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[OM] Re: Newby Intro + Zuiko prime lens question

Subject: [OM] Re: Newby Intro + Zuiko prime lens question
From: r.burnette@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2006 16:41:12 -0500
Hi Louis:

Welcome aboard. As someone said, "Opinions are like noses; everyone has one."  
;o)  Here's mine.

Your decision to stick to Olympus prime lenses is one option, but omits some 
versatility -- depending upon your photographic purposes and needs. Most Zuiko 
lens are quite good and some are simply outstanding -- including the zooms. For 
example, the 35-70mm f3.5-4.5 and the 75-150mm f4 zooms are reasonably priced, 
take excellent photos (if the photographer is competent), cover a nice focal 
range, are very light weight, share the same 49mm filter size and make a nice 
walk-about combination. (Sharing filter size is a plus provided by many Zuiko 
lenses.) These two zooms would cover (in focal length) all the primes you 
mentioned, except for the 28mm length, and provide many intermediate focal 
lengths for compostion purposes.

I have been quite pleased with my zoom lenses over the years. My 75-150mm lens 
has been a favored companion for 32 years. I'e had the 35-70mm lens for almost 
20 years. Unlike some pros on this list with demands far more stringent than 
mine, I don't need lenses that excel in taking pictures of line charts. These 
two zooms can cover a large portion of the photos I take and give me results 
that are very pleasing. (I also use Kiron, Tokina and Vivitar zooms, but they 
don't use 49mm filters.) The use of zoom lenses cuts down the amount of 
equipment you have to carry and covers an extremely wide range of focal lengths.

There is also a preference for many on this list for the most expensive primes, 
notably the f2 series. That's all well and good if you have the appropriate 
wallet and/or intend to do a lot of low-light  or flash photography. 
Personally, I find that with my subject preferences and modern film speeds I 
can do quite well with the slower f-stop lenses. For example, I have been quite 
pleased with my 100mm f2.8 lens. I don't need the f2. For most shots, the 100mm 
seems to be a slightly better focal choice than the 85mm. Others disagree.

As for primes, your choice of a 28mm f.28 is a good one, but unless you intend 
to do a lot of close quarters shooting, the Zuiko 35mm f2.8 is adequate for 
most wide angle photos. Some people like the perspective so much they use it as 
their normal lens. You have the 50mm f1.4. The 50m f3.5 is an excellent macro 
lens. The aforementioned 100mm f2.8 is a nice moderate telephoto lens for 
portraits. These Zuikos share the 49mm filters, are generally available on eBay 
or KEH and are reasonably priced. The 135mm f3.5 (or 2.8, which is not 49mm) is 
another possibility. The 200mm f5 is a nice lens, but with the 100mm 2.8 and 
the 2X converter that focal length is covered and with a faster f-stop.

The suggestion to purchase a 2x converter and a set of extension tubes is a 
good one. I prefer either the Zuiko 2X-A or the Vivitar 2X Macro converter. (I 
use both.) Either the Olympus Auto Extension Tubes (7, 14, 25mm) or the Vivitar 
AT-21 Auto Extension Tubes (12, 20, 35mm) would serve you well.  Using the 2X 
converter with the aforementioned primes, (28 or 35, 50, 50 macro, 100, 135) 
you could have available a 28 f2.8 (or 35mm f2.8), a 56mm f4 (or 70mm f4), 50mm 
f1.4, 100mm f5.6 macro, a 100 f2.8, a 200mm f4 lens and a 270mm f5.6 -- all 
sharing 49mm filters. For longer reach, the 300mm f4.5 is a nice, but 
moderately heavy telephoto (72mm filter) and works best with a good monopod or 
tripod. A 2X converter makes that a 600mm f8 lens.

If you need/want a longer and faster macro lens, Kiron, Tokina and Vivitar both 
make macro lenses in the 90mm range with an f2.5 f-stop. The Zuiko 90mm f2 is 
outstanding, but you will pay a premium for it. The Tokina AT-X and the Vivitar 
Series 1 are pro line lenses. These lenses give excellent results. (They do not 
use 49mm filters.) I have a superb example of the Tokina 90mm F2.5 macro lens. 
I really appreciate the ability to back off a bit from my subjects, especially 
any ones that sting or bite.  ;o)  It only gives 1:2 results, but has a matched 
extension tube to bring it to 1:1. If I recall correctly, the Vivitar and Kiron 
give 1:1 results without extenders. These three are rather heavy lenses and 
built very well. I have never owned or used a Tamron. I'm not familiar with 
them.

These suggested Zuiko lenses probably would meet 90 plus percent of your photo 
needs. (Many famous photographers made it with less.) Photo specialists would 
have other needs, I'm sure, but these lenses coupled with your OM-4 would make 
a nice, reasonably priced (comparatively speaking) photo outfit.

I'm certain that others will have alternate suggestions, but these Zuikos offer 
several advantages, as mentioned, and are moderately easy on the wallet. I dare 
say that there are members of the Olympus list who have switched to digital -- 
Olympus, N*k*n, C*n*n, etc. -- who have some of these lenses for sale and 
others who desire to cull their collections. 

Happy collecting,

Robert

> Louis Naturani wrote:
> 
> > Hi All,
>
> > I thought it is time I should cease lurking and let myself be 
> known.  I
> > cut my photography teeth with an OM-1n in the late 70s - early 80s.
> > After many years using c***n gear, I have now seen the error 
> of my ways
> > and recently bought an OM-4 in near mint condition.  I am 
> head over
> > heals about this body and can't wait to start shooting.
> > It came with a 50/f1.4 with a six digit s/n.  
> Unfortunately I learnt too
> > late that I should have sought a post 1,100,000 s/n 50/f1.4 lens.
> > How much of a set back can this be?
>
> > I have decided with this kit to stick to using 3 or 4 primes 
> to maximize
> > my  picture taking enjoyment, and hopefully image 
> sharpness/quality.> Anyway, As I am still basically an amateur I 
> was hoping some one could
> > advise me on what primes to aim for.  Aside from the 50mm 
> I already
> > have, I am after a 28mm and a portrait lens - say 85/f2, 
> 100/f2 or f2.8,
> > or perhaps a 135 f2.8.
>
> > Any help appreciated.
>
> > Louis Naturani
> > Melbourne
> > Australia

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