Hi all, I am travelling overseas soon and would like to get a wide angle lens for my OMD-EM5 camera. I currently have a Olympus 25mm f/1.8 lens but I would like something wider so that I don't need to stand back more than 10 metres to capture everything.
Budget is under $500. I am willing to pay a little more if need be.
I have been looking at Samyang 12mm f/2.0, are there others I should consider?
Many Thanks
I'm guessing you're only considering primes at the moment then?
Unfortunately, most wide angle lenses for Micro 4/3 are expensive. The Samyang is probably the only prime in your price range.
The Panasonic 14mm/f2.8 can be had for about $500 if you buy grey market.
Due to your price constraint, I'd definitely consider something like the Olympus 12-50 zoom, but of course you lose out on aperture, or even the 14-150mm zoom.
I quite enjoyed the sigma 19mm 2.8 lens for travelling. You can probably find it for under $200.
unfortunately it is not wide at all on a 4/3
I find this list to be very useful to see all available options- note that prices are US and a rough estimate, you may be able to find cheaper in the grey market.
I personally like the Olympus 17mm f1.8 (which you can get for around $450) as it roughly translates to the 'all-around' 35mm focal length- but I wouldn't consider it a 'wide angle' lens.
You'll have a few options.
If you're travelling somewhere like Europe, then very wide (12mm or wider) is useful due to the narrow streets and interesting architecture.
Samyang 7.5mm fisheye - takes some skill to use it well, but can produce some great photos. I'd get a bit of practice in before heading off though. There's are pretty cheap. Manual focus, but given the focal length, at most apertures basically everything will be in focus anyway.
Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 - as already mentioned, it's a great, tiny little lens.
Panasonic 12-32mm - a kit lens, but actually very good, even at 12mm. Only marginally bigger than the Panasonic. Should be able to get a good price second hand.. In fact, I saw a Panasonic GF7 with 12-32mm kit in JB Hi-Fi today for $500 - so you could buy that then sell the camera (or keep it as a backup for your trip)
Panasonic 15mm f/1.7 - another great lens, but getting more expensive.
If your budget can go up a bit, then the Olympus 9-18mm is a great, versatile lens as well, which will give you lots of flexibility whilst travelling.
Personally, of these, I'd try and get a copy of the 12-32, the extra 2mm will be useful over the 14mm prime. Or, I'd spend a few extra pennies and grab the 9-18, which along with your 25mm will make a very handy travel combo.
Cheers & Good luck!
I have the panasonic 12-32mm on an olympus camera..usually use it at the 12mm end but the little bit of zoom capability is good for framing at times. Can get these really cheap second hand or even brand new when people sell their kit lens.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am now researching the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5. I will most likely purchase this one. Now to find it for a bargain…
Panasonic 14mm f2.5 nice pancake lens. Not as good as the oly 25mm but I think they're only around $300 on ebay.