If there is a new Olympus OM-D or PEN user, using the basic kit lenses, either M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ or the 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ asked which lens to go next, I would most likely answer them: stay with your kit lens and use it until you can create beautiful photographs with it. Then what is next? Surely by then, you will not ask me which lens to get because based on your experience shooting excessively with the kit lens, you would know what you need and what your preferences of shooting style would be, hence knowing what lenses to complement your shooting needs. This also largely corresponds to what kind of photography you are doing (surely you do not recommend a wildlife bird shooting to use a fisheye lens, would you?).
If that photographer is still clueless on what to buy, or decided the kit lens is rubbish from the start (most people do any way) and want a lens that is versatile and will be frequently used, the answer is none other than the incredible Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8 lens. It is an equivalent of 50mm classic focal length, providing you with flexible perspective and easy to use frame coverage. This magical focal length can be used for a wide variety of photography subjects, ranging from every day casual shooting, portraits, a little bit of close up on details, tight landscapes, and so on. The lens being a prime lens, delivers excellent image quality, razor sharp even at wide open F1.8 and has minimal technical flaw. Yet it comes in a small and light package, matching OM-D and PEN compactness, thus easy to carry around or just fit into that small corner in your camera bag. The F1.8 wide open aperture allows shallow depth of field and at the same time useful for shooting in low light conditions. What is there not to like about this lens? If I were to pick one lens and say it is a must have (obviously if you already know what you are doing you surely have decided on your own must-have list of gear), surely it is the M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8. I bought mine as soon as it hit the market in Malaysia.
I have spent the weekend with this lens, shooting around Petaling Street, as well as some urban skyscape shots since the haze is now gone. I brought only ONE lens. The 25mm f1.8 and I used it on the new OM-D E-M10 Mark II.
I know this scene may appear ordinary and dull to you, but we Malaysians appreciate such clear sky and haze free air. You have no idea how bad it has been. Considering it is coming to the raining season very soon, it is best we shoot these shots in whatever chance we can find!
Baby in the bus
Sometimes, I am still surprised by how fast the AutoFocus on Olympus OM-D is.
The Policeman
For this, I used the Silent Shutter on the E-M10 Mark II.
Checkers
Hello
I thought it was quite ironic speaking through a mobile phone, as the man was standing next to the payphone.
On the Head
Deep Blue
Texting
Sunday Morning guys
Kuala Lumpur by the Day
Kuala Lumpur after Sunset
A little Selfie with the 50mm perspective. Selfie with Bokeh yo!
The MUST have Coffee to end the session
And yes I was super hungry.
In this blog entry alone, I have used the Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8 to shoot people, street photos, urban landscape and food. Most of the time, if I were to only bring ONE lens out (using a tiny bag) I would decide to just bring this M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8, I can hardly go wrong.
By now I know many of you own the M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 lens. Share your thoughts!
