Lens advice: what should be my second lens?? So I purchased the Lumix DMC G1, and it comes with the Lumix G Vario14- 45mm f/3.5-5.6. What will be an all around good lens to purchase as my second option. I'm not taking pictures of big landscapes; it will be mostly used for taking pictures of the kids in all kinds of lights settings. Also I like to snap nature.ThanksLigia Lens advice: what should be my second lens?? So I purchased the Lumix DMC G1, and it comes with the Lumix G Vario14- 45mm f/3.5-5.6. What will be an all around good lens to purchase as my second... » Read More Lens advice: what should be my second lens?? So I purchased the Lumix DMC G1, and it comes with the Lumix G Vario14- 45mm f/3.5-5.6. What will be an all around good lens to purchase as my second option. I'm not taking pictures of big landscapes; it will be mostly used for taking pictures of the kids in all kinds of lights settings. Also I like to snap nature.ThanksLigia « Show Less
267124
I'm not a G series owner "yet", but I think there are very few real choices for lenses. The 45-200 is the most likely choice for telephoto. And the 20mm/f1.7 "pancake" for indoors/low light. I'd think the lense you have is probably the better overall for average use, especially if the EZ zoom feature works as well as in the FZ series. I would think you could reach @150mm at 5EZ. The EZ zoom feature is supposed to be able to double the focal length, bringing the 14-45 (28-90) to 28-90 (56-180). And it is "free".Unless you need the long reach of the 45-200mm (90-400mm), which I can't do without, why spend the money? I'm not a G series owner "yet", but I think there are very few real choices for lenses. The 45-200 is the most likely choice for telephoto. And the 20mm/f1.7 "pancake" for indoors/low light. I'd think the lense you have is probably the better overall for average use, especially if the EZ zoom feature works as well as in the FZ series. I would think you could reach @150mm at 5EZ. The EZ zoom feature is supposed to be able to double the focal length, bringing the 14-45 (28-90) to 28-90 (56-180). And it is "free".Unless you need the long... » Read More I'm not a G series owner "yet", but I think there are very few real choices for lenses. The 45-200 is the most likely choice for telephoto. And the 20mm/f1.7 "pancake" for indoors/low light. I'd think the lense you have is probably the better overall for average use, especially if the EZ zoom feature works as well as in the FZ series. I would think you could reach @150mm at 5EZ. The EZ zoom feature is supposed to be able to double the focal length, bringing the 14-45 (28-90) to 28-90 (56-180). And it is "free".Unless you need the long reach of the 45-200mm (90-400mm), which I can't do without, why spend the money? « Show Less
267125
Well I must say I love my G1!! I was thinking the pancake 20mm f1.7 should be my next purchase, it just hard to convince myself about cashing $400 for it, but for what I have read it's the most versatile of them all. Now that the EZ zoom is based on digital zoom right? I try not to use the digital zoom since I don't like the lost of quality. I'm not big into telephoto as of now at least, so I think I'll go for the pancake. It's suppose to be 40mm as equivalent to a 35mm camera. And the reviews say it's versatile enough for dimly lit scenarios.Thanks for your reply!!
1580339
I would recommend to you Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 and even more Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 Leica DG Summilux - I use both for more than 5 years and they are excellent, sharp and fast. Nowadays, more fast lenses are coming but I don't have them so can't recommend.
2173346
The best review of these two lenses in on Ken Rockwell's website. I currently have the Canon35 1.4 and the 35 2.0 non-is. I also had the 35 2.0 IS but sold it and then got the non-IS on eBay. Why? The IS is great but big and I was looking to put together a lighter combo than the 5DMK3 and 1.4. I have a 6D that fits the bill and thought the new 35 IS would work well as an everyday combo to carry around. The image quality is very good but it is big. So, I sold it, found a good version of the non-IS, and in combination with the 6D it meets all my needs. Good quality images, smaller lens, less weight.
1674522
I bought the 24-105 lens recently because I thought the IS would make up for my lack of a higher aperture in low-light situations. It does to an extent, but I have decided that I want the f/2.8 for other reasons. So I'm trying to sell my 24-105 so I can buy the 24-70. I do wish the 24-70 had IS, but it's really not necessary because it's just a faster lens. It really depends on your use. If you are using it for weddings, you may want to consider the 24-70 because of the faster focusing and better handling in low-light situations. If you are using it for a general walk-around lens, the 24-105 will do just fine. I love mine and I almost want to keep it and buy the 24-70, but I can't afford both right now and I need the 24-70 for my business. You can see some sample photos from the 24-105 at my website: www.sarakelley.net. Email me there if you want more input or have any questions.
873452
Another option is getting the 50mm 1.8 for about a hundred bucks. Takes great shots and you can still buy the 28-135. I bought my 28-135 used and love having both lenses.
173415
If it were me, and if I I had to choose between them - I'd begin with the 14-45mm that you can still get new from Japan if you look around and get it for a reasonable price when they pop us from certain sellers. IMHO the 14-45 is a MUCH sharper lens than the 14-42. There is usually one or two 14-45 available "used" as an Amazon Warehouse deal, but I've found them to be new item returns in excellent condition and have had good really luck when I've ordered "used" from Amazon Warehouse on these lenses (especially when ordering micro 4/3 vs. taking a chance on a used Canon or Nikon lens). If it were me, and if I I had to choose between them - I'd begin with the 14-45mm that you can still get new from Japan if you look around and get it for a reasonable price when they pop us from certain sellers. IMHO the 14-45 is a MUCH sharper lens than the 14-42. There is usually one or two 14-45 available "used" as an Amazon Warehouse deal, but I've found them to be new item returns in excellent condition and have had good really luck when I've ordered "used" from Amazon Warehouse on these lenses (especially when ordering micro 4/3 vs. taking a chance on a used Canon... » Read More If it were me, and if I I had to choose between them - I'd begin with the 14-45mm that you can still get new from Japan if you look around and get it for a reasonable price when they pop us from certain sellers. IMHO the 14-45 is a MUCH sharper lens than the 14-42. There is usually one or two 14-45 available "used" as an Amazon Warehouse deal, but I've found them to be new item returns in excellent condition and have had good really luck when I've ordered "used" from Amazon Warehouse on these lenses (especially when ordering micro 4/3 vs. taking a chance on a used Canon or Nikon lens). « Show Less
170019
Jason, I am a newbie to taking pictures using anything other than a point and shoot!! But, I love this lens. I used it last night for my grandchildren's Christmas program at church. The church was dimly lit with the stage lit. I used no flash with it set on night scene. The pictures are great, even for an amateur like me. As far as the motor, all I know is that I just screw it on the body and start taking pictures. I love the range of the zoom. I could zoom out and get the entire group or in and get my precious ones. I would buy it again with no hesitation. It is much lighter than my Tamron low light lens, so if either will work for the situation, I choose this lens. Jason, I am a newbie to taking pictures using anything other than a point and shoot!! But, I love this lens. I used it last night for my grandchildren's Christmas program at church. The church was dimly lit with the stage lit. I used no flash with it set on night scene. The pictures are great, even for an amateur like me. As far as the motor, all I know is that I just screw it on the body and start taking pictures. I love the range of the zoom. I could zoom out and get the entire group or in and get my precious ones. I would buy it again with no hesitation. It is much lighter than my Tamron... » Read More Jason, I am a newbie to taking pictures using anything other than a point and shoot!! But, I love this lens. I used it last night for my grandchildren's Christmas program at church. The church was dimly lit with the stage lit. I used no flash with it set on night scene. The pictures are great, even for an amateur like me. As far as the motor, all I know is that I just screw it on the body and start taking pictures. I love the range of the zoom. I could zoom out and get the entire group or in and get my precious ones. I would buy it again with no hesitation. It is much lighter than my Tamron low light lens, so if either will work for the situation, I choose this lens. « Show Less
1604542
This will help you Frank: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_G6/verdict.shtmlGo for the G6. It's a great camera.
582400
i found its a better piece of glass and you will only need one lens for all scenarios. I was constantly switching from one kit lens to the other, now I ack one lens and im good to go in most scenarios. I sold my kit lenses and got a nice 50m 1.8 for portraits and use this 18-200 for all other instances.
1161574
If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong. It ONLY accepts CompactFlash and only recognizes limited capacities; 2GB is plenty for 6MP. If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong.... » Read More If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong. It ONLY accepts CompactFlash and only recognizes limited capacities; 2GB is plenty for 6MP. « Show Less
1173362
I have two Lumix 4/3 lens (the one that came with the camera and a 200mm zoom and they are great. All Lumix 4/3 lens should work as well. I have never tried any other brand. I also have the GX7 camera and both lenses work equally well on that camera.
2061530
24-70mm in general whether its mk1 or mk2 or even some other third party brand are all good for general purpose uses. Coming from 16-35mm lens, you might feel it wont be wide enough. a great question to ask yourself is: do i want a wide angle lens or a general purpose lens? for me, 24-70mm can be constricting sometimes, but the bulk of my shots are shot around 35-50mm. As a piece of advise, Id say see what photos you have already taken and see what most of your shots are taken at. If they are usually taken around 35mm seems like the 24-70mm might be a better choice. if your shots are taken more towards 16mm then maybe the mk2 of the 16-35mm would be best.
298203
Thanks for all of the feedback. I bought the E-510 about month ago and it has been great. I am glad I went with the two lens kit for $650 on amazon. Its great to have both lenses. The E-510 is proving to be a great camera.
2009521
I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens. I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a... » Read More I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens. « Show Less
2227374
Since this is your first DSLR I will recomend the Canon 18-135 as a good all around lens. Overtime you may find the need or desire for other lenses like primes and L but to get you started the 18-135 will do a good job.
678604
The f4 is a super good all around lens and pretty nice for wildlife etc. More of an outdoor lens. If you're more indoor, portrait, etc, go for the 2.8. It is much larger however. I went with the f4 first because it gives more range of use.
160270
I'm not a G series owner "yet", but I think there are very few real choices for lenses. The 45-200 is the most likely choice for telephoto. And the 20mm/f1.7 "pancake" for indoors/low light. I'd think the lense you have is probably the better overall for average use, especially if the EZ zoom feature works as well as in the FZ series. I would think you could reach @150mm at 5EZ. The EZ zoom feature is supposed to be able to double the focal length, bringing the 14-45 (28-90) to 28-90 (56-180). And it is "free". Unless you need the long reach of the 45-200mm (90-400mm), which I can't do without, why spend the money?