Olympus 12mm f2 review robin wong năm 2024
|
Robin recently posted a video review of the 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3. When this lens was first announced, I was pretty curious about it. After release, it wasn’t given glowing praise so I held off trying it out. But Olympus just had one of their 20% off refurb sales so I was able to get one at just over $600(including tax) which is about where I wanted to be price wise for this lens. I tend to buy used or refurbished when I can. Show I just got the lens a few days ago and haven’t had a lot of time to try it out, but so far, I would agree with Robin’s assessment of it. It is not a Pro grade lens but it is more than adequate for most of my needs, particularly travel and in good light. The range is outstanding and I love that it starts at 12mm which has always been an issue for me with my 14-150. I really like 12mm as my starting point on a general purpose zoom. The build quality is very similar to the 14-150 and feels solid but light. Much lighter than the 12-100. The 12-100 will definitely stay and is probably more versatile since I can take indoor shots easily with its SyncIS and constant F4 aperture. I plan to use it on my next trip this week since I don’t plan on taking many indoor shots. Paired with my PL 8-18 and the Voigtlander 10.5, I should be well covered. Here is the link to the review. Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more spike29 • Senior Member • Posts: 2,471 12-200mm vs your 14-150mm? how does that turns out? In reply to BruceRH • Sep 16, 2019 The concept of the 12-200mm is very appealing as a happy snapper allround walk around lens. more then the 14-150mm. The lumix 14-140mm f3.5-5.6(mine) is in that matter great! good IQ for it's size and weight. i have the PL12-60 for more WA and some extra light (f2.8) and hopefully sharper nicer rendering on one side and the lumix 100-300mmii for the reach on the other side. (only addition to that would be a faster lens (prime) for inside (f1.7 or so) and/or a UWA as in 8-18mm) If i want to replace the 14-140mm then that 12-200mm could be a a nice one. (macro like distance of focus, weathersealed, not much slower, and hopefully same IQ.) The reason why i don't swap is a Oly on my G80 does kill DUAL IS2 and DFD. (besides the other way zoom ring) So my only choise as "replacement", when using only Panasonic branded: could be a PL50-200mm f2.8-4 and buy a small second body for the 14-140mm creating a grab and go : GX8 or so with 14-140mm and my "i go out for "real" photo's" kit G80 and other three. Also could go for a Oly EM something and the 12-200mm glued on that as second/backup but then different menu structure and such would confuse me when i change. (probably cheaper then the PL50-200mm ) (wishes are poison to the mind and deadly for the wallet, so i such up the GAS and hope i survive LOL) for now have fun with your new lens and maybe we see some comparisons come along later on. -- hide signature -- knowledge is addictive, every time i get some i want more..... ------------- (If i can remember 1/1000 of everything i learned/read in the past i will be happy as a monky with........) Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Panasonic G85 Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 O.I.S Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm F1.7 ASPH +2 more OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: 12-200mm vs your 14-150mm? how does that turns out? In reply to spike29 • Sep 16, 2019 Well, lots of choices is a good and bad thing! I do feel your frustration with the way Panasonic and Olympus bodies and lenses play with each other. I really believe the two companies made a major mistake in not having a standard for MFT, ie, zoom controls, lens IS compatibility with either brand, aperture rings, etc. The PL 50-200 looks like a great lens, but I have Olympus bodies so the lens OIS is lost on me since it is one or the other, lens OIS or IBIS. Body/Lens Dual stabilization is incredible, it’s just to bad we can’t mix and match manufacturers. Oh well, they never asked me I do expect that the 12-200 will be at least as good as my Olympus 14-150 which has been a faithful traveling companion for many years. It has produced excellent images but I always wished it went to 12mm, 200mm on the long end is a bonus and it is not that much bigger than the 14-150. Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more spike29 • Senior Member • Posts: 2,471 Re: 12-200mm vs your 14-150mm? how does that turns out? In reply to BruceRH • Sep 16, 2019 BruceRH wrote: Well, lots of choices is a good and bad thing! I do feel your frustration with the way Panasonic and Olympus bodies and lenses play with each other. I really believe the two companies made a major mistake in not having a standard for MFT, ie, zoom controls, lens IS compatibility with either brand, aperture rings, etc. The PL 50-200 looks like a great lens, but I have Olympus bodies so the lens OIS is lost on me since it is one or the other, lens OIS or IBIS. Body/Lens Dual stabilization is incredible, it’s just to bad we can’t mix and match manufacturers. Oh well, they never asked me i think they need to, i looked at your gearlist and you have a lot of pany and oly lenses! i completely agree, but i think they want some brand loyalty by difference. come to your lenses in the gearlist you have some(two) DUAL IS2/DFD supporting one's (100-300mm and 100-400mm) are you not want to use that by upgrading your GM5? and why do you own them both by the way? (just a question not a judgement.) I do expect that the 12-200 will be at least as good as my Olympus 14-150 which has been a faithful traveling companion for many years. It has produced excellent images but I always wished it went to 12mm, 200mm on the long end is a bonus and it is not that much bigger than the 14-150. -- hide signature -- knowledge is addictive, every time i get some i want more..... ------------- (If i can remember 1/1000 of everything i learned/read in the past i will be happy as a monky with........) Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Panasonic G85 Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 O.I.S Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm F1.7 ASPH +2 more OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: 12-200mm vs your 14-150mm? how does that turns out? In reply to spike29 • Sep 16, 2019 1 I am actually planning on selling the GM5, I don’t use it enough. My wife uses the Panasonic 100-300 while I use the heavier 100-400. And yes, I have too much but like I said, nearly all was purchased at a deep discount. I enjoy trying different lenses and look at my purchases as more like a long term rental. If I am not happy with something, I can usually sell it for a minimal loss/cost. For what I paid for the 12-200, if I don’t like it, I know I can easily sell it for around what I paid. I have a feeling it will make the cut though, I’m pleased enough so far I like to travel with the smallest/lightest I can get away with but when I am home or traveling by car, then the bigger gear goes with me, really depends on where and how I am going. And yes I am very fortunate to have the options Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more Smaug01 • Veteran Member • Posts: 7,141 I'd be curious to hear how ti compares against > In reply to BruceRH • Sep 16, 2019 1 \> something like a Panny 12-60/3.5-5.6. Do the extra dollars mean it has similar IQ at their common focal lengths, or is it still a matter of large zoom range = lower quality? The second point is that if you're a person who is happy with an all-in-one zoom lens on a fixed lens camera, but you wish for a bit more quality due to larger sensor and better optics, maybe this is The Solution. I will go and watch this video shortly. -- hide signature -- -Jeremy ********* "Rudeness is the weak person's imitation of strength." Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 Ricoh GR III Olympus OM-D E-M10 III Nikon Z5 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R +26 more Thanks for the 12-200mm report In reply to BruceRH • Sep 16, 2019 1 Thanks for the report about the 12-200mm. I see that it is quite a bit larger and heavier than your 14-150mm. Do you have I or II? I have both and I is slightly smaller than II. Olympus 14-150mm f4-5.6 II
Olympus 12-200mm f3.5-6.3
Olympus 75-300mm f4.5-6.7 II
OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: I'd be curious to hear how ti compares against > In reply to Smaug01 • Sep 16, 2019 4 Smaug01 wrote: Quality wise, take a look at what this guy achieved with the 12-200 (scroll down through the report and you will see some 12-200 images in Costa Rica). There is also a thread here concerning his trip. And of course Robin has some nice images in his review but of course I think he would be able to get great images shooting through Coke bottles! I am definitely not a fixed lens camera type of person but there are times when the all in one zoom lens is the ticket! If I am out with others who are not into photography then a lens like this can be the perfect choice or zooming with your feet isn’t always an option. A lens like this is perfect for me when I don’t have anything in particular in mind or if it is the first time in a city, you never know what you might find. The versatility of a lens with this big of a range in a small, light package is intriguing. The best thing about MFT IMHO is that I can go small with tiny primes and the Pen-F or even the EM10 series or go big with the EM1 MKii and the Pro lenses. Then of course you can go somewhere in between with a lens like this. Lots of choices which is something I enjoy. I try different combinations depending on where I am going and what I am planning to shoot. Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: Thanks for the 12-200mm report 2 Henry Richardson wrote: I hav the 14-150 ii. In hand, the 12-200 doesn’t feel that much heavier and it is very well balanced on the EM1.2. Here is a quick shot on my phone to give you an idea between the three. Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more Re: Thanks for the 12-200mm report In reply to BruceRH • Sep 17, 2019 1 BruceRH wrote:Henry Richardson wrote: Thanks for the photo! Since you have both, what do you think about the 12-200mm compared to the 14-150mm in the overlapping range? OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: Thanks for the 12-200mm report I really haven’t had much of a chance to try the 12-200 out yet since I just got it. From the few shots I have taken, I’m happy with it. I plan to use it this week so I will have a better idea. Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more Re: Thanks for the 12-200mm report In reply to BruceRH • Sep 17, 2019 1 BruceRH wrote: I really haven’t had much of a chance to try the 12-200 out yet since I just got it. From the few shots I have taken, I’m happy with it. I plan to use it this week so I will have a better idea. Thanks for the report. Nice that it is a non-pro lens that actually includes a hood 😃 If you get a chance I am curious how this lens compares to your 75-300 at 200mm, wide open and a half stop or down. -- hide signature -- If you don't get older and wiser, than you just get older. Olympus E-M1 III Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm F1.8 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 +10 more OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: Thanks for the 12-200mm report Albert Valentino wrote:BruceRH wrote: I really haven’t had much of a chance to try the 12-200 out yet since I just got it. From the few shots I have taken, I’m happy with it. I plan to use it this week so I will have a better idea. Yes, it is nice to have a hood! I’ll give it a shot, but it might be awhile 🙂 Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: Thanks for the 12-200mm report 3 Albert Valentino wrote:BruceRH wrote: I really haven’t had much of a chance to try the 12-200 out yet since I just got it. From the few shots I have taken, I’m happy with it. I plan to use it this week so I will have a better idea. Ok, so I did a quick couple of shots before leaving for work. These are all f8 ISO 200. First the 12-200(100 and 200mm), then the 75-300(100 and 200mm), the 14-150 ii(100 and 150mm) and the 12-100 (100mm). Just a tree across the way. They are all SOOC JPEG’s transferred to my iPad. Nothing scientific, just quick and dirty 🙂 Honestly, just taking a quick look at each, there is not much of difference for me. I’m not a pixel peeperand in good light, they all are pretty good IMHO. I hope this helps. 12-200 12-200 75-300 75-300 14-150 ii 14-150 ii 12-100 Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more Re: Thanks for the 12-200mm report In reply to BruceRH • Sep 17, 2019 BruceRH wrote:Albert Valentino wrote:Ok, so I did a quick couple of shots before leaving for work. These are all f8 ISO 200. First the 12-200(100 and 200mm), then the 75-300(100 and 200mm), the 14-150 ii(100 and 150mm) and the 12-100 (100mm). Just a tree across the way. They are all SOOC JPEG’s transferred to my iPad. Nothing scientific, just quick and dirty 🙂 Honestly, just taking a quick look at each, there is not much of difference for me. I’m not a pixel peeperand in good light, they all are pretty good IMHO. I hope this helps.BruceRH wrote: I really haven’t had much of a chance to try the 12-200 out yet since I just got it. From the few shots I have taken, I’m happy with it. I plan to use it this week so I will have a better idea. thanks for taking the time to shoot and post these. I will lose my mind if I try to scrutinize these but at a quick glance it is too tricky to tell. Wind could also play a small part in shots like these. I did own the 75-300 or a while and found it to be rather sharp up to about 200-220, then, like many long zooms, started to soften. At 200mm the 12-200 is at the longest end, while the 75-300 is still near the sweet spot. 12-100 is also at the softest, but not soft, end at 100mm. When I had the 75-300 it was on the EM1.1 which had four stops IBIS while my current camera is the mark II with 5.5 stops, and cross sensors. So it might do better at the long end in less than optimal light. The thing is, when I had to 75-300 I often had it in my bag since it is small and light. My 40-150 Pro rarely goes out to play. But strictly speaking, I rarely need over a 100mm - so I should stop thinking about new toys 😐 12-200 -- hide signature -- If you don't get older and wiser, than you just get older. Olympus E-M1 III Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm F1.8 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 +10 more OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: Thanks for the 12-200mm report Yes, wind had an effect I am sure. I am going to be pretty busy the next couple of weeks but I will try to find something more stable. My 40-150 Pro doesn’t travel much either and the 75-300 would go when I was pretty sure I could use a tele but I am thinking the 12-200 might satisfy the majority of my wants/needs. I am rethinking the 40-150 in light of the MC-20 TC. Not sure I want to carry it all of the time but sometimes, yes. Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more Imaging Resource's Olympus 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 review In reply to BruceRH • Sep 22, 2019 4 OP BruceRH • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,162 Re: Imaging Resource's Olympus 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 review 1 Henry Richardson wrote: Thanks for the link! Those reviews mirror my thoughts. I took the 12-200 this week for a walk in Amsterdam and Gouda Netherlands mounted on my EM1 MKii. While the lens is good, it is not great IMO. I got some very nice images but not “wow” images. For walking around a city, 12mm is a focal length that I use a lot and really is something that I almost require to have on a zoom. The 200mm length can be nice to have but I found this week is almost overkill for a city. In comparison to the 12-100 Pro, that focal length combination is more appropriate for me plus it has the advantage of being sharper, faster, and Sync IS. I almost had to force myself to use the maximum of 200mm because most of the time 12mm to 150mm was all I required. The cropping ability of the 12-100 takes care of slightly longer needs. So, my thoughts are that I will probably keep the 12-200 for awhile, particularly since I bought it refurbished at a great price. I can see it as an excellent lens for walking around a zoo with the grandkids since you could get shots of the kids or the animals. It will have other uses as well but the EM1 MKii/12-100 Pro combination is really hard to beat for walking around a city, inside and outside. The indoor images I get with the 12-100 f4 are great, no real need to switch to something faster, which is really handy when walking around European cities, going inside churches and then back out into the narrow streets. I just didn’t see a big need to have 200mm available to me and the compromise in image clarity and stabilization are hard to give up. Bottom line, if I had to choose, the 12-100 is easily the best choice which is what I figured would happen, but my curiosity concerning the 12-200 made me want to see for myself. The reviews say much the same, the 12-200 is versatile and a good telephoto lens but is not great at any one thing. I like this quote from the first review, “Like many zoom lenses, the 12-200mm is a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but versatility certainly has an inherent value which may trump other considerations.” The majority of the time, for me at least, the 12-100 makes more sense. If you are paying full price and have to choose, I would definitely recommend getting the 12-100mm f4 Pro over the 12-200 for the current $325 price difference. If you can find the 12-200 for around $600 it may be worth it to you. If you already have the Olympus 14-150mm ii, buy a wide angle instead and keep the 14-150. Just my opinion and worth the price paid These two images will give you an idea of what you can get at 12mm and 200mm Sony RX100 III Ricoh GR III Leica Q2 Olympus TG-6 Olympus PEN-F +44 more Re: Imaging Resource's Olympus 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 review In reply to BruceRH • Sep 23, 2019 BruceRH wrote:Henry Richardson wrote: thanks for the report. It is sort of what I expected - although the IQ is actually what I expected from the 12-100 as well, and it took me two years to come around and believe the hype. I remember my first real superzoom from Nikon, the 18-200 VRI from around 2006. It was so light and versatile that I started using it over my pro lenses. Then one morning while shooting a landscape with the lens, I spotted a great heron. I took multiple, tripod mounted, shots to get the shot before I flew away. But it stayed. So I had time to switch lenses to my Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VRi lens, and shot away. When I returned home a few days later and compared shots of the bird at 200mm I was blown away by the difference. At that moment I stopped using the superzoom. Then a few years later Nikon came out with a 16-85mm aps zoom. I was tired of lugging my Pro lenses on long hikes with a tripod to shoot backcountry waterfalls. So I bought one and gave it a shot, pun intended. It was at least equal to my Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 at f/8 or f/11. I stopped using the 17-55 f/2.8 and eventually sold it. This us similar to me now using the 12-100 and recently selling my 12-40 Pro. They are great superzooms that optimize size, weight, versatility wit great IQ. These two images will give you an idea of what you can get at 12mm and 200mm -- hide signature -- If you don't get older and wiser, than you just get older. Olympus E-M1 III Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm F1.8 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 +10 more I agree about 14-150mm f4-5.6 II In reply to BruceRH • Sep 23, 2019 4 BruceRH wrote: Thanks for the link! You are welcome. If you already have the Olympus 14-150mm ii, buy a wide angle instead and keep the 14-150. Just my opinion and worth the price paid My travel kit since I started using m4/3 in April 2012 is the following:
I have a dozen m4/3 lenses, but for travel that is what I take and I have been very happy with it. The 12-100mm is a very nice lens, but rather large, as is the 12-200mm. They fit nicely on an E-M1 II, but not as well on a small body, IMO. Henry Richardson http://www.bakubo.com Keyboard shortcuts: FForum MMy threads You may also likeLatest sample galleriesLatest in-depth reviewsThe fourth camera in Leica's SL series of full-frame mirrorless cameras sees the 60MP BSI sensor from the Q3 and M11 models arrive with a significant interface redesign. The Fujifilm X100VI is the sixth iteration of Fujifilm's classically-styled large sensor compact. A 40MP X-Trans sensor, in-body stabilization and 6.2K video are among the updates. The Nikon Zf is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera with classic looks that brings significant improvements to Nikon's mid-price cameras. We just shot a sample reel to get a better feel for its video features and have added our impressions to the review. This $250 electronic lens adapter is perfect for Nikon Z-mount curious Sony shooters — shhh, we won’t tell anyone. Sony updates the ZV-1, giving the vlog-centric compact camera a 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens that's now wide enough for less cramped selfie mode videos. Latest buying guidesWhat's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best. If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites. 'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked. What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out. Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder. Is Olympus 12mm f2 weather sealed?12mm f/2 - small, excellent build, great IQ, snap focus a plus, very expensive, no weather sealing. When did the Olympus 12mm f2 come out?Product information. What is a 12 45mm lens used for?A must have lens if you're into macro photography. Enjoy a maximum shooting magnification of 0.5x (35mm equivalent) across the entire zoom range. Get close to your subject with a focusing distance of just 4.7 inches at the wide angle end and 9.1 inches at the telephoto end. What is Olympus zero coating?Olympus PRO ZERO Protection Filter The thin Zuiko Extra-Low Reflection Optical (ZERO) coating works to produce a clear and high-contrast image by reducing reflections. The coating also benefits from the vacuum deposition method to prevent scratches and ensure stable low-reflective performance. |
