When you use gear a lot, certain combinations tend to stand out, shine above all others and become, whether you are aware of it or not, your go-to or reflex kit.
S5 and Vespid 40mm.
When I got the Vespid 40mm, I took a chance that a lens would make a difference to my video in a crowded space. It did and it goes very well with the S5 mk1 and BMVA 5” as my “on the go” or hand held rig. I have to shoot in 6k to access full frame 40mm, but the 60mm option is also a comfortable fit.
EM1x and 300 f4 for field sports.
Not a surprise I guess, but the difference is, the EM1x I am using has been mated to the 300f4 most often and the camera has learned (early AI) what to expect. The result is a pairing that seems to read my mind.
G9 Mk1 and 15mm Pana-Leica and it’s mate the 17mm Olympus.
It took a long time, but I recently started to trust the G9 mk1 and 15mm as a body tracking action combo. I have always had success with this set for static images, the pairing makes nice work from poor light and adds glow when needed. I recently gave it a crack with some dance performances and it surprised me. Surprised because I had little time for the G9’s DFD focus and the 15mm always seemed to be a step behind other lenses, but together, they seem to sing.
Bright, crisp and snappy, very Pana-Leica. This combo highlights lime greens, light sky blues and cherry reds. hey look folks, a wide angle on MFT and some depth of field snap. Who knew.
The only problem is, the Olympus 17mm f1.8 is also an excellent mate with the G9. The 17 is as fast focussing, the lenses incredible AF compensating for any cross-brand reductions and the look is a lovely balance between Panasonics bright and light colours and the more organic Olympus tones.
The 17mm has a rendering that is not only beautiful, but also eminently practical. Wide open it has very coherent, old school transition, so I can use it that way for light gathering, not just shallow depth effect. On the G9’s light and bright Panasonic sensor there is an added touch of depth, an organic palette.
2x EM1x, with 25mm f1.8 and 75mm f1.8 for indoor sport.
Not many full frame shooters can use the equivalent to a 150 f1.8, but that is the MFT advantage. This combination gives me the very best performance I can achieve for basketball or similar indoor small court sports. It does so much else, but basketball in particular suits it ideally. The focal length is enough for the far end of the court (just, a 200mm equivalent would be better), perfect for mid court approach shots and even decent for tight images right up to the 3 point ring, then I switch to the EM1x and 25mm in vertical for the rest. Like the 300 above the two EM1x’s are learning their roles, the 75mm armed one also being my 40-150 lens for out door sports.