Review Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm f2.8

ACCESSORIES_E-M1__Product_000_019_MASTER_Small2I’m using this lens now for more than two weeks on my Olympus OM-D EM-5 and shot some hundred frames with it. I have to admit that I’ve been very skeptical upfront about the image quality this zoom-lens can deliver, in respect to my prime lenses, but without any reason as it turned out quickly.

The fundamental question to me is why to buy a zoom-lens at all if fixed-lenses of high quality, low weight and small size are available for your system? Isn’t it exactly this what people let buy them into the 4/3 system – ‘quality by size’?

Now, let us find out!   >> Click to read more

Thoughts about the new Leica X Vario

The new Leica X Vario is out and this are my 2 cents about it.

First in short the specification highlights (get details here):

20130612_Leica-X-Vario-front

  • 16 Mp APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.7 mm)
  • Leica Vario-Elmar 18-46 mm f/3.5-6.4 ASPH (KB 28-70 mm),
    none interchangeable
  • 3″ TFT LCD (920,000 pixels) – no viewfinder
  • Modes: auto, aperture/shutter speed priority, manual
  • ISO 100-12500
  • Contrast-based auto focus

What I’m asking myself now is what’s the target audience for such a camera?

Before the pixel-peepers on the net start to flood us with test-charts and statements about this ‘mysterious glow in all those pictures taken by Leica-glas’,  let us assume that the picture quality is on par with the best available APS-C sensor cameras and let as assume also that all other components are as good or maybe a little bit better than the competitors.

What one gets in the end is a cropped sensor camera with a slow none interchangeable lens and no kind of viewfinder in a maybe neat Leica package for about € 2,500.00 ($ 3,300) … hm …

And don’t get me wrong – I’m not one of this Leica-haters – I really like my old M6 and use it a lot.

Maybe I miss the point so please tell me what’s your opinion?
Would you buy a Leica X Vario and why if so?

Have a good day,
Andrew >:o)