Hello All,

Alright, this is my first thread here and coming from DSLR I'm relatively new going into the M43 format.

So I've had my OM-D for just over 3 months now and really love the camera. I got it with the kit lens but fact is, I've only used the kit lens twice! Most of the time my Voigtlander 25mm f0.95 is on the camera and that's because I love this lens so much plus of course it's normal focal length.

I have very mixed feelings about the 12-50mm, sometimes I just feel I should sell it because I rarely use it. However, on the other hand this lens does provide a lot of features that aren't available in other zooms and also ideal for travel use. I mean, this lens is really like the jack of all trades but a master none. I'd like to use it more often but because it's a slow lens and the IQ not being top notch, its just made me reluctant to use it.

I'd like to know if any of you have similar thoughts about this lens or even positive views on it.

This is exactly what it is. And this is exactly what a kit lens should be.

In fact, with the exception of some lenses bundled with top FF DSLRs (like the Canon 24-105 f/4.0) this is perhaps the best "kit-lens" out there, bar none, in terms of value for money. It has adequate focal range, it has power zoom for video, it has macro. Its IQ cannot compete with fast primes, but is that the question?

For me, it stays, and it gets fair use in good light conditions. I don't plan on replacing it, except perhaps when the rumored 12-60 f/2.8-4.0 comes out.

__________________
http://500px.com/Eyes_Unclouded_Photography
http://eyesunclouded-photography.blogspot.gr/
http://www.facebook.com/eyesunclouded

I only got my OMD last week, so I only have the kit lens right now. I like quite a bit. Of course my idea of zooms is for walk around use. I prefer primes unless I have to have a zoom (ie for weight reasons I have (hopefully soon to not have) the canon 55-250 since it's light weight compared to the 300/400 primes.) Sure a prime will beat a zoom any day, BUT they do come in handy. Wouldn't you rather have a zoom when you need it? In a tight space somewhere and you can't move forward or back? Zooms can come in handy. Plus if you want a 1 lens day trip somewhere zooms are nice if you're not sure what you'll be shooting.

I had the 28-105 on my DSLR and some people didn't think it was a good lens. I thought it was fast, had ok range and was VERY sharp. Sounds a little like the 12-50. To me they're similar. Know how to use it and it's great!

What I like about this lens:
- 12-50 is a good range for a kit lens that no other m4/3 kit can match to date;
- lightening fast AF;
- the macro function comes in handy;
- it's a good video lens with the motorized zoom;
- it's currently the only native weather-sealed lens in my collection.

What I don't like about this lens:
- small aperture;
- this lens is just not very sharp, and IQ nowhere near my prime lenses;

Like you said, it's a jack-of-all-trades, and because of its flexibility, it ends up spending quite a bit of time on my E-M5, but I wish it is a sharper and faster lens, so it's a love-hate relationship. If my Zuiko 14-54 Mk II focuses faster and more reliably on my E-M5, I might consider getting rid of it... but, nah, the 14-54MkII cannot do video because of the focusing noise, and it lacks the macro ability of the 12-50, so I guess it's a keeper for me...

I loved mine when I still had it, though I soon realized that the 14-150 offered me more, so I traded it.

I will be visiting Niagara falls in a few weeks though, makes me wonder if I should have held on to it a little bit longer.

__________________
Current Gear: EM-5 | E-PM1 | 14-150mm | 20mm f1.7 | Rokinon 7.5mm f3.5 | Fujian 35mm f1.7

For Sale: 14-42mm R, $90 gifted/shipped

I really like it, it's sharp, good range, quick focus, great Macro. I've upgraded to the 12-35 though, so the 12-50 may well go on eBay.

Colin

The IQ puts me off from getting this lens. I hate working to capture wonderful, possibly once in a lifetime images, especially during travels, only to wish, after-the-fact, that I had done so with a higher quality lens. There's a bit of an IQ hit when moving from FF sensor to m4/3 sensor, so choosing the best glass for m4/3 helps make up for that.

I'm hoping the rumored 12-60 has superb IQ because 12-60 is a dream general use focal length range in one lens - IF, the IQ measures up. Meantime, the 12-35/2.8 is my choice for general range zoom and may continue to be such even after the 12-60 materializes.

__________________
Don

Same here. I much prefer primes on the OM-D, but I keep the 12-50 for two reasons. It's a decent walkabout lens when you need a bit of range. More importantly, I keep it because it's my only weather sealed lens- should I need to take an image in the rain, it's good to know it's there. That said, if a better weather sealed lens comes out with improved optics, more reach, and a wider- dare I say it fixed- aperture comes along, I may be tempted to upgrade ; )

I don't love it or hate it, but I'm way closer to the love side of the equation. The reasons are well annunciated by most everyone. Boil it down to one word: Versatility.

And I do see it as a long-term keeper. Since I much prefer primes I doubt that I'll spend big bucks in the future for a faster, sharper, weather-sealed zoom. Primes will still be better, and the 12-50 will still be the jack-of-all-trades in the bag for whenever it's needed.

Thanks for the comments so far. Seems the majority of you are happy with the lens for its capabilities and performance. I think the problem could be me rather than the lens itself. Having come from FF and used to great zooms lenses such as the Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 and 16-35 f4.0, I'm obviously still very attached to high IQ those lenses were producing. This is also obviously why I use the CV 25mm and Oly 12mm more often. I bought the Oly 75mm f1.8 today and I'm completely in love with it. I think what I'm after is a faster zoom with superb IQ. I know there's the Panny 12-35 f2.8 but I'm not keen on it and its also a very pricey zoom. The rumored Oly 12-60 is more likely the choice if the IQ is there and the reach is a lot more. As for now, I'll keep the 12-50 and make use of it more, maybe I'll grow to like it enough.