Red E-PL2 in Stock at Adorama
Today the RED Olympus E-PL2 is in Stock at Adorama (Click here)! The Black E-PL2 is already in Stock at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and Bhphoto (Click here).
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Comment from Boss: Yeah, I'm afraid it won't be appealing t...
Comment from Mr. Reeee: I went to B&H today and got a chance...
Comment from Nat: Ritz Camera may have all colors. I order...- Comment from Mr. Reeee: @Voldenuit ... I totally agree about the...
Boss
2 years ago |Should I go with an EPL2 or an E-5? The price difference is huge, the performance difference is maybe not that big…. Any suggestions…?
I have a 50 mm Zuiko macro too, and I have to use this on whichever one I pick.
jak0b
2 years ago |I think you should wait and see what kind of “pro-camera” olympus is bringing to the m43 format…
Boss
2 years ago |Yeah, I want to wait on the pro grade model, but I think I’m just tired of my E-620 and need something better. I really wish Olympus would come out with that camera, but who knows when that will be. Seriously, I might get that on top of an EPL2.
As a photojournalist, not a working photographer, the EPL2 seems like a nearly perfect camera…
dCap
2 years ago |I’d take the EPL2 and then you’ll still have the change to get the EP3 when it’s out … but you need to look into the AF system on the 50/2 to see if it’s quick enough on the EPL2 with adaptor.
which dSLR are you currently shooting? you could probably pick up and E30 for you macro work and then use the EPL2 as a pocket camera with a pancake lens, the best is the Pan 20/1.7
E5 budget would easily see you an E30 + EPL2 + 20/1.7
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |The E-5 is about the size of a Nikon D300! In other words: huge. That’s comparatively speaking, but small size is a major reason why M4/3 is so popular.
A camera like the EPL2 begs for small, native lenses, not larger lenses made even bigger with an adaptor.
It EPL2 seems like a helluva camera, though. You could certainly find SOME use for it.
Boss
2 years ago |Yeah, I hear you on the size of the E-5 and FT lenses on MFT bodies, my exact thoughts, the 50mm though, is one of the smaller lenses and I think it just small enough to be pulled off with the MFT body, any bigger and I would not even consider it…
dCap
2 years ago |PS. I handled an EPL2 today in store and it’s seriously tempting to get this as an upgrade from my EP1 … or I could just add the XZ1 as a real go-everywhere-pocket-camera!?
Boss
2 years ago |Nice, I should really go try it out, assuming my local store has it….
It really seems like it has most of what I need, without the weight of the E-5.
At events, every extra pound of gear is just that much more of a drag…
Boss
2 years ago |I have the E-620. It is good, but the EPL2 and E-5 both have advantages over the E-620, plus at my last event, the E-620 was focusing weird, and that was even with the infrared FL-36R function activated.
I’ve heard the EPL1 can focus the FT lenses good with the MMF-2 adapter, but I’m not sure. And I definitely want the weight advantage of the EPL2. The E-5 I know is a step up, but it is heavy….
If I get the EPL2, then I’ll definitely buy the 20mm f1.7 for normal use, it is amazing, especially for $315!
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |If they were selling a body only version I might be tempted.
The Panasonic 20mm would be a great match for this.
dCap
2 years ago |yep, you can get the EPL2 as body only – its a kit split by a shop, so no good for those that like to keep boxes (but hey, boxes can’t help you take photos)
Boss
2 years ago |If I get the EPL2, I’ll more than likely eBay the kit lens and replace it with the 20mm….
The dude
2 years ago |I have the following , E5 , E620 , EP2 , Epl1 , Epl2 , I have the 50 m macro and the adapter , when using it with the E5 the autofocus speed is very quick and the image stablisation in low light none flash shooting is unreal , when using the adapter if your using at around the minimum focus distance the lens can dance about and be slower to focus but for me this is out weight by the performance results , image quality from any camara attached to this lens is very impressive.
Olympus said last year that it is in a transisation from thirds to micro four thirds and when a lens comes along to beat the 50m then we will know they have finishesd this process , keep your 50m go for the epl2 if your in need off an upgrade now , remember that if you always wait for that next big thing you never end buying anything , if I had to get rid off all my gear now and only keep one off them right now i would keep the epl2 , it not as good as the E5 , but all-round size vs performance it’s such a nice unit
Ps this was typed on I phone so sorry for any typos
dCap
2 years ago |so … just out of interest (and not wanting to buy any of them), you have the EP2 + EPL1 + EPL2. Is this a transitional thing? Did you add the EPL1 for the flash? And now see the EPL2 as a replacement for both the EP2+EPL1?
(I’m still happy with my EP1, but the lure of the EPL2 + XZ1 could push me to get into this VF2 thing since I could potentially share the accessory and like the idea of a ‘waist-level-finder’. Plus I have an FL-36R for my E-30, and could see some use having this as a flash for a PEN and/or XZ1)
Boss
2 years ago |Ok, so the E-5 is noticeably better in low light, but based on the weight and price advantage the difference is negligible – and I should go with the E-PL2?
I hate having to use an adapter, but considering all the weight and money that is saved, it seems like a nice compromise, especially considering that I will mainly be using one of the lightest lenses in the FourThirds lineup (50mm macro).
Now what would make me consider the E-5 over the EPL2, is if I could carry the E-5/50mm macro, without a FL-36R flash unit. With the E-620, I must have the flash unit or many pictures will come out terrible (ISO range is just not good enough). If the E-5 negates the need for a flash, then that makes a big difference.
The dude
2 years ago |Yes I know it sounds odd that I have all of them but without going into it to much there is a very good reason for my having all off this gear some off them are mine and some off them are not. Without spelling it out I can’t say more , going from ep1 to epl2 would kind off make sense due to the evf option and combined with much quicker autofocus and retake speed it’s a worthwhile update , going ep2,epl1 to epl2 is less obvious , but if your buying into mft for first time then epl2 is the one to go for . You can get the Mark 2 lens for ep1 ep2 epl1 and you get quicker auto focus but it’s not as quick as when it’s on epl2 which is very fast for a none fixed lenth lens
dCap
2 years ago |yeah, its odd – I’ve never found the AF speed to be a problem with my EP1 … so not a need for speed, and I only have the 14/17/20 primes (waiting for more from Oly), I like the idea of small (so the VF2 is a love/hate idea = would like a mini-dSLR in terms of operation, but don’t like the idea of the bolt-on! so the new zoom is not really something I’d look for, might get one in a kit and then eBay it if it means the body price is good)
EPL2 vs EP1
- I like the bolder mode dial on the EPL2
- I’d like a black (or white) body … not silver!
- flash would hardly ever be used (but for that 1% inbuilt, pop-up option!!)
- VF2?
I can’t seem to find the idea of having two PENs working for me, yeah I could go with 14 + 20 on two bodies (but if I did that I’d rather have two of the same, and grab one of the bargain new EP1 bodies) … if I got an EPL2 I’d not want to keep the original
I must stick to my original plan: wait for the EP3 and then decide over the EPL2/EP3
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |Mini DSLR, that’s why I went with a GH2 over GF1 or any of the Olys. I have some Nikon lenses and reallly wanted to stick with Nikon, but every time I tried a “real” DSLR (D300s, D7000, D700) the size weight was a complete turn-off!!! M4/3 is the Way!
I see the EPL2 w/VF2 (I like a waist level VF also) as a potential smaller companion to the GH2. I’m not a fan of Oly style or interface, but the GF2 is completely disqualified by the total dumb-down job Panasonic pulled with it. I know better than to sit and fret if I want a piece of equipment. Buy now, craigslist will help clean house! When I want simple, small and easy, I have an Oly Tough underwater P&S to use.
The dude
2 years ago |Sorry replied without seeing ur last comment about about using the e5 without a flash , I never use it with flash but on an e620 I have too sometimes , it’s lowlight performance with the 50m is a world apart from e620 , on the e5 I very rarely use flash when even using 12-60 but then my idea off low light might not be the same where in the world are u is there a good dealer that can let u try it out to see for yourself
Boss
2 years ago |Good call, I’m in Denver and there is a good shop nearby that should have a copy of the E-5 (unless it sold out again)…. I wonder if the EPL2, with the 50 mm attached has good lowlight performance, because as of right now I’m assuming that I’ll have to still use the flash with the EPL2….
The flash is great, but it is just one extra piece of gear, plus I roll around with tons of the expensive lithium batteries, which the flash eats up and I hate that too….
(My E-620/HLD-5 battery grip will be on sale tomorrow on eBay, so I’m 100% getting something new, it is just a matter of what)
Dummy00001
2 years ago |Off-topic. Adorama, citing Fuji, says that X100s are going to be shipped on Feb 5th.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1012&message=37556837
The dude
2 years ago |Again depends on your idea off low light but I could live without an e5 without flash but epl2 not so much , mind you the 50m is one off the only lenses you can use on pen and use the built in flash as the focal lenth and low f number mean you only need a small amount off light to help you out and shadow from the larger lens is not really an issue due to ifs focal lenth by the way video using the 50m is very very good both on e5 and pen
Boss
2 years ago |I shoot jewelry and watches, so any light must be bounced, direct light on the crystal or a shiny piece of metal, will ruin the shots (so built in flash does not work unless it is bounced). This http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/726181-REG/Zeh_Photographic_NIK888_Bounce_Reflector_for_Nikon.html might be a solution, but only works with a DSLR.
I currently, use the FL-36R, and it works great bouncing it off of the white square add-on from Olympus, but to eliminate this heavy flash, would be ideal.
The dude
2 years ago |Sorry silly iPhone typing I meant to say I can live without using a flash on the e5 not I can live without the e5 , one thing I forgot to say is have an om 50 1.8 which you can pick up for very little with adapter on ep2 epl1 and epl2 using it in combustion with the evf it’s so lovely it’s untrue and again low light is exceptional and due to the fact it’s manual focus only you won’t get annoyed if the lens wants to dance because it can’t
Boss
2 years ago |Nice to know the 50mm works good with video, as this is another feature that makes an EPL2 and E-5 a requirement going forward. The E-620 has gotta go….
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |I’m intrigued. As an alternative to the Pana/Leica 45mm macro, how do you think think the Oly 50mm macro (and adaptor) would do with a GH2? I’ve rarely used IS, so it’s not a big deal for me not having it.
Is the Oly combo worth the effort, or would I be better off with a Nikon 60mm macro and adaptor?
Boss
2 years ago |I would go with the 50 mm if I were you as of right now (but hopefully they make a MFT version of the Zuiko macro one day – rumor is that it is coming, but who knows when?). I absolutely love Leica lenses, the 25 mm f.14 Panasonic Leica Summilux is superb, but the 45mm Leica macro for MFT system just doesn’t do it for me, and reviewers tend to echo what I’m saying. The 50 mm Zuiko, however, is excellent much like the Leica 25mm Summilux I mentioned above.
Check out the 50 mm review at dPReview.com -http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/olympus_50_2_o20/ (they say it may be the most optically perfect lens they’ve ever tested)
It is great for portraits and short tele shots as well….
Boss
2 years ago |The 50 mm macro is one of the smallest macro lens on the market, in fact although the Leica 45 mm macro is made for MFT, it is actually longer than the FT 50 mm I believe. The Leica has a smaller diameter obviously….
Voldenuit
2 years ago |Once you add the 20mm 4/3 adapter onto the 50/2, it’s not smaller than the 45/2.8. Also, the 50/2 extends considerably when close focusing, so it has a restrictive working distance on max magnification.
Voldenuit
2 years ago |The ZD 50/2 only does 1:2 magnification. The ME 45/2.8 does 1:1. In addition, the 50 extends on close focusing, so it may be an issue with real close ups.
ZD 50/2 Pros:
Cheaper
Sharper
Faster
ME 45/2.8 Pros:
1:1 magnification
Significantly faster AF (esp on m43)
AFs on Pansonic bodies (59/2 only AFs on G2 and newer bodies)
OIS for video
Focus limiter switch
Depending on the type of macro setup you use, a legacy manual focus lens and macro rails is the way to go. If you’re shooting a lot of hand held macro (and in the field you may have no other choice) then AF becomes a lot more useful.
They’re both good lenses. The 45/2.8 gets some bad press because it is not as sharp as the ZD 50/2, but the MTF is still very good on it, and it has very nice bokeh rendering and the ‘leica glow’ (uncorrected spherical aberration, which may account for the slightly less impressive sharpness). Neither lens is perfect – the 50/2 is painfully slow to focus on m43, and it’s actually a little /too/ sharp for me to use as a portrait lens – it brings out too many imperfections in the subject’s skin. The 45/2.8 isn’t really fast enough for DOF control, but gives very pleasing portraits.
The problem is that neither lens is a perfect macro lenses (50/2 only does 1:2 and the 45/2.8 is overpriced for its dedicated macro performance). If you want macro, get a legacy macro lens. If you want a multi purpose lens, then consider the 50/2 or 45/2.8.
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |Thanks for the opinions all!
For macro shooting I do handheld and mostly available light… critters, bugs, mushrooms, weeds, etc…. close to the ground. One of the main reasons I opted for the GH2 with it’s articulated LCD! I’ve never had a “real” macro lens, so I’m really looking forward to getting one! I do have an old big, heavy, manual Nikon 35-135mm macro zoom, if that counts. I’ll be “testing” a Nikon to M4/3 adaptor with it and a Nikon 20mm f2.8.
I checked on adaptors and the Oly 50mm, etc. It’s nice and small! I do have the Nikon thing, so their 60mm looks good (1:1 w/more reach), same price as Oly 50, but it’s the same size/weight as the Panasonic 14-140 without the adaptor: BIG.
It’s looking more and more like the PL45 is the way to go. The reviews (and a friend who has one) put me off.
So, if not that, what’s a good or better real macro?
mahler
2 years ago |Why is the 45/2.8 ME overpriced? Please, stop this rumor that m4/3 lenses are significantly more expensive!
My dealer (Germany) lists those lenses as follows:
Zuiko 50/2: 849,- €
Panasonic 45/2.8 ME: 699,- €
Canon EF 100/2.8 IS Macro: 739,- €
Nikkor 105/2.8 VR Macro: 749,- €
Sigma 105/2.8 Macro: 449,- €
Tamron 90/2.8 Macro: 399,- €
Only the third party lens manufacturers are as usual cheaper. Not sure what describe with overpriced for its dedicated macro performance, but all in all at the current price lesvel and given its small size, the 45/2.8 sounds like a very reasonable choice, also economically.
Voldenuit
2 years ago |Something is seriously wrong with your dealer’s prices. The ZD 50/2 goes for $449 on bhphoto.
I use the ME 45/2.8 myself. It’s my most-used lens according to my Lightroom stats (about 45% of my stills), and I love it. It’s great as a multi-purpose moderate tele, portrait and video lens, and the OIS has been a boon to me on many an occasion (although the IS is only 1-2 stops in practice). Great contrast and colour rendition, and very flattering portrait lens.
That said, I’m saving up for a Nokton 50/1.1 lens, as that is an absolutely fabulous portrait lens (although the bokeh gets nervous at f/2 and smaller).
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |Almost every review of the Panasonic Leica 45mm mentions it being “overpriced”. DPReview, Thom Hogan, everyone.
When I’ve looked around at “brand name” macro lenses and prices… Olympus 50mm $450, Nikon 60mm $450, Canon 50mm $450… they’re more expensive than the PL45 by almost 2x. When I looked at Zeiss and Leica, prices triple and way more!
It seems obvious that the Leica name adds a premium.
Perhaps reviewers consider a macro lens of limited use and not worth the expense? Maybe M4/3 needs better lenses to compensate for not having full-frame sensors in reviewers’ minds? There is anti-small-sensor bias out there.
Voldenuit
2 years ago |@Mr Reese: the ZD50/2 and Canon 50/2.5 only do 1:2, and the Canon needs a ~$100 extension tube to hit 1:1. The ZD50/2 needs a $100 adapter to work on m43 bodies, although if you already have an adapter or have other 4/3 lenses, you can amortize the cost.
Most of the criticisms raised against the ME45 were made when the asking price was $900. It’s retailing for $699 now, and is much better value at that price.
Voldenuit
2 years ago |Oh, and another plus point for the ME45/2.8 – it has no LoCA to speak of, which is a real achievement.
Unlike lateral CA, LoCA is a lot harder to fix in post, so if you’re taking closeups of high contrast subjects wide open, the ME45/2.8 is a very compelling option.
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |@Voldenuit … I totally agree about the adaptor + lens vs. the now lower price of the PL45, which I’ve seen for under $675. The price of the 7-14mm has dropped to $775 on Amazon.
I’m a bit of a tinkerer, so messing with adaptors seems like fun. I’ll be getting a Nikon adaptor anyway, so I can recycle my old Nikon AI lenses. At least try them on my GH2 and see how I like using them. It may turn out to be too heavy, bulky, complex and a PITA, so I’ll return the adaptor and sell the lenses.
Boss
2 years ago |Nikon makes a good 105 mm macro, but the Olympus is way cheaper, smaller and can actually focus on the GH2 automatically. Yes, the Leica has some advantages, but its 90 mm is not a as the Oly, and not as optically sharp, read the review of the leica on dpreview.com it actually talks about both lenses http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/panasonic_45_2p8_o20/page5.asp
Basically the Leica is MFT and focuses quicker, but the Oly is cheaper, sharper and a stop faster and may be sufficient depending what you need it for…
Nat
2 years ago |Ritz Camera may have all colors. I ordered the silver on Wednesday and received it yesterday.
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |I went to B&H today and got a chance to handle a E-PL2a bit.
It’s VERY nice. Good build quality, not to small. It was EXTREMELY tempting!
Add the VF-2 and it should be an excellent combo!
If only they had had a body only!
Boss
2 years ago |Yeah, I’m afraid it won’t be appealing to me unless I use the VF-2, but I’m also worried that I won’t be able to use a flash gun and viewfinder at the same time. I’m starting to lean towards the E-5.
It would be nice to have an E-5, EPL2, and the new MFT pro camera….. I might get two of these three…. Plus I have an LX5 for portability and mainly 24 mm wide angle shots…
Maybe E-5, EPL2, LX5….