I bought the 12-60 kit knowing that, barring manufacturing variances, it was a great “punch above it’s weight” option. I love these, lenses and sometimes cameras that not only justify their modest cost, but often hold their own against “better” gear.

The lens was kitted for next to nothing, so cheap in act that for Australian stock, I could not find a better priced G9, with or without lens.

The Leica came from a desire to replace the 12-40 Oly lens, which is functioning fine, but has a “lump” in its zoom, which just bothers me. The kit lens has tested well and is a “safe” bet for my school kit, but it lacks speed and that certain something that excites me.

It will be used plenty and is one of my best purchases in M43, but there was room I felt for a real pro-grade standard lens.

So, how did I go?

This lens has a metric F%^#ton of goodness in its tiny body. It feels sublime (soooo smooth and tight), is perfectly sized, feeling if anything, slightly better balanced than the 12-40 and the stabiliser and focus lift I was hoping for is clearly there.

I am now as confident with the G9 as I have been with the EM1x. Thanks to a couple of the better G9 bloggers out there (and there are more than you would imaging for just one camera), I have honed my settings and feel the camera is at about its best for stills and video.

If I were to sum up this lens, how would I?

Confidence building. The lack of connection I have felt with the G9’s has been closed slightly.

I was literally working out an Olympus based kit for the paper, simply to get back to what I know best while I find my feet, but I am swinging back to plan “A”, which is a mixed kit. The G9 used for standard and wide lenses (the Leicas) and Oly for long lenses.