Camera Labs

What can be said about this lens that hasn't already been said? When I first bought the lens I was extremely excited. While waiting for it to be delivered I started reading stories online about the lens having front focus issues, softness issues, etc. I didn't know what to expect. When the lens first arrived the first thing I noticed was just how huge it is. It is the heavy, but I would say not as heavy as some would lead you to believe. With an E-3 + grip + this lens + fl50r it shouldn't be much of an issue to hold this combination for a few hours before getting a tad bit tired (your physical condition/opinions may vary). I personally don't like to go off of sharpness charts and numbers and graphs, I like to actually see the lens in action. In action, this lens is amazing. In this shot I was about 8 feet from the stage on a bench. This shot is at f2:

Here is a link to the 100% version: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4027863267_3c1685c971_o.jpg
That was in a dark venue with the flash bounced off the ceiling. Of course it's not just sharp, it produces excellent bokeh as well. Here is an example:

Once again @ f2. Here is a link to the 100% version: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/3898964027_194f0b9ee7_o.jpg

My one complaint with this lens is that I haven't been using it enough. In most of my work I've used the 12-60 lens which I do feel is much more practical for every day use as its extremely lighter and not such a conversation starter. It's much harder to get a candid shot outside in public with a lens like this. However, if you're into event photography where people are much less mindful of the camera, this lens may be a great choice. If you're into shooting portraits/people, this lens is without a doubt the ultimate lens to have. I would best describe as having the quality of the 50mm f2 (or extremely similar) across various focal lengths. If you can afford it (barely or comfortably, i fell under the "barely" category), I highly recommend this lens. If you shoot professionally and make money money off your work, I can easily see this lens paying for itself. I bought mine used. Here are some other shots taken with this lens:






Thanks for taking the time to view this!

_________________
www.iandavisphoto.com
aim s/n: idotddot

Nice work Ian. Looks like you got yourself a gem there.

_________________
Olympus E620 | 25/2.8 | 50/2 | 12-60 | 14-42 | 14-54 | 40-150 | 70-300
Olympus E-P2 | Panasonic GH2 | 20/1.7 | 14-42 | 14-140
Leica M7 | M9 | 21/4 | 35/1.4 | 50/2.5 | 50/1.5 | 70/2.5 | 90/2
Sony NEX-3 | 16/2.8| 18-55
My FlickR!

Well too bad, but it's just way out of reach. If I do start making money with my hobby this one and wide angle zoom (7-14) will be first ones to buy.

_________________
E-5; E-1; E-620; GH-1
12-60; 50-200; 70-300; 40-150; 25; 35; 50;
14-140;
FL-36rx2 ; FL50r; FL50
www.facebook.com/maksimimages
www.maksimimages.com