150mm & 35-100mm - any real world experiences?

[Paul Shields]

I'm feeling a little flush, and also so impressed with the E-3 that I want to increase my investment in the so-called 'super grade' lenses (I already have the lovely 7-14mm).

From what I've found out so far, the 150mm f/2 is exceptionally sharp and not that big considering, whereas the 35-100mm is quite a chunk of glass. There don't seem to be too many people out there so far with one or the other (or both). Any real world experiences with these lenses? My own requirements are pretty wide - I'd like the 150mm for wildlife type work (probably paired up with the EC-14), and I would look at the 35-100mm f/2 as an all-round portrait/landscape lens.

[Mr. Pickles]

From what i have read, both are exceptional with no weakness. I would assume that given the lack of Olympus posts in general, and the fact that they are "not cheap" purchases, actual info is hard to come by. Probably because those with them don't bother to write about them.

You buy them, send them to me, and I'll write up all kinds of stories for you to read

[Paul Shields]

Well I've picked up the 150mm f/2 - OMG it's not cheap, Xmas is now cancelled .

Will post my thoughts on it once I've managed to give it a try out.

[llamaluvr]

I have both the 150 and 35-100 and love 'em both. The 150 is a tad sharper, but the 35-100 is an exceptional lens. Based on the type of shooting I do, the 35-100 is used more and is my walk-around landscape lens. My recent posts in HDR forum (First Snow, First Snow Second Edition) were done with the 150 and 35-100. I've used the 150 for some sports and gotten exceptional results (except it being a little short). For extra length, it pairs nicely with the EC-14.

[Paul Shields]

Craig, thanks for that info. I can see why the 35-100mm would be more usable generally, and it's something I'll likely pick up in the new year. I had a first run out with the 150mm + EC-14 today, and mostly found it very pleasant to work with (I think I still need to get up to speed more with the E-3 though). A few examples:

The first shot was with the 150mm, and the following two with the 150mm + EC-14







150mm wide open - not too happy about the over exposure on this one. Was trying the 'auto' gradation setting with JPEG, and think it may have contributed.

[Raist3d]

This kind of thinking is what makes me believe that maybe I would pick the 14-35 F2.0 next year.. but not sure yet. It will be a big lens and I am not sure walking around with it for 28-70 mm equivalent shots is something I want over the flexibility of a 12-60. I guess in a way I would have liked the 14-35 to be a 12-35.

[Raist3d]

Are you shooting manual exposure or P/A/S modes? This is why I still shoot manual, and leave any of the auto modes for a true emergency.

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by Raist3d

Are you shooting manual exposure or P/A/S modes? This is why I still shoot manual, and leave any of the auto modes for a true emergency.

I had it set to A today Raist. I do intend to set to manual once I get the hang of where all the buttons are. Still learning .

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by Raist3d

This kind of thinking is what makes me believe that maybe I would pick the 14-35 F2.0 next year.. but not sure yet. It will be a big lens and I am not sure walking around with it for 28-70 mm equivalent shots is something I want over the flexibility of a 12-60. I guess in a way I would have liked the 14-35 to be a 12-35.

Yeah, the 14-35mm is going to be interesting. I just love the build quality of the top tier Zuikos. They ooze class. I'm not sure I can justify it as the 12-60mm is working well, and the shallow DoF is not so important for me. I think I'd just grab the Leica 25mm instead.

The 35-100mm is a huge and heavy lens, which puts me off slightly. But the range is nice and f/2 even nicer. I'm getting spoiled by the 150mm and 7-14mm, but these lenses will outlast any camera (probably outlast me) so they almost do qualify as an investment .

[macdaddy]

While I want the 35-100, I'm holding out for Olympus to get some really wide, fast primes out into the wild! For the architectural book I'm working on a 10mm/f2 would be almost exactly what I need, especially for interior shots with available light.
Having come from a Pentax K10D system, I look forward to my new E-3 (had an E-1 and loved it!) and satisfying my LBA. (LBA=Lens Buying Addiction)
Rob "MacDaddy" White
P.S. VERY nice photos of the birds! Have you considered the new EC20?