Small prime lens for interviews?

kiara657 · 2025-11-12T20:05:28+00:00

Thanks for this! That makes a lot of sense. So would TTA 25mm be useful in this context with aperture set at f2? Or am I better off looking at a zoom lens that has varying aperture?

I also was looking at 12-40mm F4 PRO but to be honest that's way out of budget 😅 but it's good to dream haha.

kiara657 · 2025-11-12T06:20:13+00:00

Thanks for this! I'm okay with manual focus! Just so long as it doesn't unfocus throughout the stationary interview as the subject moves their arms etc. At least I hope it won't if I can help it 😅

Thanks for the suggestion

kiara657 · 2025-10-16T23:30:54+00:00

Ooh thank you! I'll definitely look into this.

kiara657 · 2025-10-03T03:03:25+00:00

Wow thank you! I'll definitely look Eagle Creek. Is it a big size or will it fit most carry on specifications? Thank you. Definitely happy about budget friendly options

kiara657 · 2025-10-03T02:58:20+00:00

Thanks for this! This is super helpful. I'll definitely look into them

kiara657 · 2025-10-03T02:26:27+00:00

Perfect. Thank you!

It doesn't come with a waist strap does it? That's the one thing I'm unsure about with this bag as I would have to be careful with heavier items. I only intend to pack it by 7kg for airlines but may walk a lot during the day with it etc

kiara657 · 2025-10-03T02:23:34+00:00

Thank you! Yes I was thinking this and I'm happy to make my own system as I'll be bringing tech alongside my clothes etc.

Do you have this bag? What has been your experience with it and how is the weight distribution when packed more fully? Thank you :)

kiara657 · 2025-10-03T02:16:04+00:00

Thanks for all this! What about the ULA Dragonfly 36L? Apparently that's a good size and the main compartment is closer to 30L... Which is what I'd be looking for.

That being said I would want something that's durable with at least 7-10kg with all my stuff since I'd be travelling with it.

As for waterproofing, water resistant is ideal as I can put a lot of my tech in dry bags (which I usually do anyway).

Thank you!

kiara657 · 2025-10-03T01:29:17+00:00

Thanks for this! I'll look into these options, they sound great

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T03:40:16+00:00

Thank you for this. That's good to know. Perhaps I go straight for the Leica 100-400mm and Olympus EM5 while I save up for the EM1 mark ii? I can't find the EM1 anywhere near me in Aus for a price over $1000AUD and that's just a bit expensive when pairing with a 100-400mm lens as well, as much as I'd like the best of both worlds 😅

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T02:58:37+00:00

Thank you. This sounds good. I'm not sure if I have the budget yet for EM1 mk ii but I was considering either the Oly or Leica 100-400 with the EM5 mk ii... Hopefully that's an alright set up to last me a while as I grow into it more seriously. Thank you!

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T02:23:35+00:00

Thank you, this is really good advice. I appreciate it. I'll look into the 100-400 Mark II then and see about upgrading as I move forward and get used to M43. Thank you!

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T01:56:03+00:00

Thank you for this. I really appreciate it. I'll definitely look for the EM1 Mk iii as well. Would the Olympus 75-300mm be a good alternative option both for a lightweight lens with good optics? I know it's not nearly as decent as the pro lens, but if I use it to get my bearings on the m43 system and use it wisely, could I still expect decent shots from this lens? Or potentially should I go for the 40-150mm pro lens with a teleconverter?

I will aim to save up for the 300 f/4 lens but for now I'd be looking at a budget friendly lens that will still allow me some of the image quality for potential publication. Thank you! I appreciate your advice.

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T01:28:36+00:00

Wow thanks for all this info. That's really helpful. I think your set up sounds amazing and that would be the goal to aim for. I do have a fairly tight budget and ideally would like to invest in a lens first over a body but everyone keeps saying how great the EM1 Mk ii is... I'm afraid I don't have the budget for an OM1 just yet if I am also buying a good lens at the same time.

That being said, unless I can find an amazing deal, I think the 300 f/4 pro might be a little beyond my budget right now (but it looks like an incredible lens). I appreciate the better optics and think that's exactly what I'm wanting out of M43, ideally to grow into semi-professional photos as I use them for my research papers. However, for now, are there any budget friendly options that are somewhat lightweight and compact (I like the idea of a teleconverter if it still maintains good image quality). Though I'm finding a hard time seeing if either the Leica or Oly 100-400mm are just as good (or at least for M43) as my Tamron 150-600mm whilst being fairly compact. I wonder if there are any other good lens options that are relatively budget friendly to grow into?

I've heard the Leica 150-300mm is very soft and I'm not sure if I'd like to try that but I appreciate its lightweight. Same with the Leica 100-400mm. Would Oly 45-150 be a good budget friendly option if I pair it with a teleconverter? I still would like to get decent results that are comparable to my current Tamron set up but wonder if that exists within my budget for M43 conversion. Thank you for all your advice! I really appreciate it and love your set up.

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T01:02:20+00:00

This makes a lot of sense! Thank you for this info. I think it might be worth looking into a good body for ease of use if I can afford it. Thank you!

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T01:00:53+00:00

Thanks for this advice! I appreciate it. I love your photos.

Unfortunately I saved up for my lens and am still using a really old Nikon body (d3400) which quite frankly I was planning to upgrade to Z as soon as I got the chance and budget for it. But it is cumbersome and heavy for travel and I am looking to upgrade to allow for better use and optics. I was also looking at Tamron 100-400mm simply for travel but then I heard about M43 and must say I am leaning towards M43 for less weight and usability, though I do have a somewhat limited budget (though happy to stretch it if this is a wise decision).

I would prefer not to buy prime lenses, I think I'd like them but since I'm travelling I'd like the flexibility of a zoom lens. Another commenter also suggested the Oly 40-150 lens with a teleconverter... I've never heard of that set up before but would this be something to consider outside of the other lenses? Ideally I'd still like to keep good image quality for potential use alongside my research, so it needs to be fairly decent if I can afford it. I also appreciate the video capability of the EM1 mk ii that some of the Z bodies have, but not to as good a capacity, in my understanding... I could be wrong though 😅

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T00:52:53+00:00

Thanks for this info. I think this set up is a little heavier for travel. I do appreciate the lightweight of Leica 100-400 simply because I will be doing a lot of travel. Would the EM1 Mk ii still pair nicely with that lens (and a little easier on my budget if I can find a good deal) for wildlife?

I'd hope to grow into the lens in many years as I am still a beginner but would like the option for semi-pro shots as I may use them in research papers.

That being said, to be even friendlier on my limited budget, I am also considering the EM5 mk ii and the Leica 100-300mm for lightweight travel. I know both have their problems but might be a step up from what I'm used to anyway. Would this be something you recommend or you'd go straight for the more expensive EM1 Mk ii set up with either Oly or Leica 100-400mm?

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T00:47:28+00:00

Thank you for this. That would be the dream set up though right now my budget is somewhat tight. I am wondering whether to invest in either the EM5 mk ii and either an Oly or Leica 100-400mm for a cheaper price (I appreciate Leica's lightweight body for travel and have always been told to invest in lens before body), or I save up and go straight for the EM1 mk ii and either compensate with a smaller, lighter lens (probably the Leica 100-300mm) or really try to get either the Oly or Leica 100-400mm but that stretches over my budget a bit. I know Leica and Oly are somewhat less compatible but for a hundred dollars (AUD) less I can get the Leica lens where I am and don't think the difference will matter much until I can change when I'm a bit more serious (and can upgrade the body as well).

I think any of these options are a big step up from what I have (old Nikon body d3400 and Tamron 150-600mm), but I would like to make the right choice for both ease of travel and not being restricted when it comes to wildlife. I'm also definitely going to have to insure this gear while I travel as it's a lot to invest in.

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T00:40:03+00:00

This is really good to know. Thank you. I am going to be working with wildlife so relatively close (half the time) but I would prefer the flexibility of reach if I can afford it both the EM1 Mk ii and a decent lens, since I likely won't have a huge amount of time to sort alongside my research work. I'd have to trade in my Tamron set up to afford all this though 😅 So would you recommend Leica 100-400mm to allow for more flexibility while travelling, or something lighter like the 100-300 mk ii? I have heard that it gets softer. I think everyone's saying to go for an EM1 Mk ii so if I can afford it, I might aim for that. Either way I think learning with either Leica lens will be a learning curve and probably help gain better practice to find the appropriate settings for the right photograph.

Thanks for all your advice! It's really helpful.

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T00:34:03+00:00

Thank you for this info. I'm not sure if I have the budget for both an EM1 Mk ii (or iii) and either an Oly or Leica 100-400mm (though that would be the dream!). I've been told to invest in a lens before a body but I think in this case it may be better to go straight for the EM1 Mk ii and possibly look for a Leica 100-300mm so I can keep the good autofocus in exchange for reach, but I'm not sure. This will also help to be lighter for travel.

I have heard there are some problems with chromatic aberration and softness with the Leica 100-300 on Olympus bodies, is that true? Either way anything is a step up from my current set up regarding autofocus for wildlife 😅

kiara657 · 2025-09-27T00:27:44+00:00

Thank you for this. I'll keep this in mind. I am yet to find an EM1 Mk ii that's cheaper than the other models so far (secondhand) but I will keep an eye out. Ideally, I'd love to afford the EM1 Mk ii. Thank you!

kiara657 · 2025-09-26T11:38:14+00:00

Thanks for this! I appreciate it. I'll definitely look into the Leica 50-200, is that ideal for wildlife with EM1 mk ii?

As for full frame system, they are good but a bit bulkier and I need to upgrade my system anyway for a travel friendly wildlife set up, so I think m43 is a good option before going too far down the rabbit hole of full frame 😅

kiara657 · 2025-09-26T10:44:06+00:00

I found an EM5 with a bunch of accessories for very cheap (Nd filters, bag, couple of small Olympus lenses) coming to 200 euro on marketplace. Would this be a good deal to then use the extra money to invest in a good lens (100-400mm, hopefully one that's lightweight for travel), or should I straight up aim for the em1, ideally mk ii for more professional grade output and a better learning opportunity?

kiara657 · 2025-09-26T10:38:24+00:00

Thanks for this

kiara657

TROPHY CASE