p.1 #1 · Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II
I am debating on purchasing the PL 35-100mm f/2.8 II for an event and part of my day hiking kit.
Recently I have acquired the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and a Panasonic Lumix GX9 to test out micro four thirds systems for day hiking and everyday carry. My Canon EOS R, 7D II, and 6D are becoming heavy and cumbersome while day hiking, and I have never really considered carrying them everyday, I have just used my Galaxy phones for everyday shooting. I do enjoy walking about with both micro four thirds cameras with various kit lenses, and the PL 20mm 1.7 (although the slow AF is driving me crazy). The light weight and small size appeals to me.
My wife recently won a community award and there is to be a banquet. She forbids me to bring my full frame or APS-C cameras. They are too big and unwieldy, (she doesn't want to be embarrassed by the big cameras) even though I have the EF 50mm f/1.4 and 85 f/1.8 as well as my 70-200 f/2.8 which would perform excellent in the hotel ballroom. She thinks the micro four thirds cameras I have are not too big. She will be sitting on a raised platform and I feel I will need some reach.
So I am trying to decide if the PL 35-100 f/2.8 would perform "good enough". In my research, I see no other zooms this small with this big of aperture. (I need to be somewhat stealthy). It might also be nice to add to my day hiking or everyday carry kit. I don't see a fast prime being useful out side of this experience as I would use my full frame gear for portraits.
Any thought on this event with this lens? Also, would it be a nice lens for day hiking (landscapes or travel photography)?
p.1 #2 · Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II
Hello...I have version I and it is stellar. I'd have no fear if the 70-200 range is what you need it will work. I say this after shooting quite a few brands and formats...
p.1 #3 · Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II
I have both version and they are great lenses but for some reason, I've never have a sharp image on the whole frame with an Olympus body. Never tried them with a Panasonic body though.
I wonder if this has something to do with lens stabilisation but I've tried with all configuration but never managed edge to edge sharp images. For many subject this is hardly a problem but I noticed it when shooting the NY skyline. I do not have the same problem with the Pana 50-200 or 100-400.
p.1 #4 · Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II
pmeheut wrote:
I have both version and they are great lenses but for some reason, I've never have a sharp image on the whole frame with an Olympus body. Never tried them with a Panasonic body though.
I wonder if this has something to do with lens stabilisation but I've tried with all configuration but never managed edge to edge sharp images. For many subject this is hardly a problem but I noticed it when shooting the NY skyline. I do not have the same problem with the Pana 50-200 or 100-400.
You may have a bad copy. I've shot with the 35-100 on both an OM-5 and OM1 and it's always very sharp and well defined.
p.1 #5 · Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II
joeluster wrote:
So I am trying to decide if the PL 35-100 f/2.8 would perform "good enough". In my research, I see no other zooms this small with this big of aperture. (I need to be somewhat stealthy). It might also be nice to add to my day hiking or everyday carry kit. I don't see a fast prime being useful out side of this experience as I would use my full frame gear for portraits.
Any thought on this event with this lens? Also, would it be a nice lens for day hiking (landscapes or travel photography)?
-Joe
Its better than good enough. I recently shot an event/concert with this lens coupled to OM-5 mk 1. Worked perfectly! I bought this lens as a replacement for 40-150 f4 pro. Almost the same size, no tromboning when you zoom and stellar image quality. You do lose that extra 50mm on the long end but I am okay with it. Years ago I had the OG 35-100 f2.8 on EM 5.2 and it worked beautifully on that body.
Besides, its proven weatherproof. I already had my lens get wet a couple of times in Seattle rain... would totally recommend this lens for hiking and other outdoor activities. Solid lens.
p.1 #7 · Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II
joeluster wrote:
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts. I probably way overpaid for one on eBay, but hopefully the advantages will outweigh the auction fever.
-Joe
Ahhh, the ebay special. Was it used, and can you return it?
p.1 #8 · Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II
MFT mounts are compatible but there are limitations. Be aware that you only get the full effect of combined stabilization when using like branded lens and body. If you use the Lumix lens on the OM camera, you can use camera IBIS or lens OIS, but not both together. To get the combined 5-axis stabilization, you need to use it on the Lumix camera.
p.1 #9 · Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 II
joeluster wrote:
I am debating on purchasing the PL 35-100mm f/2.8 II for an event and part of my day hiking kit.
Recently I have acquired the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and a Panasonic Lumix GX9 to test out micro four thirds systems for day hiking and everyday carry. My Canon EOS R, 7D II, and 6D are becoming heavy and cumbersome while day hiking, and I have never really considered carrying them everyday, I have just used my Galaxy phones for everyday shooting. I do enjoy walking about with both micro four thirds cameras with various kit lenses, and the PL 20mm 1.7 (although the slow AF is driving me crazy). The light weight and small size appeals to me.
My wife recently won a community award and there is to be a banquet. She forbids me to bring my full frame or APS-C cameras. They are too big and unwieldy, (she doesn't want to be embarrassed by the big cameras) even though I have the EF 50mm f/1.4 and 85 f/1.8 as well as my 70-200 f/2.8 which would perform excellent in the hotel ballroom. She thinks the micro four thirds cameras I have are not too big. She will be sitting on a raised platform and I feel I will need some reach.
So I am trying to decide if the PL 35-100 f/2.8 would perform "good enough". In my research, I see no other zooms this small with this big of aperture. (I need to be somewhat stealthy). It might also be nice to add to my day hiking or everyday carry kit. I don't see a fast prime being useful out side of this experience as I would use my full frame gear for portraits.
Any thought on this event with this lens? Also, would it be a nice lens for day hiking (landscapes or travel photography)?
I retired from professional work a few years ago, but prior to that I made the bulk of my income from shooting corporate conferences and executive head and shoulder portraits. The Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 Mkl was my absolute workhorse lens. It was perfect for shooting low light breakout sessions, and was my go-to lens for virtually all of my executive portrait work. In my book it is a special lens and I will never part with mine. I still use it for personal family portraits.
I hope you enjoy yours.
