3 lenses for GH2 either/or...help at DVinfo.net

Chris Duczynski · November 14th, 2011, 11:35 PM

OK, opinions please - my final choices are:

wide - panasonic 12mm f2 or panasonic 20mm f1.7
portrait - panasonic 45mm f1.8 or olympus zuiko 45mm
long - panasonic 100-300 or sigma APO 70-200 f2.8

The long lens is mostly for stills or surfing videos in bright light.

Would appreciate some feedback before I unleash my credit card.

Kevin McRoberts · November 15th, 2011, 04:47 AM

They're all good lenses. If you're in bright light, also consider the Panasonic 7-14 and Sigma 50-500 (Nikon or 4/3 mount).

Of those you've listed, I'd get the 12, Panny 45, and 100-300.

Kin Lau · November 17th, 2011, 01:15 PM

I have the Panny 100-300, great lens for stills and video. AF works well enough for most subjects except the most erratic/highspeed.

Chris Duczynski · November 17th, 2011, 01:47 PM

The 100-300 it is, thanks.

Jeff Harper · November 17th, 2011, 01:50 PM

If it hasn't sold yet there's a 20mm for sale in the classifieds. If I could only have one lens, that would likely be it. I like the 12mm more, but for general purposes the 20mm is more useful, and better in low light.

Jeff Harper · November 19th, 2011, 10:19 AM

You know, I just shot with the 20mm last night as my handheld lens for a reception. I've not used it for ages as such. After using the 12mm for a couple of months in that way, I was struck with how much slower and less accurate the auto focus can be on the 20mm. It worked, and I got a lot of great images, but there is no comparison to the 12mm and 45mm autofocus, they are so much better. To clarify, I'm not tallking about Continuous Auto Focus, which I rarely use. I'm talking about focusing with the shutter button with CAF turned off in the menu.

Brandon T. Davis · November 29th, 2011, 12:21 AM

I can't say enough good things about the 45mm. It almost never comes off my camera. I also have the 20mm and the kit lens, but will only use them if I absolutely need to get a wider shot in cramped conditions. Whenever possible I will physically move back and frame up with the 45mm.

November 14th, 2011, 11:35 PM	#1
Chris Duczynski Major Player Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sydney Posts: 304	3 lenses for GH2 either/or...help OK, opinions please - my final choices are: wide - panasonic 12mm f2 or panasonic 20mm f1.7 portrait - panasonic 45mm f1.8 or olympus zuiko 45mm long - panasonic 100-300 or sigma APO 70-200 f2.8 The long lens is mostly for stills or surfing videos in bright light. Would appreciate some feedback before I unleash my credit card.

November 15th, 2011, 04:47 AM	#2
Kevin McRoberts Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 700	Re: 3 lenses for GH2 either/or...help They're all good lenses. If you're in bright light, also consider the Panasonic 7-14 and Sigma 50-500 (Nikon or 4/3 mount). Of those you've listed, I'd get the 12, Panny 45, and 100-300. __________________ Freelance pudgy bearded lighting camera operator www.mcbob.tv

November 17th, 2011, 01:15 PM	#3
Kin Lau Major Player Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 385	Re: 3 lenses for GH2 either/or...help I have the Panny 100-300, great lens for stills and video. AF works well enough for most subjects except the most erratic/highspeed.

November 17th, 2011, 01:47 PM	#4
Chris Duczynski Major Player Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sydney Posts: 304	Re: 3 lenses for GH2 either/or...help The 100-300 it is, thanks.

November 17th, 2011, 01:50 PM	#5
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: 3 lenses for GH2 either/or...help If it hasn't sold yet there's a 20mm for sale in the classifieds. If I could only have one lens, that would likely be it. I like the 12mm more, but for general purposes the 20mm is more useful, and better in low light. __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

November 19th, 2011, 10:19 AM	#6
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: 3 lenses for GH2 either/or...help You know, I just shot with the 20mm last night as my handheld lens for a reception. I've not used it for ages as such. After using the 12mm for a couple of months in that way, I was struck with how much slower and less accurate the auto focus can be on the 20mm. It worked, and I got a lot of great images, but there is no comparison to the 12mm and 45mm autofocus, they are so much better. To clarify, I'm not tallking about Continuous Auto Focus, which I rarely use. I'm talking about focusing with the shutter button with CAF turned off in the menu. __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

November 29th, 2011, 12:21 AM	#7
Brandon T. Davis Tourist Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 3	Re: 3 lenses for GH2 either/or...help I can't say enough good things about the 45mm. It almost never comes off my camera. I also have the 20mm and the kit lens, but will only use them if I absolutely need to get a wider shot in cramped conditions. Whenever possible I will physically move back and frame up with the 45mm.