Samu,
First the raw data. Here are the Ebay averages for your Zuiko wish
lenses (details at http://www.skipwilliams.com/olympus/zuiko_ebay_history.htm)
90/2 $543
100/2 $445
180/2 $1,888
250/2 $2,099
1.4x $292
The big glass lenses (180 and 250) are big bucks. And the other two lenses
are top-end lenses in the Zuiko line. (i.e., You have good taste.)
For the 90, I'd recommend that you get a 100/2.8 as a great companion to a
24 and 50. It's relatively cheap at $138. You don't get macro
capabilities though.
As for the longer focal lengths, the 180/2.8 is a great lens, but not cheap
at $539 (You might also look at the Tamron SP 180/2.5, it's top notch
and usually can be had for $400-450.) The Zuiko 200/4 is also an OK
choice. I'd make sure you REALLY want the big ED glass before you buy
it. It's a lot of $$ for a specialty lens.
OK, now to the third-party lenses. I have a Tamron 80-200/2.8 SP that I
will NEVER part with. It's as sharp as any lens south of $1,500. One just
closed on Ebay for $400, which is a normal price. Definitely a
best-buy. This is the focal length / speed that Olympus left out of their
line. (It probably would have been the next lens if any more Zuiko's had
been made using the cost-no-object methodology of the famed
35-80/2.8.) The best thing about the Tamron is that one lens will fit any
body that has an Adaptall-II mount made for it. (The Tokina lens is MUCH
harder to find in an Olympus mount; most come up in Nikon mounts.) The
Tamron is built like the proverbial tank too, heavy and all metal. No
significant polycarbonate in this lens. Every time I get images back from
this lens, I say, WOW, what lens took those pictures? You won't regret
that purchase!
I also had a Vivitar Series 1 90/2.5 macro for years. GREAT lens, somewhat
warm image, very sharp, great construction. Make sure you get the 1:1
macro adapter with it. The problem with this lens is going to be Olympus
mount availability, as with the Tokina. You should look at the Tamron SP
90/2.5. Uses the Adaptall-II mount and runs $200-250 on Ebay. Similar
ratings as the Vivitar S-1.
As for which lens? It depends on your usage. The 80-200/2.8 lenses are
big and heavy, but very useful. Not for everyday usage, IMO. If you're
looking for a complement to a 24/50 combo, as I said, look at the
100/2.8. I also really like the 135/2.8 these days. Very small, nice wide
open performance. I took the 28-48/4 and the 100/2.8 on vacation and never
wanted for another lens.
If you're doing sports, you'll need to go longer than 135. I use the
80-200 for kids soccer, and the 300/4.5 for football and baseball. For
animals or birds, longer is better (translated: expensive and heavy).
For screen info, search the archives or just go get a OM 2-x screen or a
Beattie, they're roughly equivalent. I have both, and there's no
appreciable difference IMO, and the OM screen is cheaper. Minolta and
Canon screens reportedly work too, but I've never used them.
Whew....
Skip
At 06:11 PM 6/8/00 +0300, you wrote:
I've been lurking on this list for only a while, but
now that I've noticed that my 24mm and 50mm aren't enough
I need to ask all you Zuiko experts something.
I've been looking at getting a single focal lenght 90+ mm
lens for my OM-4Ti.
Unfortunately the ones available here in Finland are almost
always quite slow (the used ones) or outrageously expensive
(the new ones).
So, does anybody know what are commong going prices used/new
for the following lenses and what are the chances of finding
them (esp. on the net):
90mm f/2 macro MC
100mm f/2 MC
180mm f/2 MC
250mm f/2 MC
Olympus 1.4X teleconverter
Also, if anybody has ever seen or ... behold actually used,
one of the following:
Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 ED IF
Tokina 80-200mm f/2.8 AT-X
Vivitar Series 1 90mmm f/2.5 macro
I'd appreciate any comments as to the pricing, availability,
characteristics, etc of the above lenses.
I really need one tele (I think :)
best regards,
Samu
PS Also, having the standard OM-4Ti screen, I would like to
have something much brighter. What would be the best choice
for maximum brightness and ease of seeing under low light
conditions?
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