GH2 zoom lenses at DVinfo.net

Martyn Hull · February 10th, 2011, 12:05 PM

Will any for thirds lens fit and be reasonably suitable for my GH2, like the olympus M ZUIKO 9-18mm and the olympus ZUIKO ED 70-300mm 1.4-5.6 lenses.thanks

Jeff Harper · February 10th, 2011, 12:21 PM

You would need a converter for most if not all non-Panasonic lenses. I don't really know what I'm talking about, but that seems to be the case for using lenses on any DSLR or hybrid. What's worse, with the converters available presently, you will lose any autofocus ability, etc.

Third-party companies like Sigma make lenses for Canon or Nikon that are designed explicitly for Canon and Nilon, but for lower prices. They are often wonderful lenses.

As of now there are no third party lenses for the Panasonic GH2.

If I'm mistaken, someone please correct me.

There are converters for Canon lenses and the GH2, but I don't know anything about them. If I find a link posted for me yesterday I'll put it here for you.

Martyn Hull · February 10th, 2011, 12:36 PM

Thanks for the reply Jeff,i read that the Olympus M ZUIKO 9-18mm four thirds lens works direct on the GH2 with camera controls,i would like a lens like the 70-300mm ZUIKO as well its a good price but i am not sure if it works as well as the 9-18mm and if its good enough for video with the GH2.

Jeff Harper · February 10th, 2011, 02:00 PM

Really, an Olympus lens works directly on the GH2? and the cameras features work also? I find it hard to believe, but I believe you. It sounds pretty cool.

I'll be honest with you, most of my reply above was based on assumptions. I've seen many questions that I want answers to unanswered, and I think it is because many of the video people with this camera have their hands full. This is a whole new world for many of us...in many cases it's the blind leading the blind.

Martyn Hull · February 10th, 2011, 05:24 PM

Yes apparently the GH2 is a micro four thirds mount here is a list of lenses that fit
Four Thirds | Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Chart(Lenses) there are only 2 long zooms and the olympus is expensive for me,there is so much more choice with canon fit cameras.

Kin Lau · February 10th, 2011, 05:29 PM

Those Oly lenses are 4/3rd lenses, not micro 4/3rd lenses. You need the DMW-MA1 adapter.

Jeff Harper · February 10th, 2011, 05:56 PM

Kin, Martyn, I meant to follow up....Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm 1:4-5.6 Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review Martyn, you were correct, of course. That lens does fit the Olympus. When I have time I'm going to look for more like it!

Thanks, Martyn!

Jeff Harper · February 10th, 2011, 08:42 PM

Martyn, thanks very much for the list. What a pathetic assortment. I see an adapter and Canon lenses in your future!

Martyn Hull · February 11th, 2011, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Harper

Kin, Martyn, I meant to follow up....Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm 1:4-5.6 Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review Martyn, you were correct, of course. That lens does fit the Olympus.

Jeff that test confuses me it says its testing the micro four thirds 9-18mm but mentions an adaptor to use it but if its micro four thirds it should fit the GH2 unless they are refering to using it with other cameras.

Dave Eaton · February 11th, 2011, 08:11 AM

Here's the Panasonic's lens compatibility chart that should help you with the four-thirds to GH2 question.

If you're looking for auto-focus lenses your choices are currently limited compared to Canon, etc. However, if you're going to manually focus you really have no limits with adapters and there's a lot of nice lenses out there, some reasonably priced ones, too. The coming Birger Engineering Canon EOS to m43 adapter is supposed to allow full use of the Canon EOS lenses, at least on a AF100 and maybe the GH1/GH2's. Then, there's rumors of assorted other lens manufacturers joining the m43 group.

Personally, I like the Panasonic 14-140, 7-14 (on my list), 20/1.7, 100-300, supplemented with the faster Canon FD, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, et al, lenses.

Jeff Harper · February 11th, 2011, 09:00 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-ED-9-18mm-Panasonic-Interchangeable/product-reviews/B0035LBRM6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Jeff Harper · February 11th, 2011, 10:04 AM

Panasonic DMW-MA1 Mount Adapter to Mount Four Thirds DMW-MA1 B&H

Martyn, have you looked into this? Panasonic 4/3 lenses are said to retain their functionality with it. Read the reviews for more information. don't know if it would help you or not.

I'm REALLY undecided as to wait for a Canon adapter or go ahead and get the pancake lens. Sigma makes a 1.4 30mm for Canon that is SO gorgeous for the $$$. For the money it is awesome and puts the Panasonic pancake to shame. Upon thinking about it, I could always sell the pancake later....that's what I'll do!

Kin Lau · February 11th, 2011, 11:14 AM

Sorry... I missed the "M" designation on the 9-18. The "M Zuiko" is Micro 4/3rd, and there's also a "Zuiko 9-18" which is 4/3rd only.

The "M Zuiko 9-18" is compatible with the GH2 without any adapters.

The "Zuiko 70-300" on the other hand, is only available in a 4/3rd mount, and will require the DMW-MA1 adapter to be used on the GH2. The DMW-MA1 should make the lens full compatible, including AF and aperture control.

Jeff Harper · February 11th, 2011, 12:09 PM

Kin put it all together perfectly...it will work for you Martyn. People love the adapter according to the reviews.

Martyn Hull · February 11th, 2011, 12:35 PM

Yes Jeff i have seen that adaptor and if i new it would allow me to use my Tamron zoom lenses with my GH2 it would be great but if it does why is the birger M43 being awaited and untill i get a reply from them[birger] i dont know for sure that even that one works with all lenses on the GH2.Thanks Jeff

February 10th, 2011, 12:05 PM	#1
Martyn Hull Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: England Posts: 444	GH2 zoom lenses Will any for thirds lens fit and be reasonably suitable for my GH2, like the olympus M ZUIKO 9-18mm and the olympus ZUIKO ED 70-300mm 1.4-5.6 lenses.thanks

February 10th, 2011, 12:21 PM	#2
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	You would need a converter for most if not all non-Panasonic lenses. I don't really know what I'm talking about, but that seems to be the case for using lenses on any DSLR or hybrid. What's worse, with the converters available presently, you will lose any autofocus ability, etc. Third-party companies like Sigma make lenses for Canon or Nikon that are designed explicitly for Canon and Nilon, but for lower prices. They are often wonderful lenses. As of now there are no third party lenses for the Panasonic GH2. If I'm mistaken, someone please correct me. There are converters for Canon lenses and the GH2, but I don't know anything about them. If I find a link posted for me yesterday I'll put it here for you. __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

February 10th, 2011, 02:00 PM	#4
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Really, an Olympus lens works directly on the GH2? and the cameras features work also? I find it hard to believe, but I believe you. It sounds pretty cool. I'll be honest with you, most of my reply above was based on assumptions. I've seen many questions that I want answers to unanswered, and I think it is because many of the video people with this camera have their hands full. This is a whole new world for many of us...in many cases it's the blind leading the blind. __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

February 10th, 2011, 05:56 PM	#7
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Kin, Martyn, I meant to follow up....Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm 1:4-5.6 Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review Martyn, you were correct, of course. That lens does fit the Olympus. When I have time I'm going to look for more like it! Thanks, Martyn! __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

February 10th, 2011, 08:42 PM	#8
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Martyn, thanks very much for the list. What a pathetic assortment. I see an adapter and Canon lenses in your future! __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

February 10th, 2011, 12:36 PM	#3
Martyn Hull Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: England Posts: 444	Thanks for the reply Jeff,i read that the Olympus M ZUIKO 9-18mm four thirds lens works direct on the GH2 with camera controls,i would like a lens like the 70-300mm ZUIKO as well its a good price but i am not sure if it works as well as the 9-18mm and if its good enough for video with the GH2.

February 10th, 2011, 05:24 PM	#5
Martyn Hull Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: England Posts: 444	Yes apparently the GH2 is a micro four thirds mount here is a list of lenses that fit Four Thirds \| Four Thirds \| Micro Four Thirds \| Chart(Lenses) there are only 2 long zooms and the olympus is expensive for me,there is so much more choice with canon fit cameras.

February 10th, 2011, 05:29 PM	#6
Kin Lau Major Player Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 385	Those Oly lenses are 4/3rd lenses, not micro 4/3rd lenses. You need the DMW-MA1 adapter.

February 11th, 2011, 08:11 AM	#10
Dave Eaton Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 234	Here's the Panasonic's lens compatibility chart that should help you with the four-thirds to GH2 question. If you're looking for auto-focus lenses your choices are currently limited compared to Canon, etc. However, if you're going to manually focus you really have no limits with adapters and there's a lot of nice lenses out there, some reasonably priced ones, too. The coming Birger Engineering Canon EOS to m43 adapter is supposed to allow full use of the Canon EOS lenses, at least on a AF100 and maybe the GH1/GH2's. Then, there's rumors of assorted other lens manufacturers joining the m43 group. Personally, I like the Panasonic 14-140, 7-14 (on my list), 20/1.7, 100-300, supplemented with the faster Canon FD, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, et al, lenses.

February 11th, 2011, 09:00 AM	#11
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Martyn, it works...check out reviews on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-ED-9-18mm-Panasonic-Interchangeable/product-reviews/B0035LBRM6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

February 11th, 2011, 10:04 AM	#12
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Might do the trick Panasonic DMW-MA1 Mount Adapter to Mount Four Thirds DMW-MA1 B&H Martyn, have you looked into this? Panasonic 4/3 lenses are said to retain their functionality with it. Read the reviews for more information. don't know if it would help you or not. I'm REALLY undecided as to wait for a Canon adapter or go ahead and get the pancake lens. Sigma makes a 1.4 30mm for Canon that is SO gorgeous for the $$$. For the money it is awesome and puts the Panasonic pancake to shame. Upon thinking about it, I could always sell the pancake later....that's what I'll do! __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

February 11th, 2011, 11:14 AM	#13
Kin Lau Major Player Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 385	Sorry... I missed the "M" designation on the 9-18. The "M Zuiko" is Micro 4/3rd, and there's also a "Zuiko 9-18" which is 4/3rd only. The "M Zuiko 9-18" is compatible with the GH2 without any adapters. The "Zuiko 70-300" on the other hand, is only available in a 4/3rd mount, and will require the DMW-MA1 adapter to be used on the GH2. The DMW-MA1 should make the lens full compatible, including AF and aperture control.

February 11th, 2011, 12:09 PM	#14
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Kin put it all together perfectly...it will work for you Martyn. People love the adapter according to the reviews. __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

February 11th, 2011, 12:35 PM	#15
Martyn Hull Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: England Posts: 444	Yes Jeff i have seen that adaptor and if i new it would allow me to use my Tamron zoom lenses with my GH2 it would be great but if it does why is the birger M43 being awaited and untill i get a reply from them[birger] i dont know for sure that even that one works with all lenses on the GH2.Thanks Jeff