Looking for a MFT Compact Zoom Lens...

[anthony5429]

Hi; I'm looking for a M43 compact zoom lens for my GF3. My 6 requirements:

1. Autofocus compatible with my GF3
2. Compact size (I do hiking/camping/trekking)
3. FL range of (at least) 14mm - 40mm (24mm - 80mm eff)
4. Min focus dist of 20cm or less for macro shots of flowers, etc.
5. Wide angle of view 60 degrees or more for landscape photos
6. Good overall IQ

Note that powered zoom, OIS, and a low price are not requirements (although the latter two would be especially nice to have). Any suggestions? Does a M43 lens like this exist or am I asking too much of the still-new technology?

 

[gsgary]

You dont want much do you, and im sure you will have to manual focus with M43

 

[anthony5429]

Haha, well I get the sarcasm

I'd stated the AF requirement to preclude suggestions of conversions from other form factors.

I'm still very new to the world of ILCs, having just made the switch from a simple point-and-shoot. Are requirements 4 and 5 mutually exclusive?

 

[usayit]

The only lens that fits comes close is the Olympus 12-50mm. Its a bit larger (but not heavier) than the other zooms but has a bit more usable FL (24 - 100). Since its a Olympus, it also won't have IS as the Olympus bodies have it built into the body. There are many favorable reviews with the Panasonic 14-42.. more so than the Olympus 12-50mm but none of them are capable of macro.

You should not need to buy the 12-50mm full price. There are lots of new OMD EM-5 owners looking to sell them real cheap as the camera was on back order and difficult to purchase in "body-only" packaging.

 

[TheBiles]

I believe the only compact zoom is that Panasonic kit lens. A 14-42 or something like that.