Mittentastic
- التعليق
So, this lens. I had the previous version of this lens, and gave it three stars because the AF speed was close to terrible. That was a few years ago. So have things changed? Yes, actually. Camera bodies got better, with better interfaces, better focusing systems, better touch screens, etc. So even though this lens is the same lens as it always was, now its a better lens because its part of a better system, and I feel pretty comfortable saying its now a 5-star lens for 90% of situations, whereas maybe before, I did not feel it deserved 5 stars. This lens is still what it always was, and thats whats so wonderful about it. Its a very compact, inexpensive prime with SUPERB image quality. I think just about everyone agrees that this lens takes a better quality picture than any wide to normal MFT lens under a grand. Not only that, 20mm is a superb one-size-fits-all focal length, useful for street shooting, environmental portraits, group shots, even selfies (where the light weight is useful). It might be the most versatile focal length for someone who is primarily a night time shooter like myself. And this lens, it just oozes vibe, it just has mojo. Theres real soul to this lens. I cant explain it, but the first time you nail that street night shot with this lens, youll know what Im talking about. Its sharp, yet flattering to people. It makes dull pictures look just a bit more interesting, and it makes good pictures look great. The Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 also does that, of course, but this lens has that vibe for less money in a smaller lens with a wider field of view. But you have to use it properly. You have to give it something to focus on. You cant let it hunt because it will never finish hunting. But with a modern MFT body (esp. a Panasonic with DFD), thats not hard. You can use the touchscreen or use buttons to make sure youre giving a good AF point. If youre the kind of person who lets the camera pick a focusing point all the time, dont get this lens. But then again, I would argue that one should be carefully focusing every shot at f/1.7. So, if you are ready to give your camera something to focus for every picture you take, then try this lens. Notice I said nothing about still life vs. action. You can take action shots with this lens. But you have to select a good AF box for every single shot, and if you slightly miss it and the lens starts hunting, pick a better AF point and try again. Yes, you might miss a couple of shots with this lens that you might not have missed with a faster focusing lens. But aside from a black cat running back and forth in a dark room, you should be fine if youre picking a good AF point for every single picture. Practice with it. The first time you shoot a concert with it, expect to miss some shots. But youll get better, and the bouncer who turns away other "professional cameras" will probably not even realize what a monster you have with the 20mm. There are situations where this lens will not be so great, but youll quickly learn what they are: 1) Video where you need the on-camera audio to be clean, because yes, this lens talks a bit. Of course, in a loud setting like a rock concert, AF noises are pretty minimal compared to other sounds. 2) C-AF. It cant do it. But on the other hand, what exactly would you have been doing with C-AF at 20mm anyway? Shooting basketball? You can fire off a burst in S-AF just fine at 20mm, where youre so far from the action that the depth of field is so deep, so a series of photos is highly unlikely to require refocusing. For video, C-AF in MFT is awful anyway, so just go manual or S-AF. 3) Trying to shoot scenes with minimal contrast. Thing is, though, unless its an action scene, you can wait for the picture to get taken. But I guess some toddlers dont really wait around. 4) Handing off the camera to someone who is bad at cameras. But lately, this is less of an issue. Set it to touchscreen shutter, and tell them to touch the face on the LCD. Almost anyone can do that these days. 5) You want reasonably fast focus on an older MFT camera. If any of these points are deal breakers, just skip this lens and go to the Olympus 17mm f/1.8. However, I think a better idea is to spend the same money on a cheap used body + this 20mm f/1.7 because I think the picture is better. Plus, with all these other lenses out there where you can go crazy, I think this tiny, cheap, and superb lens is more important than ever to the Micro Four Thirds system. Its cheap enough that it doesnt have to be your only lens, so you can have other lenses that cover its weaknesses. This by itself makes a pretty decent kit. This + a kit zoom can make a good kit. This + any of the great MFT lenses out there (zoom or prime) can make a great kit. To summarize, dont get this lens if you have no desire to develop good habits for photography. But take care of your 20mm, and it will take care of you.