mikewhalen's reviews

  • Olympus 45mm f/1.8 ED M.Zuiko Digital

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    tack sharp, small and light
    no lens hood included; very small lens cap; could be better at macro

    I'm using this lens on a Panasonic G3. Optically it can't be beat and it is small and light, the main advantage of the MFT format. It focuses fast and silently. I too am a Canon 5D2 user and with this lens my MFT rig is starting to give me the kind of IQ results I get from my big DSLR, at least for non-moving subjects. It is really sharp and the images it produces are very nice. I'm glad I purchased this lens and I would not hesitate to recommend it to others. Just a few minor nits. You have to pay extra for a lens hood, and I've yet to find one anywhere; the lens cap is only 37mm. This is quite small and I fully anticipate loosing it at some point. It is not much bigger than a half-dollar. Lastly, it would have been nice if this lens doubled as a macro (like my 100mm Canon). None of these concerns are serious though. It is still great at what it does and Olympus has done very well with this one.

    reviewed November 23rd, 2011 (purchased for $399)
  • Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    excellent image quality, fast focus on a 5D3, built like a tank
    slightly heavy

    I have used this lens extensively over the past several years with 5D2 and 5D3 bodies. I am always amazed of the speed to focus and the beautiful image quality. It is a class act and fully lives up to it "L" pedigree.

    The only very minor negative is its weight which is slightly heavy. However, given the fact that it is built like a tank it will probably outlive most photographers.

    I also own the Canon 70-200 f/4L (which is also a outstanding performer), but this is always the one I grab due to the extra reach. I have never been disappointed.

    Highly recommended.

    reviewed May 1st, 2015