Lens recommendations for New Zealand?

[VashHT]

I'm going to New Zealand for a couple weeks and was wondering if anyone had any lens recommendations as I was looking to rent a couple. I've got an Olympus em-1 mk 2, only own 2 lenses for it, the 12-40mm/2.8 and a 40-150mm I think F4.5-6.7 or something like that. the 12-40mm one is pretty nice (it's the pro lens that came with the camera), the other one is not that great but it's a very light and small lens for the size and I got it for super cheap.

I was looking at the 7-14mm/2.8 and the 40-150mm/2.8, I've used both of those before and they're both nice lenses, not sure if it's worth picking up a prime lens or not, I'll be shooting mostly nature/wildlife shots (and Hobbiton). Probably overthinking the whole thing I'm sure if I had those two lenses with my 12-40/2.8 I'd be pretty well set but was curious what other people might recommend.

 

[AntonioHG]

If money is not part of the consideration:

Do you need a wider lens than the 12-40mm? You can look back at images you take and think about how you felt. "Aw, man, if only my lens had a wider FOV!" For my style, I rarely need something wider than 25mm (35mm equivalent) and I can only think of one situation where I did in fact need a wider lens although, a quick two shot panorama would be pretty easy.

As for a faster long lens, for sure a faster lens will mean better fore- and background separation, better low-light performance as long as you're good with the (potential) weight and size increase and be sure to check the specs for minimum focus distance, filter size, flare performance, added/removed buttons, features (focus or aperture ring) etc as well.

 

[nOOky]

I honestly wouldn't carry a camera unless you're really into photography in a big way. I was there for two weeks in 2024 and my 4/3 never got used, my S24 Ultra took every single photo and I am happy with the images. I did have a nice 20mm pancake lens to keep the whole thing small and easy to carry, but didn't end up taking it with each day as it was still bulky. YMMV of course.

Hope you have time for Waiheke island and wineries!

 

[Fenixgoon]

I honestly wouldn't carry a camera unless you're really into photography in a big way. I was there for two weeks in 2024 and my 4/3 never got used, my S24 Ultra took every single photo and I am happy with the images. I did have a nice 20mm pancake lens to keep the whole thing small and easy to carry, but didn't end up taking it with each day as it was still bulky. YMMV of course.

Hope you have time for Waiheke island and wineries!

View attachment 130829

Best camera is the one you have on you (and will use) 👍

My recommendation, assuming you are set on using your camera camera OP, is a 24-120mm full frame equivalent for your camera, or whatever is closest (Nikon is 24-120, canon is 24-105). Not sure what the comparable lens is for OM System.

This range is going to cover like 99% of what you'll want to shoot. That's what I used when I hiked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and it keeps things light and flexible.

If you are looking to add another lens to complement that, then something like an 80-400 or 100-500 to cover those long shots. A lot of the travel photographers I follow pack those 2 lenses to keep the weight down (and also, less need to change lenses). I am on a photography trip right now, and while I have a lens for every scenario, it is a little annoying to have to change. 1-2 lenses means more time shooting and less time fussing.

 

[Indus]

Best camera is the one you have on you (and will use) 👍

My recommendation, assuming you are set on using your camera camera OP, is a 24-120mm full frame equivalent for your camera, or whatever is closest (Nikon is 24-120, canon is 24-105). Not sure what the comparable lens is for OM System.

This range is going to cover like 99% of what you'll want to shoot. That's what I used when I hiked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and it keeps things light and flexible.

If you are looking to add another lens to complement that, then something like an 80-400 or 100-500 to cover those long shots. A lot of the travel photographers I follow pack those 2 lenses to keep the weight down (and also, less need to change lenses). I am on a photography trip right now, and while I have a lens for every scenario, it is a little annoying to have to change. 1-2 lenses means more time shooting and less time fussing.

I had a Nikon 18-200mm once and although very versatile I HATED THAT LENS.

Bad for low light, very low sharpness and very heavy weight.

I finally traded it in for 3 primes.. 24mm, 35mm, 85mm and was really happy.. zoom with your feet and the 85 is only for real close ups.

Most of the time 35mm is the sweet spot, 24mm for wide landscapes.

I still have those primes but have added a Tamron 10-24mm to the collection.

But that's me.. I prefer to not carry a long heavy lens.. still envious of your everest trip! Bet you got quite a few landscapes.

 

[Fenixgoon]

I had a Nikon 18-200mm once and although very versatile I HATED THAT LENS.

Bad for low light, very low sharpness and very heavy weight.

I finally traded it in for 3 primes.. 24mm, 35mm, 85mm and was really happy.. zoom with your feet and the 85 is only for real close ups.

Most of the time 35mm is the sweet spot, 24mm for wide landscapes.

I still have those primes but have added a Tamron 10-24mm to the collection.

But that's me.. I prefer to not carry a long heavy lens.. still envious of your everest trip! Bet you got quite a few landscapes.

Yeah the 18-200 is too much a compromise. I tried the 28-300 full frame equivalent and it was also soft all around. The 24-120 is *significantly * sharper. Instantly noticeable. The bokeh might not be as nice as a 24-70, 80-200, or any prime, but it's a super flexible lens.

 

[jmagg]

Nikon AF Nikkor 18-70mm f2.8 D is a great short zoom.​

edited

 

[biostud]

I had a Nikon 18-200mm once and although very versatile I HATED THAT LENS.

Bad for low light, very low sharpness and very heavy weight.

I finally traded it in for 3 primes.. 24mm, 35mm, 85mm and was really happy.. zoom with your feet and the 85 is only for real close ups.

Most of the time 35mm is the sweet spot, 24mm for wide landscapes.

I still have those primes but have added a Tamron 10-24mm to the collection.

But that's me.. I prefer to not carry a long heavy lens.. still envious of your everest trip! Bet you got quite a few landscapes.

Yeah my 35mm for most cases and 85 medium zoom/portrait. And sometimes my 18-55 if I know I'm going to be in good light situations and need a little zoom versatility or do video. The rest are rarely used.

 

[ElFenix]

Love people recommending Nikon lenses for an Olympus camera. Never change.


@OP, the 12-100 f/4 is basically the best super zoom ever, and should balance nicely on the em1ii. But it's also kinda big. I've thought about the pana 12-60 though the optical quality is a falloff from your 12-40. So I'd probably just take that and if you want more on the tele end for critters get either the oly 75-300 or the pana 100-300.

I don't actually have a standard zoom for 4/3 other than the collapsible lens that came with the GM1. I have a bag full of primes from 12 to 45 mm though so I think I've got it covered. Kinda intrigued by the pana 35-100.

The 40-150/2.8 looks like a monster. It's bigger than my slr 4/3 50-200

 

[Indus]

Love people recommending Nikon lenses for an Olympus camera. Never change.

Think we were recommending focal lengths rather than lenses.

All camera systems have similar lengths and primes.

I still haven't gotten into the Nikon Z cameras and lenses though so I'm not sure if they work similarly but classic systems.. a wide angle, a 35mm and 85mm is all you really need for most things.

 

[Fenixgoon]

hey @VashHT how was your trip? what lenses/cameras did you end up using? hope it was a blast! the experience is the most important part!

 

[The hope]

FUJINON SUPER EBC XC 15-45mm is a cheap lens that delivers excellent results even if you use a high end camera.