hallo... Northy the gear-ho here... with a question...
looks like i'll be going somewhere warm over the Christmas break and i'm trying to decide what, if anything, i should purchase for the trip to round out my gear...
possibilities under consideration:
1 - the olympus 14-150mm lens for my micro 4/3 EM5MII... i have a cheap 40-150mm which does the trick, but is a bit muddy in terms of IQ and can be a bit slow to focus... i have a wonderful 12-40 mm f/2.8 which is, well, wonderful... but it is a bit on the heavy side, plus it's a drag to have to switch between it and the 40-150... the 14-150 is lighter than the 12-40, but of course isn't as fast... https://www.dpreview.com/products/olympus/lenses/olympus_m_14-150_4-5p6_ii/user-reviews
2 - the olympus tough TG-4... i have the TG-2 which is a great P&S... waterproof, shockproof and pretty decent IQ for what it is... the TG-4 is a substantial upgrade as it allows for shooting RAW, and i think has more manual settings.... "obviously" i'd still bring the EM5 mark II camera, but i do like to have the TG for playing in the water, and as an easy camera to just have on hand and not have to worry about...
at the moment i am leaning towards the TG-4 but wondering what others might suggest...
I'd wonder about the 14-150 - ffe 28-300 on the m43 body. Are reviews for it good? There are two, the Zuiko ed II version I think is newer. With very few exceptions these "all-in-one" zooms can disappoint, but I have no information or experience with these specifically.
Nice problem to have.
I've struggled with something similar with the cheap Sony e zoom lens. I'd like to upgrade, but don't use it enough to warrant the cost/additional weight. In most situations it's "good enough".
Depending on how poor your current 150mm is, I'd probably go for the TG-4. That sounds like a bigger jump in capability than the zoom option.
I've never used either of course. ;)
Whenever I am pondering a gear purchase, I have rented lenses first. I rented the 12-40 mm for travel in the past (yes, it is wonderful, but heavy). Personally, I am lusting after the brand-new 12-100 mm Pro, just out for the Oly cameras, to avoid switching lenses. (Ouch, on the price). Check out https://www.borrowlenses.com , for "a try before you buy" option. I have rented from them multiple times and they are great. Or, just get the TG-4. :) Enjoy the warmth!
Always nice to think about new gear. Sometimes for me it is the research. Sorry not an Olympus user but I think the idea of renting is a sound one. If you hate it , the lens just goes back however if you love it wow excitement for the purchase.
Enjoy the sun.
What Rosie @rosiekerr I definitely agree! Renting has saved me money in the future. They get the equipment to you overnight or in a few days if you have time (cheaper that way) and you can rent for 3 days, 5 days, a week, etc. If you aren't sure, I'd recommending renting what you want for the trip and sending back when you return. Junko @jyokota and I did that for a trip to Death Valley last year, and for me, it helped me decide that I didn't want the lens I'd rented. Fun for a week, but expensive and too heavy for me to want to carry it or own it. It's also helped me determine what I'd want to own as well.
@frankhymus tx Frank... the review i read seemed ok... but then, the review of the 40-150 is generally ok as well - and as i said, i don't love it... i know all-in-one's aren't necessarily the best choice, but for walking around, they do tend to cover all the bases... changing lenses on the fly is not my strong suit!
@rosiekerr@taffy@padlock yes - i really need to try renting one of these days... i'm not sure why i never do - it does seem like the perfect solution!
@humphreyhippo i know - definitely the best kind of problem... and yes, the TG4 is currently in the lead :)
I have the TG-4 and I like it. For underwater, but not really for above the water. Yes it shoots in RAW, has GPS, WiFi, all the good stuff and handy, but I would never consider it a DSLR replacement by any means. If you intend on taking a lot of photos while swimming, the TG-4 is a great thing to have in your bag!
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I know nothing about the TG line...
I've struggled with something similar with the cheap Sony e zoom lens. I'd like to upgrade, but don't use it enough to warrant the cost/additional weight. In most situations it's "good enough".
Depending on how poor your current 150mm is, I'd probably go for the TG-4. That sounds like a bigger jump in capability than the zoom option.
I've never used either of course. ;)
Enjoy the sun.
@rosiekerr @taffy @padlock yes - i really need to try renting one of these days... i'm not sure why i never do - it does seem like the perfect solution!
@humphreyhippo i know - definitely the best kind of problem... and yes, the TG4 is currently in the lead :)