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new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - Printable Version

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new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - Klaus - 08-26-2011

The new "X" series.



14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS

[url="http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/lens/g_x_vario_14_42.html"]http://panasonic.net...ario_14_42.html[/url]



45-175mm f/4-5.6 ASPH OIS

[url="http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/lens/g_x_vario_45_175.html"]http://panasonic.net...rio_45_175.html[/url]

A constant physical length here it seems.



The MTFs look quite impressive actually.



A few samples images are here:

[url="http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gallery/lens.html"]http://panasonic.net...llery/lens.html[/url]

(not really useful ones for the 14-42)


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - Tiz - 08-26-2011

"indeed the company is promising that the X 14-42mm will offer better image quality than both the existing 14-42mm kit lens and its highly-regarded predecessor, the Lumix G Vario 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS. "



[Quote from dpreview]



I wish Sony would offer such a lens in connection with the NEX7.


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - Klaus - 08-26-2011

I'm curious how these lenses will be perceived actually. The pricing is steep regarding their sheer specs and the slow aperture will make it difficult to market it as "high end products". I'm more than curious whether the border performance of the X14-42 is really so great anyway.


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - popo - 08-26-2011

Purely on the X14-42, my initial thoughts are the price isn't that bad, compared to premium "slow" zooms on SLRs, although most lenses on the system are still priced above average for what you get.



I really like the small size, and it is a big bonus they still managed to fit OIS in it. My biggest concern is the power zoom. I'm not sure I'd want to give up manual zoom which to me feels like a compact camera level feature. They do say it is multi-speed, so maybe it isn't that bad in practice. I find myself less bothered about optical quality, providing it is good enough. If I stay in m4/3 format, this would go in the "maybe" pile of acquisitions.



Can't get enthused about the longer lens at all though... too big and not enough range for my tastes.


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - mst - 08-26-2011

The MTFs certainly look much better than expected. And the tele zoom doesn't extend, well done!



However, personally I just don't like the idea of power zooming (but I don't do video, I understand it's a welcome feature for this kind of application). And it seems the older cameras (GF1, G1, GH1) won't be compatible, at least they are not yet on the list of cameras to receive the required firmware updates.



I also find it slightly odd that Panasonic obviously sees no need to attach a hood to some of their lenses ...



-- Markus


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - popo - 08-26-2011

Hmm... I didn't think about body compatibility... so on that note, how does Olympus users fare?



The hood I don't miss on smaller lenses. Size is the bigger priority and hoods are almost useless on wide angle lenses anyway since they cover so little. It can make more sense on the tele I suppose.



Then again, I wouldn't say no if there was a pop out motorised hood. If it could be built into the lens body and vary its shape as you zoom. But of course that'll make the lens bigger...



Edit: looking again, it sounds like the firmware update is only required for improved AF performance. At least that is the way it reads to me.


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - Klaus - 08-26-2011

[quote name='mst' timestamp='1314342642' post='11025']

The MTFs certainly look much better than expected. And the tele zoom doesn't extend, well done!



However, personally I just don't like the idea of power zooming (but I don't do video, I understand it's a welcome feature for this kind of application). And it seems the older cameras (GF1, G1, GH1) won't be compatible, at least they are not yet on the list of cameras to receive the required firmware updates.



I also find it slightly odd that Panasonic obviously sees no need to attach a hood to some of their lenses ...



-- Markus

[/quote]



The tele zoom lens has a manual zoom ring in addition to the power zoom.


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - Guest - 08-26-2011

My Sony F717 (which I still use) has power zoom via zoom lever or via drive by wire "zoom/focus" ring.



You get used to it.



It could also offers some benefits for video zooming, remote control and underwater photography, ok these are niche markets...


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - Tiz - 08-26-2011

[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1314340531' post='11022']

I'm curious how these lenses will be perceived actually. The pricing is steep regarding their sheer specs and the slow aperture will make it difficult to market it as "high end products". I'm more than curious whether the border performance of the X14-42 is really so great anyway.

[/quote]



This might be a lens for landscape/outdoor (hiking/trekking/expeditions). For this kind of photography you do not need a superfast aperture. Weight and bulk matters.



Mid September I will do a 150 km solo hike in Glacier NP (including offtrail hiking). Guess what camera I will use? My bulky Canon APS-C equipment? No, it's sold. My mFT equipment? Nope...the IQ does not justify the weight/bulk. Moreover, I would miss many animals if I started to change lenses. Therefore, I will take my Canon SX220 (about 26 to almost 400 mm zoom, plus FullHD video). I have carefully post-processed the Canon RAWs and compared them with my E-PL1 RAWs. The E-PL1 RAWs are a bit better. But not significantly. You will hardly see the difference even if you print larger than A3.


new Panasonic Lumix X G lenses - Sylvain - 08-26-2011

[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1314344663' post='11030']

The tele zoom lens has a manual zoom ring in addition to the power zoom.

[/quote]



I'm not sure it's an actual mechanical link here.Could be just a larger relay command ?