at 6 inches it gives plenty of working distance so as not to scare subjects. It is all you could want in a UW macro lens. Go for it!!!
.

Saw some pics of people using this 45mm with epl1.
Macro pics with this is terrific. Very sharp.
Really makes me a lil bit regret on buying the xz1.

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

Why make a 4:3 format? I just got rid of my 4:3 TV. If you want to fully utilize image from the lens, why not make it 1:1?

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

Saw some pics of people using this 45mm with epl1.
Macro pics with this is terrific. Very sharp.
Really makes me a lil bit regret on buying the xz1.

I had to sell my xz-1 and housing because it would not TTL with my Sea and Sea strobes. I went to the E-pl2 which synchs fine with the strobes. The E-PL2 is a little larger, no longer "one handed" convenience, but, I am absolutely astounded at the improvement in image quality. It is amazing when you crop in. The xz-1 image "falls apart" very quickly (its sensor is only 1/8 the size, after all) where the E-pl2 stays very sharp. Also, MUCH better performance at ISO 400 or 800 if you wish (I usually never go over 400 because I am using strobes). Also, the colors are richer and the dynamic range much better. There is "only" a 20% difference in the megapixels, but, I would say, an 80% improvement in the image quality. It also shows in the video, which is much better than on the xz-1. I don't regret it for a second, and having lenses available like the Panny/Leica 45mm gives much better macro performance as well.

You pay only $50 more for an e-pl2 ($550) than the xz-1 (500 although I think they are now down to $450), but you do pay $200 more for the EP housing., (299 vs 500). But, for $300 difference, there was a surprising difference in the qualiy and I am happy I switched. It is a small amount compared to the total for the camera, housing, strobes, tray, arms, and video light.

The E-PL2 is, I would say, full-on professional magazine quality and good for prints even up to 20 x24". The xz-1 is probably the best compact camera out there, but the small sensor just cannot approach the quality.