A few Olympus questions

Although I see several of the other zuiko lenses mentioned often, I seldom see comments about the 11-22. Does anyone have opinions on this lens? I suspect the 14-54 & 14-42 are more popular due to being better suited to macro-like work?

I am trying to decide on a new UW setup, moving up from a P&S. I currently have a 14-54 lens that I use with my E1 on land, but if I get an E410 I will probably add the 14-42 since it is so inexpensive in a package deal. Any reason other than weight that I would want to use the 14-42 over the 14-54 for UW?

I also already have the 50mm macro but would like to minize what I have to carry and how often I need to change lenses. I like to take "landscapes" and macro shots when I dive, although my results are still pretty pathetic.

I have never used a DSLR underwater and have some concerns about using the viewfinder. Is there much difference between the Ikelite housing with their "Super-eye" and the Oly housing for the E410? (I can't try them out where I live...whatever I decide will have to be without any hands-on examination.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

I did exactly the same thing for about the same reasons. Wife owned the E-500 so it made sense to stay with Olympus. I purchased the E-410. I'm taking it diving next week for the first time. I have the 14-42. The 14-54 lens will be a tad slower on the focus than the newer 14-42 but is overall a better lens. I'm not sure what the minimum focus distance is with that lens but nothing that couldn't be cured with a lens and port extender. I thought I would really miss the LCD of my SP-350 but after some playing around in the pool the viewfinder is very bright and I found myself not missing it at all. I have the oly housing with no magnification. If you do a search, there's a guy that goes by the handle Tropical1 on here who did a great write up on the E-410 with the oly housing.

Just one side note, someone told me that Oly was coming out with a replacement for the 14-54 that would be lighter and quicker. Not sure when that will take place but if its in the price range I'll jump.

Hi Draq,

You can read my review of the Olympus E-410/PT-E03 camera/housing combo in the current Underwater Journal, http://underwaterjournal.com/ For the price the 14 to 42 zoom gave great results and the port choices are better. I have used the 11 to 22 zoom and it is a fine lens but a bit narrow for U/W use. It appears that Olympus will show a new low cost wide angle lens in the 8 to 16 mm range at PMA in January of 2008. Until then the 7 to 14 MM zoom (14 to 28 in 35 mm terms) is still the best wide angle choice from Olympus, but at a cost.

The 14 to 54 and 11 to 22 zooms are being sold by many and replaced by the new 12 to 60 mm F/2.8 to F/4. This is another tack sharp Olympus lens which has become my primary travel lens.

Phil Rudin

Thanks for the information. I did read the review, and almost every post I could find on the topic.

I will get the 12-60 before too long. I enjoy traveling and doing extensive photography when I travel, but at the same time am always looking for ways to lighten my photographic load when doing so. I anticipate that the 12-60 would allow me to walk around with just that lens, for the type of photography I do. The extra 2mm on the wide end compared to the 14-54 would be great. The other lens that looks very appealing is the 14-35 f2.0, as I do mostly available light photography on land. I love fast lenses.

I think the 7-14 is going to have to wait awhile.

Can you elaborate on why the port (I assume you mean the Olympus port) is better for the 14-42?

The PPO-E05 port from Olympus for the 14 to 42 zoom is less expensive than the 14 to 54 port, it can also be used in a pinch with the 50 mm macro. http://reefphoto.com/index.php?main_page=p...bd44c6c6eea5543

If you want to spend more money Athena also makes a port for the 14 to 42 zoom which has a dome rather than the flat glass of the Olympus which will allow the lens to reach its full wide angle, It MAY? also work with the 12 to 60 zoom with an extension ring, I have not been able to test this port yet so I am not sure.

The athena port can also use this flip down holder for the Inon UCL-165-M67 diopter for extra macro at the 42 mm (or 60 mm) end of the lens.

It sure would be nice to have that wet diopter for my PT-E05. That 12-60 looks really nice.

Phil:

Your comments inspired me to call Ryan at Reef Photo about the Athena port. Unfortunately it is still something of a mythological beast. He says they have been on order for around six months. I would certainly opt for the Athena if it were available.

I think I will plan on using the 14-42 with the Olympus flat port for now and hope for the Athena port to appear. If in the meantime I decide to use the 11-22, 14-54 or 12-60 then I will add a different port.

Of course, if I find that using a viewfinder isn't working out for me then I will have to switch to the E330. At least the lenses will work and hopefully the ports and strobes as well.

That new 12-60 may make the 14-54 drop in price, too. There should be plenty on the used market.

You may also want to read the review at, DRReview.com of the Olympus E-510 and the comments made regarding the very high quality of the Olympus kit lens (I.E. 14 to 42 zoom).

Phil

...It appears that Olympus will show a new low cost wide angle lens in the 8 to 16 mm range at PMA in January of 2008. Until then the 7 to 14 MM zoom (14 to 28 in 35 mm terms) is still the best wide angle choice from Olympus, but at a cost.

 

The 14 to 54 and 11 to 22 zooms are being sold by many and replaced by the new 12 to 60 mm F/2.8 to F/4. This is another tack sharp Olympus lens which has become my primary travel lens.

Cool, I'll have to start watching ebay for the 11-22. I don't mind scavenging. Also very interested in a lower-cost 7-14 entry, since the existing one is a bit rich for my budget. Can't plan on affording it and the housing both in '08, without totally skimping on chances to go use the camera! Thanks for the info, Phil.