Moving away from video for a while, time to check out these Oly super primes.
This is a test that fundamentally compares the best of MFT with three mid-level, full frame equivalents, something that has some benefit I suppose, as many may be torn in this space.
The Olympus lenses are the best of the best, the Olympus equivalent of Panasonic Leica and from what I have read in multiple reviews, they are technically better and built to purpose, the P/Leica lenses may or may not have the “secret sauce” in quantities that make up for the mild difference, you will need to make your own mind up there.
The S-Primes are solid, very god actually, but designed to be true hybrid lenses, which is nt an excuse, it is a called out design reality. They are consistently sized (quite big), extremely light, pleasant to use and handly, without feeling premium. Compared to the Oly glass they seem too big, too light and maybe a little expensive for their role (middle range, medium speed, B+ primes).
The true equivalent to the Oly primes are the Leica badged lenses, but their is not a set to compare and certainly not one I own. The monster 50 F1.4 is cine lens size and price, nt something I can justify at the moment.
I was reasonably consistent with these tests, the WB set to 4660 automatically on the full frame and them matched in processing from the G9II. I used matching Pana cams for fairest results (S5II, G9II), but an obvious colour difference is still obvious (I did not modify the Hue, just White Balance). I have rarely used the G9II for stills, so deeper checking might reveal a setting I have forgotten.
First, the wide angles.
Both lenses wide open (the Oly at top, you can tell by the 4:3 image shape). The 17 Oly has slightly stretched the perspective, and produced a slightly taller frame (I matched edges, but did not move the tripod) and the depth of field is less shallow. I am not going to test sharpness etc as these things are all on record, but both are obviously enough for professional use.
The Pana 35 provides that modern fast sharp/soft transition, but once you have drunk enough from that glass, is that always a good thing?
The “quality” of the Bokeh seems similar, but it is hard to compare fairly as depth is different.
There is enough clear cut away on the Oly lens, the Pana is probably too much for my needs. I personal reaction to the files is a positive reaction to the Oly depth, if I ignore the greenish tinge that would be fixed in post. The Pana file looks thinner to me, more delicate, but less grounded.
Comparing the lenses at the same apertures now, showing the real difference between the formats.
Both on f1.8, the Panasonic really steps ahead here in the shallow depth look, but that was expected. The Olympus could be easily used for an environmental portrait or group photo, but at the same aperture the Pana could not be trusted to provide enough depth, so I would probably go to f4 to feel safe.