Best Oly Portrait Lens??

[alert_bri]

Hi mujana, thanks...

I think the Hex 57mm f1.2 cost me just over £200 - that was the most expensive (and worth every penny) - you should be able to find a good 57mm f1.4 for less than £50... if you look at previous (completed) auctions you should see the going rate for these.

Remember also, that you'll need to do a conversion - this took me a fair bit of practice, and in the end I've moved to the method devised by my friend Pete Snaar... details on his website here :
Scroll to bottom half of this page

Hope that helps! if you'd been in the UK, I would have offered to show you exactly how to do the conversion at one of our UK Photo Safari events - I'd probably even have a spare lens or two for sale.

Kind Regards

Brian

[rjones315]

Has anyone tried the
Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED


or
Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro



BTW, I've used the 14-45 Kit lens and it's been good.

Regards,
Bob J

[Raist3d]

Woa, that looks like film (good).

I would crop it a bit higher just a bit below the handing hmm talisman? (I know that's not quite the word).

I find the 14-42 works great if you have the light soft. If you have a high contrast biting daylight I find there's a difference in color between the 14-54 and the 14-42. The 14-42 kinda "muddies them."

- Raist

[llpoolej]

The "best" in my opinion is the 35-100. It comes with a matching price tag though. It is my absolute favorite for shooting portraits. The 50f2 is wonderful also, but, it is a prime which you have less freedom with. I also love the 50-200 for portraits and use it quite a bit too. When space is an issue, I use the 14-54, but, it is not my very favorite.

[jan56]

Originally Posted by llpoolej

The "best" in my opinion is the 35-100. It comes with a matching price tag though. It is my absolute favorite for shooting portraits. The 50f2 is wonderful also, but, it is a prime which you have less freedom with. I also love the 50-200 for portraits and use it quite a bit too. When space is an issue, I use the 14-54, but, it is not my very favorite.

Yes, I think too that the 35-100 might be the best, as it offers good aperture (shallow dof) and the right f-length. Sure it has a price, but I tried out the 50-200 a couple of times and the f2.8/180mm Zuiko. I like the longer lenght for protrait - and the wide open aperture. The 2.0/50mm still gives a lot of background into the shot when doing outdoors...
At least I'm getting me the 35-100mm in about 2 weeks time

Jan

[llpoolej]

You will love the lens. I use the 35-100 and the 50-200 almost exclusively. Both are wonderful wide open. The 50f2 is a gorgeous lens too, but, it isn't long enough for most of the stuff I do and I do like to zoom.

[alert_bri]

Hi Julie,

I would love the 14-35f2, which is only a little larger than the 12-60 (thicker mainly) - but the 35-100mm f2 is a bit like holding a telescope!

Another point in favour of the 57mm f1.2 - the only challenge is nailing the manual focus, but that's just a case of practice.

Kind Regards

Brian

[jan56]

Originally Posted by llpoolej

You will love the lens. I use the 35-100 and the 50-200 almost exclusively. Both are wonderful wide open. The 50f2 is a gorgeous lens too, but, it isn't long enough for most of the stuff I do and I do like to zoom.

Thanks for your support
I have the same ideas. I'm just wondering why so many people think about how a lens could look in other peoples eyes. I don't mind at all, it's a working tool and I really don't care what nincompoops think - if they do at all. This lens is enhancing my creative possibilities! And if it looks 'pro', then what's to say against it. The next person will ask you for your business card and if you will shoot his or her next wedding...

Thanks again and have a great day!

Jan

[Paul Shields]

I agree the 35-100mm is a superb portrait lens. I'm having even more fun using the 150mm f/2 for similar shots though. There's something almost magical about that lens...

[jan56]

Originally Posted by alert_bri

Hi Julie,

I would love the 14-35f2, which is only a little larger than the 12-60 (thicker mainly) - but the 35-100mm f2 is a bit like holding a telescope!

Another point in favour of the 57mm f1.2 - the only challenge is nailing the manual focus, but that's just a case of practice.

Kind Regards

Brian

yes, I think the 14-35mm is a nice lens. I didn't hold the 35-100mm so far, but see it from the practical side. Lenses are not for showcase or feeling. The abilities are what counts, what you can do with it.
The 1.2/57mm is for sure a nice lense too, I have the 2.0/90mm Zuiko. A fantastic lens but it's MF too and so for dim light events, stage, moving people and my old eye not very good in my work. I like to use it privately though and probably never sell it
I rather rely on fast AF. Also I get the flexibility in a zoom and for me at least I need a longer zoom first. The shorter length is covert so far with the 14-54mm which does brave, though it has the limitation in dim light... oh yes, if the money would come in easier

Jan

[jan56]

Originally Posted by Paul Shields

I agree the 35-100mm is a superb portrait lens. I'm having even more fun using the 150mm f/2 for similar shots though. There's something almost magical about that lens...

I know Paul you love that lens. I often thought of it, but unfortunately my money is limited and I have to think what comes next. Sure the 2.0/150mm is mind blowing!
Enjoy that lens Paul. And let's see more of your great work!

Jan

[alert_bri]

Hi Jan, my comment was intended to help, not to criticise - and from a purely practical perspective... I'm not interested in looking professional to get wedding work - I'm only going to use a system if it's light enough to carry... otherwise I'd be using a D3!

I hope that makes sense, I'd recommend that you have a good trial of the lens before you purchase... it's difficult to see an alternative though, to this superb lens for this range. I'm certainly not ruling it out for myself... it's just not at the top of my list that's all... I'm covered by the 57mm f1.2 and 50-200 for distant portraits and I'd also like to try the Leica 14-150, but I suspect the aperture range will be too limiting (f3.5-5.6). I am loving this lens for its' flexibility and a surprisingly good zoom macro too.

Kind Regards, and best of luck with your choice.

Brian

[capt3450]

If $$ is problem, take a look at Sigma 150mm f/2.8, little slower than ZD 150mm, it's pretty close to ZD, but has extra Macro bonus and do not need a new camera bag

capt3450

Originally Posted by jan56

I know Paul you love that lens. I often thought of it, but unfortunately my money is limited and I have to think what comes next. Sure the 2.0/150mm is mind blowing!
Enjoy that lens Paul. And let's see more of your great work!

Jan

[camrajoky]

I have used both the E-1 and now the E-3....both great cameras. Any lens that will get you over the equivelant of 100mm in 35mm format will give the desired compression you want with a PORTRAIT! Shorter lenses while they may give a nice overall image do not compress to give features a complimentry view. The 12mm to 60mm is a great lens but I do prefer the 50mm to 200mm.