Good, fast general utility lens for GH2/3?

[Bill Edmunds]

I'm looking for something like a 14-70mm f2.8 or 3.5 lens for my GH2 and don't really see anything out there that fits the bill. In fact, I don't see any fast general utility Panasonic lenses at all. I've got the 35-100 f2.8 lens, but that simply isn't wide enough. Any suggestions?

[William Hohauser]

Fast and utility don't seem to go together with these cameras...... yet.

[Ian Atkins]

Originally Posted by Bill Edmunds

I'm looking for something like a 14-70mm f2.8 or 3.5 lens for my GH2 and don't really see anything out there that fits the bill. In fact, I don't see any fast general utility Panasonic lenses at all. I've got the 35-100 f2.8 lens, but that simply isn't wide enough. Any suggestions?

I have the 12-35 and 35-100. The 12-35 is VERY wide.
Have you thought of a prime? I love my 25mm 1.4. Not the widest, but awesome lens. There is the 20mm 1.7 that might be perfect for you.

[Kevin McRoberts]

Obvious answer is to pair the Panasonic 12-35 with your 35-100.

As for other "do all" lens choices, if you don't mind essentially giving up autofocus, the Olympus 14-54/2.8-3.5, Leica D 14-50/2.8-3.5, and Olympus 12-60/2.8-4 are all very good lenses... not perfect, but very good. I have the Leica 14-50, and it's usually what my AF100 wears for doc and other fast work where its range is worth more than that extra half stop on the longer half.

Come March, if the Metabones SpeedBooster focal reducer adapter lives up to its hype (which preliminary tests seem to hint it will), we'll have a bevy of widened, quickened Nikon DX (or lenses that may well work with m43. Basically take any DX lens, multiply the focal length by 0.71, and speed it by one stop.

Example: Nikon 18-300/3.5-5.6 becomes a 13-210/2.4-4 . I can think of a few lenses with less flexibility ;D Granted, you'll have no autofocus, VR, etc, but if you can live without those things it's a pretty interesting choice, amongst many others.

[Dan Carter]

Another vote for the Lumix GX 12-35 f2.8 Bill. Seems to have become THE lens for me.

[Bill Bruner]

Bill - I am a big fan of the Sigma 18-50mm constant f2.8 for 4/3. You can pick one of these lenses up for a couple of hundred bucks on eBay.

With the addition of a

$100 MA1 adapter

 

$100 MA1 adapter

, you'll have an inexpensive and relatively fast autofocus zoom on your GH2 or GH3.

The Sigma has a very nice zoom range, especially with ETC. I have gotten some very nice indoor photos and video with it.

Hope this is helpful,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Bill Edmunds]

Bill Bruner, that combination sounds excellent. Is it available only as a used lens?

[Bill Bruner]

Originally Posted by Bill Edmunds

...Is it available only as a used lens?

Sadly, yes, Sigma http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/463442-REG/Sigma_581107_18_50mm_f_2_8_EX_DC.html and has not introduced a similar lens in micro 4/3. They really should bring it back, it was pretty highly regarded in its day (see the reviews associated with the link above). Someday, when I can afford the 12-35, I will probably sell this lens, but until then, it is the poor man's constant aperture zoom.

I buy a lot of lenses from 99%+ feedback sellers on eBay and have not had a single bad experience. You have to keep your eyes open for this lens, though. As of this posting, there is only one of them listed. Often, there are none.

Good luck,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Bill Edmunds]

Bill, have you had any issues with soft focus and vignetting at 18mm/2.8? I read a review that mentioned this issue. Thanks!

[Jeff Harper]

This lens (see link below) fits what you are asking about in both your lens threads. It beats the Sigma. I've had the Sigma and it's ok, but indoor color rendering was not good for me, I did not care for the lens the longer I used it. Outdoors it was fine. Images from it don't pop however, it's just kind of flat, at least that's how I felt about it.

The Olympus below is very popular for the GH2. A little slower but higher quality is the Olympus 12mm-60mm F/2.8-4.0, a gorgeous lens, which I've owned and is still my favorite lens of all time for the GH2, but then I've never owned the F/2.0 Olympus zooms.

Zuiko Lens 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II - Digital SLR - Lenses | Olympus

Truth be told this lens is the only logical choice, in my opinion, in this zoom range if cannot afford the more expensive lenses.

[Bill Edmunds]

Jeff, this looks perfect. What would I use for an adaptor to mount it to my GH2?

[Jeff Harper]

4/3 to M4/3 adapter from Panasonic, about $100. Remember auto focus in low light is slow with these lenses, but it's kind of par for the course, from my limited experience.

[Alan Halfhill]

Another vote for the 12 to 35 mm F2 .8.