
Which wide angle lens to get first?
#1
Posted 29 May 2014 - 08:00 PM
#2
Posted 30 May 2014 - 12:08 AM
Not a really simple answer. 9-18 can work in a smaller port if size is important. Some people have reported good results using the 9-18 in a 4" port with a +2 closeup lens. 7-14 is obviously wider and is a superior lens overall but requires a larger dome port and due to its extreme aov, corner softness can be an issue for some folks depending on tastes and subject matter. You may already be using the 4" port for the 12-50, and if so the 9-18 would work in that same port, but also has a lot of overlap with the lens you have now.
As I understand it, the 9-18 also works in the Zen 170 domes, but I have never seen any results or heard any discussion of the 9-18 in the larger dome, so I have no idea of how well that works.
Oly will be coming out with their own 7-14 sometime within the next year, and it will be a faster lens. Both it and the current Panasonic offering are expensive lenses. Perhaps go with the 9-18 for now and then sort out the 7-14 later? Some of this depends on your goals and expectations. 7-14 is not great for cfwa, in my experience. I have not actually used my 9-18 underwater yet.
If you search here and older posts in the dslr forum you can find some threads discussing these lenses. Bottom line is that either option can produce very nice results and the decision may be largely impacted by economics and any issues with packing restrictions/port size.
#3
Posted 30 May 2014 - 02:43 AM
#4
Posted 30 May 2014 - 02:57 AM
Is it because the 170mm isn't a complete 'half' of a sphere and only a subsection of it, so the 180' view of the 8mm will vignette? Just guessing..!
I had an E-1 and the 7-14mm - loved it.
Edited by thetrickster, 30 May 2014 - 02:58 AM.
Regards, Richard
---
Camera Rig: Nauticam Lumix GH5/GH5s, 14-42mm II, WWL-1, Atomos Inferno, 48,000lm of artificial sun.
#5
Posted 30 May 2014 - 05:50 AM
If you need a wide angle for a trip in one month I would go for the 8mm fisheye for one reason, Olympus will be releasing a new 7-14 F/2.8 M43 lens in the next few months. This lens will be a "PRO" level lens like the stellar 12-40 zoom and will have excellent weather sealing. I would be waiting to see some reviews on the coming lens and go with the 8mm for the time if you intend to get both anyway.
I lean more towards the 7-14 but find myself using the 8mm more and more for my work.
Image from Olympus press information.
#6
Posted 30 May 2014 - 06:47 AM
You know, I actually misread your post, and read 9-18 instead of 8mm. That's what I get for reading things at 2am. Some people really don't like fisheye perspective lenses. Given that you were considering the 8mm, are interested in cfwa and would get one eventually anyway, I would echo what others said and go with the 8mm. It is a small lens and the port is small, so space issues should not be a big deal.
I enjoy using the 8mm, either in the Nauticam port or a glass dome.
I have heard that 1799 price, but would guess the new 7-14 will probably have a list price in dollars around 1500-1600 and will be available for 1300-1400, although that make take a few months. Still not a cheap lens, and hopefully it will cost less. I think an actual selling price around 1100-1200 would make most prospective buyers feel okay with the price, and it would then be a competitor to the Panasonic, which can be purchased for under 1000.
#7
Posted 30 May 2014 - 08:08 AM
When the Panasonic 7-14mm F/4 zoom was announced in March of 2009 the street price was $1200.00 for the Olympus 7-14 zoom, an F/2.8 weather sealed pro level lens to come in around $1400 to $1500 US sounds about on target. The Nikon 14 to 24mm F/2.8 zoom, a like AOV range is a $2000.00 lens.
#8
Posted 31 May 2014 - 09:38 PM
Personally I don't like fisheye lenses unless I was shooting big animals in open water.
I have the 7-14mm & have used it on my GH4 & love it.
Plenty wide & used behind the Nauticam 6inch dome it is a very compact wide angle option with very good results.
Cheers Pete.
Owner of Down Under Aquatic Imaging.
www.duai.com.au
#9
Posted 16 June 2014 - 08:12 AM
I use the 7-14 mm on my Panasonic GX1 (in a Nauticam housing) with the Nauticam 6" dome port. Very compact - works great!!!
#10
Posted 16 June 2014 - 06:23 PM
I almost always use the 7-14.
Excellent lens.
Life is a beach and then you dive.
My Website
Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: Wide angle, WA, micro43
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