Any full size 43 lenses for small bodies like E-PL1

[Rider]

The full size 43 lenses have awesome specs, but that all look too big for a small camera body like the E-PL1 or GF1.

Does anyone disagree? Are there any 43 size lenses that can be used comfortably on the tiny bodies?

 

[marlof]

I used the PL 14-150 for a while on my E-P1. Its focus speed was not bad (it is CDAF enabled) and the handling was actually much better than you'd expect. I held the lens in my left hand, and used my right hand to adjust settings, and control the camera. I still sold it in the end, since the size and weight of the lens itself bothered me so much, that I didn't take it with me enough. That has nothing to do with the way the lens handled on the camera, just with my wishes on photography equipment size nowadays.

 

[GaryInOz]

Sure are - with the standard adapter. I recently took the EPL1 away including the (4/3) 40-150 as a compact tele....worked well. I have also used the ZD 70-300 with great success.

This is taken using the 40-150 recently in Istanbul, Turkey - 1/400s, f5.5 at 137mm. This was taken from a boat.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com.au/lh/photo/hnYoIDAJLdHvA_XZ75QYwA?feat=embedwebsite">http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jHsxWSLR4Mk/TJuOk9mO_kI/AAAAAAAAMWo/tBDq4tWaDKU/s800/L9233665.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>

But note, I find it more comfortable to hold the larger lenses, and stability is improved, by using the VF-2 rather than using the LCD.

 

[robertro]

My 14-54 and 50-200 are very big and heavy; I'd rather carry an E-620 with them.

OTOH, my 25/2.8 pancake, my 50/2, and my 40-150 seem to balance well sizewise with the m4/3 bodies. For those brought up with 35mm SLRs, the 25 with adapter feels like a 50mm normal lens, the 50 is about what a 100/2.8 35mm lens would be, and the zoom is about the same size as the 50.

 

[Rider]

Does the Oly 40-150 and PL 14-150 have fast/ silent focusing for video?

 

[bilzmale]

Be aware that most 4/3 lenses use the faster phase detect AF system which requires a mirror. :43: uses contrast detect which is very accurate but a bit slower. Most 4/3 lenses hence will AF rather slowly on a :43: body, albeit eventually quite accurately. I sold all my HG Oly glass as it really didn't work for me on :43:.

The Oly 40-150 is not optimised for video but the 14-150 is with a silent AF motor. Likewise the Panny 14-140 is silent.

 

[Rider]

Be aware that most 4/3 lenses use the faster phase detect AF system which requires a mirror. :43: uses contrast detect which is very accurate but a bit slower. Most 4/3 lenses hence will AF rather slowly on a :43: body, albeit eventually quite accurately.

How can you tell whether a 4/3 lens uses phase or contrast detect? I did not see this in the specs.

 

[Rider]

The Oly 40-150 is not optimised for video but the 14-150 is with a silent AF motor. Likewise the Panny 14-140 is silent.

I thought the Panny 14-140 is a micro 4/3. Do they also make a 4/3 version?

 

[Djarum]

I use the 4/3 40-150 on my pen. I find the size just fine. I actually think its better balanced because the EP1 does have some heft to it. Only complaint I have is that its slow to focus and from time to time misses focus when it locks.

 

[bilzmale]

I thought the Panny 14-140 is a micro 4/3. Do they also make a 4/3 version?

Yes my lack of clarity and they do make a very highly regarded Panasonic Leica 14-150 for 4/3. I've seen it rated as the best zoom lens of any format.

Regarding CDAF, Olympus since the Pen era has been making 4/3 lenses that are CDAF optimised. For example the 14-54 Mark II is and I believe the 70-300. The SWD lenses like the 12-60 and the 50-200 Mark II are not. Likewise the 50mm macro and the 7-14 WA are not.

They all AF eventually but not in the silky smooth way they do on an E-3 for example. I've been there.

 

[pcnyc]

the newer zuiko 40-150mm fits really well with e-pl1, not only in size but weight also, and I find AF just fine with 40-150mm, slightly faster than when using Panasonic 25mm f/1.4.

This is what it looks like on the e-pl1:

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[shoturtle]

the oly 35mm 3.5 macro is not that big, and works well for handheld work.