Have done some googleing around which types lenses I can use for the GH3 but cant find what types work (can only find lists of specific lenses). If there is a good article about his let me know, otherwise here are a fe questions.

1) Can I use all lenses which are referred to as 'micro four thirds',micro 4/3 or m4/3? Wlll all the features (aptitude, auto focus...) work for all lenses?

2) Will all autofocus Olympus fit lenses work fully (does autofocus work).

3) Will all autofocus Panasonic lenses work fully.

4) Canon EOS lenses can be used with an adapter but the camera can not control the aptitude so a adapter with aptitude blades must be used like Olympus OM lens to Micro 4/3 Adapter EP2 E-P2 E-P1 PEN | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Olympus-OM-lens-to-Micro-4-3-Adapter-EP2-E-P2-E-P1-PEN-/110503353073).

5) I guess Nikon fit and Canon EF lenses will work with the appropriate adapter?

6) What about Sony NEX lenses?

Regards,
Ben

plenty of information here

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=compatable+lenses+for+gh2&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&channel=fflb#hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=GJY&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=fflb&spell=1&q=compatible+lenses+for+gh2&sa=X&ei=wnjMULKxPIWUiAfu9oDIBw&ved=0CDIQvwUoAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1355325884,d.aGc&fp=9eb119e755349157&bpcl=39967673&biw=1366&bih=676

All lenses on the following chart will work with the GH1-2-3.

This chart lists every single lens that can be used natively, or with the Panasonic adapter. Lenses that require the adapter are noted in a special section: Four Thirds Lens (Coupled with mount adapter DMW-MA1) (*11)

Lenses such as Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony all require adapters. Different lenses require different adapters which are made by various manufactures.

Compatibilities of DMC-GH2 | Compatibility | Digital Camera | Product Support | Support | Panasonic Global (http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/connect/gh2.html)

Some users would consider the Olympus Four Thirds lens below the single greatest lens available for the camera, along with the longer version. These two lenses cover most common focal lengths, from 12mm to 100mm between the two. If you wanted to save yourself a lot of time and grief, you could buy these two lenses and you would pretty much be done with lens shopping. For me personally, were I to own these two lenses, I would need nothing else. The lens listed below is exceedingly difficult to find used at a reasonable price, so if I were interested I would snatch it up immediately.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/private-classifieds/512700-olympus-14-35mm-f-2-0-ed-swd-zuiko-zoom-lens-m43-adapter.html

Thanks, computability was the word I was looking for.

Computability chart is useful, shame it only has model numbers for some lenses, would be nice to know focal length/f stops etc. (just spend some time on the Panasonic website looking for model number for 14-140 without luck, '14 140 lens' returned lots of lenses but not the one I was looking for.

Regards,
Ben

Ben, its not complicated it just seems that way. Look on the Panasonic site for Lumix lenses, they all fit.

All 4/3 lenses and M4/3 lenses on the Olympus site will work, the 4/3 need the adapter.

Thanks, computability was the word I was looking for.

Computability chart is useful, shame it only has model numbers for some lenses, would be nice to know focal length/f stops etc. (just spend some time on the Panasonic website looking for model number for 14-140 without luck, '14 140 lens' returned lots of lenses but not the one I was looking for.

Regards,
Ben

Yes- the codes are a little bit of a challenge, but there's a method to the madness:

The model number for the 14-140mm is H-VS014140
The model number for the 14-4mm2 is H-VS014042
The model number for the 20mm is H-H020
The model number for the 14mm is H-H014
etc.

If you use the model numbers, you should go right to the lens page. That said, here is the complete Panasonic lens lineup: Digital Interchangeable Lenses and Conversion Lenses | PRODUCTS | LUMIX | Digital Camera | Panasonic Global (http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/lens/index.html)

Cheers,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution (hybridcamerarevolution.blogspot.com)

Yes- the codes are a little bit of a challenge, but there's a method to the madness:

The model number for the 14-140mm is H-VS014140
The model number for the 14-4mm2 is H-VS014042
The model number for the 20mm is H-H020
The model number for the 14mm is H-H014
etc.
Also if there is a PZ in the model number then it is a power zoom. There are two of them a 14-42mm & a 45-175mm. They have a little button on the side of the lens but if fitted on the GH3 can even be zoomed remotely from an iPhone.

The two Olympus zooms that Jeff mentioned are AFAIK the only F/2 zoom lenses available for any brand of camera. Panasonic have recently come out with a 12-35mm F/2.8 & 35-100mm F/2.8 which are more affordable than the Olympus zooms & also have image stabilisation.

I just replaced the 14-42mm "kit" lens that came with one of my GH2's with a slightly used 12-50mm Olympus Zuiko lens found in B&H's used dept. There is one other left there at $369:

Used Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M.Zuiko EZ V314040BU000 B&H


Outdoors in reasonable light this is all the lens I need as a "walkaround". It has a half life size macro mode, power zoom, and works on the GH2 like it was made for it. Being a full frame equivalent of 24-100mm it has a very useful range.

Indoors or night city scenes I use a Lumix 20mm f1.7, and the Olympus 45mm f1.8.

Makes for a very flexible outfit. I've also collected the Lumix 14mm f2.5 wide angle, the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f1.4, and the Lumix 45-200mm zoom for when I need longer reach.

All are Micro Four Thirds lenses and the Olympus m4/3rds lenses function on the GH2 like they were made for it.

I just replaced the 14-42mm "kit" lens that came with one of my GH2's with a slightly used 12-50mm Olympus Zuiko lens found in B&H's used dept. There is one other left there at $369:

Used Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M.Zuiko EZ V314040BU000 B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800902195-USE/Olympus_v314040bu000_12_50mm_f_3_5_6_3_ED_M_Zuiko.html)


Outdoors in reasonable light this is all the lens I need as a "walkaround". It has a half life size macro mode, power zoom, and works on the GH2 like it was made for it. Being a full frame equivalent of 24-100mm it has a very useful range.

Indoors or night city scenes I use a Lumix 20mm f1.7, and the Olympus 45mm f1.8.

Makes for a very flexible outfit. I've also collected the Lumix 14mm f2.5 wide angle, the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f1.4, and the Lumix 45-200mm zoom for when I need longer reach.

All are Micro Four Thirds lenses and the Olympus m4/3rds lenses function on the GH2 like they were made for it.

Can I assume you made the change to get the extra focal length?

I discovered that a new lens is $399 at B&H until December 24 and if you need adobe lightroom or photoshop elements, the combined price is less than the used lens and software combined plus shipping is free:
Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M.Zuiko EZ Micro 4/3 V314040BU000

For $200 more you can have the Olympus 14-54 F/2.8-3.5, a much faster lens, FYI.

Can I assume you made the change to get the extra focal length?

I discovered that a new lens is $399 at B&H until December 24 and if you need adobe lightroom or photoshop elements, the combined price is less than the used lens and software combined plus shipping is free:
Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M.Zuiko EZ Micro 4/3 V314040BU000 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/835398-REG/Olympus_V314040BU000_12_50mm_f_3_5_6_3_ED_M_Zuiko.html)

I placed my order before that $100 price drop took place. Oh, well.

I did do it primarily for the extra wide angle and the added tele but also for the power zoom and half life size macro capability. It's a very useful general purpose lens and I'm happy with it.

I also "nabbed" one of the used GH2 bodies they had. Price dropped from $539 to $399 on the 9+ condition sample they had. They also priced the one other 9 condition body at $399. I know the new bodies are now going for $499 but since I have a GH3 on pre-order, that $100 made a difference for me.

It came in today and looks new, still had original firmware so I put Lpowell's Flowmotion 2.02 on it and all seems well.

I just replaced the 14-42mm "kit" lens that came with one of my GH2's with a slightly used 12-50mm Olympus Zuiko lens found in B&H's used dept. There is one other left there at $369:

Used Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M.Zuiko EZ V314040BU000 B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800902195-USE/Olympus_v314040bu000_12_50mm_f_3_5_6_3_ED_M_Zuiko.html)


Outdoors in reasonable light this is all the lens I need as a "walkaround". It has a half life size macro mode, power zoom, and works on the GH2 like it was made for it. Being a full frame equivalent of 24-100mm it has a very useful range.Has that lens really got a power zoom? It doesn't say anything about it in the specifications. AFAIK the only two lenses with motor power zoom (they have a little button on the side to operate) that will fit the GH2/GH3 & other MFT cameras are the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Power H-PS14042K and the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6 Zoom H-PS45175K

Thanks for all the replies, was looking at

Sigma 19mm f2.8 EX DN - Micro Four Thirds 4/3rds Fit | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120888096400?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649)

Sigma EX DC Macro 18-50mm f2.8 Lens 4/3 Fit (Olympus / Panasonic) | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sigma-EX-DC-Macro-18-50mm-f2-8-Lens-4-3-Fit-Olympus-Panasonic-/300832975432)

I read somewhere the autofocus does not work during iideo on (at least some) of the sigma lenses. Is this true?

Ben

Ben check the compatability list, it will tell you which features will and will not work for each Sigma lens. If the Sigma lens is not on the list then it's not compatible.

The 19mm is not on the list at all. The zoom lens you mention is not the II series version so I would not bother with it. I've had the zoom in the series II version, it worked but I would strongly suggest the Olympus equivalent instead. It's a MUCH better lens and works much better with the camera.

Why not a Panasonic 20mm F/1.7? It's a no brainer if you're looking for that focal length. If money is an issue I would save up, unless you just can't afford it. The 20mm is made for the camera and is an incredible value, IMO.

Hang on, the 19mm 2.8 is on the list, well it seems to be.

I use a Rig and will be getting a Matt box so from my understanding a pancake lens is not a good idea.

Ben

The 19mm might be on the list, but I can't find it, sorry if I missed it. Sorry, I've had two Sigmas for wedding work, the 30mm F/1.4 and the 18-50mm F/2.8 and I was glad when I sold both of them. They are not bad lenses, they just do not compare to lenses made for the camera, in my opinion. I've owned about twenty various Canon's and Sigma's from the Canon 85mm F/1.2L to the Sigmas and I'm down to three lenses now. If I bought a zoom it would be a Panasonic or Olympus.

Your particular needs might be well served by the Sigmas, good luck with whatever you buy. I found the journey expensive and painful rather than fun until I was able to narrow down my lenses to the Pansonic and Olympus lenses, it made my life so much easier. I spent thousands of $$$ on lenses 90% of which I sold, so I'm glad that chapter is over, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I know that some of us, unlike me, enjoy playing with lenses and trying out various things, it's just not my personality, and I don't shoot as a hobby, which is a shame, really, as I've lost much of the joy of shooting with my backlog of work over the last several years. I'm cutting back this year, I hope, and slowing down and will start playing with wildlife stuff this spring, I hope.

I agree Jeff, it's fun playing with legacy lenses but not for work. I have panas and Olympus plus one Canon FD 35-105 F3.5 on a second body for back-up work. I have yet to have a job where the client/producer is not pushing for the next shot or location. I don't mind that, but like you, don't want to overcomplicate things unecessarily, so yes, stick to Pana and Olympus and use legacy primes like Nikon or Canon for creative projects where time is on your side.
I'm looking to sell some more lenses and go for the new 35-100 pana F2.8. So I'll have the 45mm F1.8 and 12mm F2 OLympus plus the zoom - that is plenty.

The 19mm might be on the list, but I can't find it, sorry if I missed it. Sorry, I've had two Sigmas for wedding work, the 30mm F/1.4 and the 18-50mm F/2.8 and I was glad when I sold both of them. They are not bad lenses, they just do not compare to lenses made for the camera, in my opinion....

Jeff - FYI - the new Sigma 19mm and 30mm are not adapted/manual lenses - they are fully automatic micro 4/3 lenses and the only two Sigmas that are made for the camera :)

Best of the holidays,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution (http://hybridcamerarevolution.blogspot.com)

Jeff

I'm about to spring for a GH2/3, haven't decided which and have done a fair amount of reading about lenses. Given you've done the rounds, I'm curious to know which 3 lenses you settled on. And any you'd definitely advise against.

Thanks

Thanks Bill. I vaguely remember talk last year at Sigma re: m4/3 lenses, didn't know they were out.

Jase, I settled on the 12mm F/2.0, the 25mm F/1.4 Lumix, and the 45mm F/1.8 Lumix.

I owned the Olympus 12-60mm F/2.8-4.0, and I still regret selling it, it was fun, though cumbersome. That lens is very high quality. I did not enjoy using Canon FD lenses at all, had a few of them, and I did not care for the 4/3 lenses by Sigma, as I mentioned above.

Hang on, the 19mm 2.8 is on the list, well it seems to be.

I use a Rig and will be getting a Matt box so from my understanding a pancake lens is not a good idea.

Ben

Just to add to the confusion. If you're using a Mattebox, some of the native lenses telescope when zooming, which can be a problem. The newer micro 4/3 lenses like the 35-100 are internal zoom and nice to use, but expensive. If you're on a budget, you could get a budget kit lens (14-42 ) and pick up some old legacy lenses and adapter for them on ebay for not much money ( old manual focus Minolta and m42 lenses are a good bargain at the moment ). Once you've got a feel for what you like, have a look at upgrading the kit, to something that works for you.