Showcase Panasonic 45-175mm f/4-5.6

[Peadingle]

I thought that the Digital zoom was a gimmick for kids to play with, but it actually works quite well.

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[Peadingle]

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[Macroramphosis]

First light this morning.

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[Macroramphosis]

I was standing outside the garage this morning getting a new tyre put on the car when I noticed a tree across the road had its ivy in flower on the trunk, and a stash of insects were in amongst it. I thought they might be Colletes hederae, the Ivy bee (the last hatching bee of the year). Grabbing the G6 from the car I set off towards the tree with the 45-175 attached. Imagine my surprise when I got to the tree and saw all the insects were nectaring Asian hornets. They were up high, 6' or more above me, and I had little optimism of getting a decent shot, but I set to work trying to see if I could do something without a monopof or tripod.

I needn't have worried too much - the OIS works well on this lens, and it sings on the old G6..... for the £150 or so I paid for it I think this is a damn fine piece of consumer glass. I never expected it to be a decent insect lens, but it may turn out to be one.....

....till I find a PL55-200 lying in the grass somewhere, cough.

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[Peadingle]

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[hernan]

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[Macroramphosis]

The Dawn Scramble

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The dawns here at the moment are fantastic - lots of dust from somewhere..

 

[Macroramphosis]

I can't find a brick wall here where I am in France, but I thought this shot may do a good job of showing the IQ of the 45-175. Bear in mind this is a handheld JPEG, without PP of any sort. It's also a AF-S shot, centre-focused as I couldn't find a suitable point of interest.

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[Macroramphosis]

This week the planet's seasonal journey through space has meant our sun this side of the Atlantic has been rising right around the time I've finished the outward leg of the school run and start to race for a vantage spot on the way home, where I can open the car window and point the 45-175 through it for a shot of whatever the morning sun has on offer. I say through the window because we're not really allowed much more than that at the moment, sigh. We've had a few mornings with spectacular colours, and I'm discovering that this little lens is quite useful for nefarious purposes at dawn. I'm pretty sure it's sharper all round than the old P14-140 (2009 version) and it has a certain micro-contrast (I guess due to the lens' nano-coatings) that is really nice. It is also remarkably flare-free when shooting directly into the light and I think overall it represents a great example of the m4/3 ethos.

Below is a selection of dawn captures from the past few days that might explain why I am coming to like this little lens so much (some have been posted elsewhere). I have to add that for the measly £130 I paid for mine it's an absolute bargain - and it really is small enough to carry in a pocket if you have something else like the P12-32 on the camera. I have no idea what the IQ is like on a proper screen, but I'm sure you could get decent A4-sized prints out of it. I wonder if they'll ever make a more modern version of it.....and whether if it would be as good! If you hanker after a PL50-200 but don't have a wallet deep enough, this lens may help you through the hard times

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[Panolyman]

Nice pics Roddy and what more could one ask from that lens.
I've got the P 45-150 and whenever I use it I'm always delighted with the results and that cost me £150 new.
You've had some lovely sunrises over there lately; we had a couple this week but I was only just getting out of bed at the time, so no photos here.

 

[Macroramphosis]

Thanks Brian - It amazes me how spoilt we are for choice in this m4/3 system, whether it's a Panasonic or Olympus lens, and despite their diminutive size and cost. I hope one day to get a serious piece of glass - say the P50-200 or the Oly 4-150 Pro - if I'm happy with what I have now what the hell will I be with a professional lens?

 

[Panolyman]

I agree Roddy and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I bought a used Panasonic 7-14mm f4 a few years ago when I traded in my 12-32 (and a lot of dosh) for it.
I must admit I hardly use it and just this afternoon I've made enquiries with a couple of dealers about trading that lens in for a used 12-45 f4 Pro.
I've had one quite good offer already and am waiting on the second one.
Whether I justify having the Pro lens I'm not sure, as I don't rate myself highly at all, but what the heck.

 

[O2BanRRT]

I am quite the fan of my Panasonic 45-175mm. The weight is negligible so it follows me more than many other lens and it produces photos that I enjoy looking at

This is from a walk uptown today:


Cheers!

 

[Peadingle]

I also paid just 130 pounds for my 45-175. To have that amount of reach in a lens that can easily go in a coat pocket is why I love this lens.

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[Macroramphosis]

I also paid just 130 pounds for my 45-175. To have that amount of reach in a lens that can easily go in a coat pocket is why I love this lens.

Yep, it seems to be a sentiment shared by many.

 

[SteveAdler]

Very nice lens

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[Macroramphosis]

The Country Commute

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[Macroramphosis]

This morning's offering is a 3-shot bracket, using the car roof and a bean bag. I've not shot a lot of bracketed photos, so any advice is welcome! This was a +1 to -1.

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[Macroramphosis]

The marsh tonight. Pretty sunset...

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[ac12]

Thanks Brian - It amazes me how spoilt we are for choice in this m4/3 system, whether it's a Panasonic or Olympus lens, and despite their diminutive size and cost. I hope one day to get a serious piece of glass - say the P50-200 or the Oly 4-150 Pro - if I'm happy with what I have now what the hell will I be with a professional lens?

Different tool for a different job.
The pro lens is SHARP but also big and heavy. For that reason, for me, the pro lenses will complement, but not replace the smaller lighter lenses.