(35-12)+(100-35)+25 = 42.5

[pdk42]

Not real maths, but photo maths...

Yes, I've sold my two Panasonic zooms (12-35 and 35-100) and the Panasonic 25 and put (some of) the funds into a Nocticron. Hope it's the right thing. I'm a prime mostly guy now (the 7-14 stays until there's a good rectilinear UWA). Hope I'm doing the right thing.... but from the images I took at The Photography Show and from scouring the internet for example images, I must say that there is a definite look to this lens that I like a lot.

I bought the Nocticron from an eBay seller. It's a grey import, but the seller has good feedback (all with high-end photography gear), offers a 12-month warranty and, most importantly, ships via a UK warehouse so there are no hidden fees in import duties and VAT. I'd have preferred to have gone to a UK dealer, but there's £300 difference in the cost - which is a significant difference (almost 30% of the best UK cost of the lens).

I won't be getting it until sometime next week, but I'm off on a business trip to Australia the following Sun for two weeks so it'll hopefully be with me for that.

[Simon Bee]

Re: (35-12)+(100-35)+25 = 42.5


HaHa I knew you would succumb to it's 'calling' once you had tried one out

It's a truly wonderful optic and even though it is quite 'huge' by M4/3 prime standards it's not ungainly. I love mine, and teamed up with the 15mm F1.7 makes for a classic two lens combo, wide-standard + short telephoto which is just perfect for street shots.

I am sure you 'will' love it Paul.

Kind regards, Simon

[Ricoh]

Re: (35-12)+(100-35)+25 = 42.5

That's a good price if I'm thinking of the same deal I've seen on eBay.
I've got the much cheaper Olympus 45 f1.8, like many of us, but it's not what I would class as a walk around lens. However if I had the Nocticron I would probably leave it firmly attached for some time looking for appropriate subjects, in fact I always do the same when I get new glazing
I'm sure we'll be seeing new picture posts from you soon.

[Ricoh]

Re: (35-12)+(100-35)+25 = 42.5

HaHa I knew you would succumb to it's 'calling' once you had tried one out

It's a truly wonderful optic and even though it is quite 'huge' by M4/3 prime standards it's not ungainly. I love mine, and teamed up with the 15mm F1.7 makes for a classic two lens combo, wide-standard + short telephoto which is just perfect for street shots.

I am sure you 'will' love it Paul.

Kind regards, Simon

Nice combo, I have the 15 f1.7 which I love, the aperture ring is simply brilliant if you have an appropriate camera, a tick in the box for me.

[pdk42]

Re: (35-12)+(100-35)+25 = 42.5

It would be really excellent for the u43 system overall if Oly would support the aperture ring. OTOH, having the aperture and shutter speed or exp comp on the thumb and forefinger of the right hand is actually very ergonomic. However, you can't beat that old-school aperture ring for feeling truly in control of your camera.

[pdk42]

Re: (35-12)+(100-35)+25 = 42.5

Steve & Simon - thanks for your kind words. I'm really looking forward to the new lens's arrival - the first time I've felt such anticipation for a piece of kit in a while. How old am I??

Steve - thanks for your views on the Panasonic 15mm. I won't be swapping my 17/1.8 for it, but it does seem that the 15 has the edge on the Oly. Early reports are that the new Panasonic 42.5/1.7 is a step up from the 45/1.8 too.

In fact, I really think that Panasonic are a roll with prime lenses at the moment. It's odd really, a few years ago the mantra was that Oly made the best primes and Panasonic the best zooms - now it seems to be the inverse.

However - there are strong rumours of Oly releasing some f1.0 prime lenses next year. That would be an amazing shot in the arm for the u43 system and would certainly place it on top billing with any other system. I'm coming to the conclusion that the best antidote to the sensor size compromise of u43 compared to FF is to make faster lenses. It negates the sensor noise and DOF differences and so long as the resulting lenses are not too massive (and I think the Nocticron is at the limit) then it's a good move. I'm sure Oly could make their fast primes smaller than the Nocticron since they wouldn't need to have OIS.

[Ricoh]

Re: (35-12)+(100-35)+25 = 42.5

I guess I'm a bit older than you Paul, but I would be counting the get ups as well
I've read the write ups and from what I've read it's an excellent performer, even wide open - just think of the wonderful bokeh it will produce.

Reading this thread has got me thinking, I must try a day out with the 45mm, could be an interesting little experiment, forcing me to view things differently.

[sdb123]

Re: (35-12)+(100-35)+25 = 42.5

It would be really excellent for the u43 system overall if Oly would support the aperture ring. OTOH, having the aperture and shutter speed or exp comp on the thumb and forefinger of the right hand is actually very ergonomic. However, you can't beat that old-school aperture ring for feeling truly in control of your camera.

Oh, I don't know, just move the aperture ring whilst adjusting the dial at the same time....over time, you'll fool yourself! I like the 15mm but do need to use it more.

Paul, I'm interested in reading your views on the Nocticron, the 85mm focal length was a real favourite of mine when I had a FF setup...

Steve