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Re: [OM] Portrait to short telephoto lens

Subject: Re: [OM] Portrait to short telephoto lens
From: Moose <olymoose@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 2003 16:47:38 -0800
The discussion about which of these two lenses is 'better' for one or another type of photography comes up pretty often. Ther are adherents to both as well as a contingent who say you really need both. Absent the specifics of your problem, I would simply ask which range on teh zoom gets the most use for you and suggest getting the one closest to that. Or if money is a big object, I'd suggest the 100/2.8.

However, if I understand your problem correctly, it is not that the zoom was too slow for the flash power, but the viewfinder was to dim for focusing. If that is the case, the 85/2 will certainly be a bigger help with brightness. The other thing that helps brightness a lot is the 2 series screens. The problem is that they throw off the exposure indication in the viewfinder of the 2(n). TTL exposures aren't affected, but the viewfinder needle will indicate an exposure about 2/3 stop lower than the camera will actually use (because it reads off the brighter screen). It also doesn't make any difference for any flash, TTL, auto or calculated from GNs. It can, of course, be adjusted by a repair person, but that adds to the cost. If the camera is due for a CLA anytime soon, the meter adjustment wouldn't cost any extra, as they adjust the meter anyway. Some people just leave it as is, adjust mentally in Auto mode, and use the exposure comp dial in Manual mode (useing exp. comp. in Auto WILL throw the exposure off). 2 series have a wider tab than 1 series so they won't be accidently mounted in 1(n) or 2(n) bodies. Judicious use of a small file can adjust them to fit. I believe John H. will install the 2 series screen at no extra charge if bought with a CLA, but you'd need to check with him.

An 85/2 with a 2 series screen would be noticeably brighter than the 50/1.8 with the 1 series screen. If you are thinking about doing close-up or macro photography, the built-in CU compensation in the 85/2 should give better results.

If you are patient, you should be able to find both lenses at significantly lower prices than you mention.

Moose

Craig Cunningham wrote:

I couldn't focus on anything with the 35-105 zoom attached to my beloved OM-2n.
It was a real eye opener (not to mention a test of the effectiveness of my
deodorant :-)

I know that the 85mm f/2 is supposed to be great, but given my funds (or lack
thereof), I'm wondering if anyone has tried using the 100mm f/2.8 for similar
indoor work?

Looking around I can find a clean 85mm f/2 for $275 or so, while a comparable
condition 100mm f/2.8 is $100 less.




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