ailame's reviews

  • Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    this Oly kit lens is much much better than kit lenses provided with other manufactures
    bit soft when open at its max

    Universal and reliable lens I carry with me all the time. At wide open side (f2.8-3.5) it delivers less then crispy-sharp results. However, starting f4-5 the output becomes to be comparable to fix focus 50mm f2.0. So if light conditions allows it I always close it a bit.

    There is huge difference in AF performance when used with E-1 versus E-3. It is relatively slow with E-1 in general but in low light conditions it very difficult to use... cost me a lot of patience and lost shot opportunities. However, the very same lenses mounted on E-3 truly excels. Lightning fast, precise... even in almost no light. Though this changes come more as attribute of camera then lenses still, this proves that lenses are capable of professional performance.

    reviewed December 22nd, 2007
  • Olympus 50mm f/2 Zuiko Digital Macro

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    sharpnes, size

    I have been owning this lens for 2 years now. But honestly, I have rarely taken it out of drawer. Reason? Major focus issues I have had...It was so impractical to use with my E-1... It was slow and hunting there and back and again...maybe you know it. Great for macros, great for portraits but only if there was enough of light for AF to capture itself somewhere. Otherwise it was more pain than gain.

    What a change with E-3! I have already mentioned this in 14-54mm f2.8-35 review. The AF speed maybe tripled and it focuses correctly in 99% cases even in very hard light conditions. And this completely changes the whole story and my impression about this lens. If I have found it a bit freaky to have it with E-1, now, I say it is 'must have' with E-3. The performance is just amazing in all aspects and I can finally enjoy its unique quality.

    I am not making any special comments on IQ. The charts, ratings and reviews of other are clear and speaking for itself.

    reviewed December 22nd, 2007 (purchased for $900)
  • Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    reach, field of depth, usabilty

    My favorite lens.

    This lens extended my photographic extent dramatically. It helped me take great pictures I wouldn't be able to do otherwise. I find the IQ pretty much aligned to IQ of its wider sister 14-54mm f2.8-3.5.

    Though being my most expensive photographic device ($2000) I have never regretted this money. And especially currently in combination with IS (E-3).... it is very powerful device.

    reviewed December 22nd, 2007 (purchased for $2,000)