So I finally caved and picked up a used OM-D E-M5 Mark III because I wanted something smaller for my hiking trips and tbh my back is killing me from hauling my old full-frame gear everywhere. I love the portability but Im really struggling with the crop factor since I used to shoot everything at 24mm. I do a lot of landscape photography and occasionally try some environmental portraits, but I feel like I just cant get enough in the frame when Im out on a trail.
I’ve been obsessively watching review videos and now Im torn between a few options. Im looking at the Olympus M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro because obviously the build quality is insane and weather sealing is a must for me, but man is it expensive and kinda heavy for what I want. Then there is the Panasonic Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4, which I hear is amazing for landscapes and filters, but Im worried about the lack of sync IS since I’m on an Olympus body. Lastly, I keep looking at the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 because it’s so tiny and I love the idea of manual focus for landscapes, but Im nervous about not having autofocus for those times I try to grab a quick shot of my dog running around.
My budget is around $800 max so that definitely makes the 7-14mm a bit of a stretch unless I find a decent deal used. I really need something sharp that wont distort too much at the edges. I guess my main concern is whether the OIS issues with the Leica lens are actually a dealbreaker for handheld shots or if the IBIS in the E-M5 is enough to compensate? I really need to pull the trigger on something before my trip to the mountains next month, so if anyone has experience with these on an OM-D body, let me know which one you think is the best trade-off for a travel hiker like me?
Totally agree with the others. I DIY everything to save cash, and honestly, the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 is the best value. I grabbed mine used for way under $400, saved me a ton compared to the big zooms. It fits in my pocket easily! For the money, the cost per year is practically pennies. You dont need autofocus for landscapes anyway, just set your aperture and go. It's a steal.
Just catching up here. Regarding what #6 said about weight, are you actually gonna use the zoom range enough to justify the price? I saved a ton DIYing my Laowa 7.5mm f/2.
> "Honestly, if you're hiking with an E-M5, you really don't want to weigh yourself down" I've been through three of these setups. Are you prioritizing weight or versatility for your trip?
Re: "Totally agree with the others..."
- I used the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 in Iceland last year and it was a dream.
- Laowa 7.5mm f/2: Tiny, sharp.
- Olympus M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro: Bulky. Just stick to the manual prime.
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
Honestly, grab the Olympus M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro used. That weather sealing is non-negotiable for hiking, and the IBIS on your body handles the lack of sync perfectly.
Honestly, if you're hiking with an E-M5, you really don't want to weigh yourself down with those bulky pro-grade zooms. I spent years lugging around heavy glass, but these days I find that picking up a compact prime from the major MFT manufacturers is the way to go — especially if you prioritize weight over versatility. You can definitely find something in that wide-angle range that is weather-sealed and sharp enough to make your landscapes look crisp without breaking your back on the trail. Don't stress too much about the lack of sync IS with some of those lenses. The IBIS in your camera body is honestly top-tier and does most of the heavy lifting anyway. If you want my advice, stick to the smaller, weather-sealed primes from the main Micro Four Thirds ecosystem. They are much lighter, usually fit well within your budget, and the image quality is more than enough for what you're doing. Manual focus is actually a blast for landscapes once you get the hang of it, and it keeps the lens size tiny, which is exactly what you want when you're trekking. Just grab a small wide-angle prime from one of the big names and you'll be set for your mountain trip.
This ^
Rarely post but I had to chime in. Skip the zooms and get the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT. On a hiking trip, weight is king. You dont need autofocus for landscapes, and for your dog, just zone focus by setting your aperture to f/8 and keep your distance. The sharpness is insane and it saves you enough cash for a solid travel tripod. Its honestly the only way to go for the E-M5.
I have owned both the Olympus M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro and the Panasonic Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH, and for hiking, the weight difference is significant. The Olympus is a tank at 534g, while the Leica sits at 315g. The Leica also allows standard 67mm screw-on filters, which is a massive advantage for landscape photographers who need polarizers or ND grads without carrying bulky square filter kits. You asked about the IBIS; the E-M5 Mark III has excellent sensor stabilization, and you absolutely do not need dual-sync IS for a lens this wide. I have shot at 1/2 second handheld with the Leica on an E-M5 body without issue. Here is how they break down for your specific needs:
- Panasonic Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH: Best balance of weight, filter utility, and sharpness. Less flare than the Olympus.
- Olympus M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro: Superior weather sealing, but the bulbous front element makes it a nightmare for filters.
- Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT: Unbeatable for backpacking weight at 170g, but it lacks the versatility of a zoom. Anyway, bottom line is that the Leica 8-18mm is the perfect middle ground. You get the 24mm equivalent at the wide end, but the 36mm equivalent at the long end makes it far more useful for those environmental portraits you mentioned. Save your back and get the Leica.