I know that the 17mm has been discussed previously under various topics, but I received mine today (thanks to Amin) and I'm more than impressed with it's size, quality and speed of focus (I don't know why anyone complains in regard to the latter - it's fast). I also really like the wider angle of view that it affords over the much lauded Panny 20mm, happily giving up on the overall speed of the latter.

So I wonder, what has made this lens so underrated and generally ignored by many? I intend to use it solely with the E-P1 (much like a fixed lens P&S) and, to this end, it's an absolute cracker in both size and field of view; lots of versatility. It's given my E-P1 a new lease of life and, in a way, will become my party camera (and lots more) where, coupled with the FL-14, will be the neat little pocket camera that I've missed with the demise of the LX2.

Cheers

Ray

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http://www.australianimage.com.au/

Hi Ray,

I agree, it's a beautifully compact, fast lens with a brilliant FOV for social photography. The 20mm f1.7 is much sharper and has less distortion / CA to correct... and the comparisons become very polarised over on the dark side

Cheers

Brian

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Founder, Olympus Photo Safari Group
http://www.ukphotosafari.org

I haven't had any fruitfull time yet with this lens, except for some shots around the house to test it out, so I can't comment on either aspect. Distortion may well be more than with the 20mm considering the subtle difference in angle of view, but I suspect that it's overrated. However, it's something that can be easily corrected. I don't know about CA, but it's another thing that should be easily adjusted post. That said, the effective FL is rather nice and despite the relatively small difference compared to the 20mm, I think in real life it's quite substantial.

Cheers

Ray

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http://www.australianimage.com.au/

Ray, don't ya know if ya pay more for something, it's always better.....
That's why the 20 is better.......

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"If you don't stand for something,
You'll fall for anything."

http://www.streetshooter.us

~ Shooter's Flickr photostream

Marketing? And I don't mean by the corporation, nor do I mean to imply there was anything nefarious...just sheer enthusiasm and excitement on the Internet sites. I, for one, was very influenced by the lauding of the 20mm, right here on our own mu-43.com for starters, and I became convinced it was faster and "better"... Without explaining ad nauseum my own camera buying, I ended up with the E-P2 and the zoom, and then went for the 20mm based upon its rave reviews. I'm sure I could have and would have been very happy with the 17mm, and could have put the money saved towards that nice 9-18mm, or the longer zoom that's coming out in July.

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**An evolving camera owner.

~ BB
Flickr photostream

The sad reality is they're both mind bogglingly over priced; those see-through body caps used to go for (almost) peanuts in the good ol'days and are now both realistically worth about 100, 150 $ / €.

Many people like the 35, 50, 90 progression of focal length, and should be right home with the 17. I prefer myself the 28,40, 75 (and then 135), hence my sway toward the 20. But both fill an important niche, and both deserve to be used.

Ray,
If you can get the finder for the 17, it will make you smile.
It sees as any Leica finder and give you that feeling of the M camera.
Shooter

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"If you don't stand for something,
You'll fall for anything."

http://www.streetshooter.us

~ Shooter's Flickr photostream

I have 'em both, like 'em both. I prefer the 17mm because it's lighter and smaller, and I like the wider fov. But I'm sure there will be a situation where the 20mm will be the better choice.

I have just got mine, now it sticks on my E-P2 like anything.
I am still testing it.. I am not sure if there is a thread of photos for this lens
Maybe we need to get ourselves inspired with the photos taken by this lens!!!!

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Abdul
http://www.omanfotoland.com

Abdul,
There is a thread but feel free to start a new one.
It will help Ray from feeling so alone with his new found love.
Do you have the finder? It is a pleasure to look at your subject and not see info from the camera. Set up right, it's a very fast accurate set.

__________________
"If you don't stand for something,
You'll fall for anything."

http://www.streetshooter.us

~ Shooter's Flickr photostream