[B&H] Panasonic 7-14mm discontinued?

Ranger Rick · #1 May 14th, 2012, 10:54 PM

Your website says this lens is discontinued. Is this correct, or perhaps a "glitch"?

Chuck-B&H · #2 May 15th, 2012, 09:15 AM

Hello,

Yes, our data base here shows the lens as discontinued as well.

Mellow · #3 May 15th, 2012, 10:03 AM

Wow, that's a surprise. Any idea if the reason is the introduction of a newer version of the same lens, perhaps one with IS or weather-sealing?

meyerweb · #4 May 15th, 2012, 11:33 AM

I don't think IS is really called for at those focal lengths (in spite of what the IBIS crowd says), but given the realities of the market I guess it wouldn't surprise me if Panasonic is adding it. If that's true, though I'll happily stick with my existing version, as I rarely need to shoot slower than I can handhold that lens.

Chuck-B&H · #5 May 15th, 2012, 12:02 PM

Hello,

At this time I do not know what Panasonic's plans are. If or when I find out if a new lens is coming, I'll post it.

Mellow · #6 May 15th, 2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meyerweb

I don't think IS is really called for at those focal lengths (in spite of what the IBIS crowd says), but given the realities of the market I guess it wouldn't surprise me if Panasonic is adding it. If that's true, though I'll happily stick with my existing version, as I rarely need to shoot slower than I can handhold that lens.

C'mon man, that argument's dead and buried. Check out the thread titled "pin-sharp picture at one second" or something like that. Taken with a WA 12mm. You'd have to agree there's no way in hell he gets that picture without some form of stabilization.

IBIS/IS gives a relative advantage, not an absolute one. It gives 2-4 stops, and those stops apply whether they're being used on a 200mm lens or a 9mm lens.

DaveL · #7 May 15th, 2012, 12:41 PM

This was posted on 43rumors over a year ago.
43 Rumors | Blog | (FT4) Panasonic will redesign a few of the current lenses. 7-14mm OIS confirmed.

I have the lens- use it- love it. Personally, don't miss the OIS and since my OM D is finally arriving Wed- Thurs it's won't be an issue :) Only real drawback to the lens is that there isn't a way to use filters, ND etc with lens.

Linh · #8 May 15th, 2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meyerweb

I don't think IS is really called for at those focal lengths (in spite of what the IBIS crowd says), but given the realities of the market I guess it wouldn't surprise me if Panasonic is adding it. If that's true, though I'll happily stick with my existing version, as I rarely need to shoot slower than I can handhold that lens.

I suspect a new 7-14 might fall in line with the whole "X" line. Panasonic's video arm would likely love to see OIS in the 7-14. Not sure how much it matters with all the video rigs, but I'd gather anything handheld would be helped.

Hopefully its replacement is just as good or better, though. The 14-42x was certainly disappointing (though, I'll give it that it's extremely compact, but not a tradeoff I think I'd want for the cost).

dbellva · #9 June 4th, 2012, 04:59 PM

The B&H website now shows the Panasonic 7-14mm as in stock, but at a higher price. Is this accurate information?

meyerweb · #10 June 4th, 2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mellow

C'mon man, that argument's dead and buried. Check out the thread titled "pin-sharp picture at one second" or something like that. Taken with a WA 12mm. You'd have to agree there's no way in hell he gets that picture without some form of stabilization.

IBIS/IS gives a relative advantage, not an absolute one. It gives 2-4 stops, and those stops apply whether they're being used on a 200mm lens or a 9mm lens.

True, but for my needs I don't often find myself shooting at 1 second. As for not getting that picture without stabilization, that's simply hogwash. I shot sharp 1 second or longer exposures 40 years ago. There's this thing called a tripod.....