General purpose lens: 24-105 VS ... an OMD?!

Ok so I'm in a dillemna. I have a 6D with my 24/50/135 prime kit that I use for "serious" stuff. I need a more versatile option for friends/family/travel photos.

I can either get:

- 24-105 F4L
- Olympus OMD E-M10 w/ 17mm and 45mm lenses

I've used the OMD with these lenses and absolutely love it.
As far as DOF equivalencies, both options are about the same (the 17 and 45mm lenses are about 35mm f3.5 and 90mm f3.5 in 35mm terms).
With the 24-105, I get versatility in one package.
With the OMD, I get a sharper image, smaller package, closer focus, still have IS via IBIS, but I would need to swap between the 17 and 45 lenses, and it would cost twice as much as the 24-105.

However, if I go OMD route I have a very neat whole kit of 24/35/50/90/135 primes across 2 formats. 35 and 90 I rarely use for serious stuff. I use 35 more for these family and travel casual purposes, so thats why this kit makes sense to me.

BUT the 24-105L costs half as much and does the same thing, at the expense of bulk and sharpness.

What would you guys do?

You need to share the type of photography you're doing. Portrait? Landscape? Sports/kids? The answers may be radically different for each.

Well, the reason I didn't specify is because I use all of my gear for all types of shooting really. I don't use one piece of gear for just one purpose, etc.

The thing that I'm having a dillemna with is which format to go for friends/family/travel/​casual stuff, because these are the things I cannot really use my 24/50/135 combo for, as I like having versatility and the 35mm range for these things. I can stay DSLR with the 24-105 or I can go for the compact OMD...

I would suggest 24-105 (I have it meself on 6D), just because it is such a versatile and good quality lens. And will cost you less than the OMD setup.

You mentioned versatility, but going OMD and a whole slew of primes (even just a couple) just defeats the purpose. You're back to where you started with the 6D but in a smaller format. I'd personally go 24-105mm if I was in your shoes as a traveler myself. I'm actually looking into one as a one lens mount and forget it option.

Yeah I agree about the primes bit defeating the purpose. My reasoning though is:

- I mainly use 35/85 for casual/people/travel stuff, so if I went with the 24-105 it would be used mostly in those ranges anyway.
- The OMD and 17/45 kit is so compact I could carry the camera on a strap and the other lens in my pocket, literally. It's so much less intimidating than a DSLR with a big zoom on it.
- The Oly 17/45 would be sharper than the 24-105. I've never used the 24-105 but from samples I've seen compared to my 17/45 files, it's not as sharp.
- However, the 24-105 would give me more versatility in having the 24, 50 and long end.
- It also saves me twice as much cash lol.

I guess I already have a good idea of the pros and cons of either route. Just wanted to see what others feel, maybe it'll sway me.

I've got both systems too, and love the smaller size for family/travel/casual shooting. I can get my whole m43 kit in a bag that would only hold a dslr body and 2 lenses. The thing is, I've got a few more lenses than you're suggesting. I think my most used lenses are the 12-50 (3.5-6.3), Sigma 19mm, and Oly 75mm.

If you're looking for the best value/money, that's going to be the 24-105 hands down. It might not be as sharp as the OMD+primes, but you get quite a lens for a good price (without the added expense of another system). If you're more interested in portability, go for the OMD. It seems that you've got to choose between value and portability. They can both produce great images.

Personally, I opted for the two system setup- to the detriment of my wallet.

I'd be surprised if the 24-105 on the 6D will not be as sharp as the Olympus kit you are talking about.

I dunno, but my 24-105 shoots some pretty sharp shots. I see a bit of soft at each end, but nothing I'd truly complain about - as I know it already. But I like it a lot -- thought about changing to the 24-70 f4, but then went out and seriously put the 24-105 to the test first, then decided to keep it.

Money was not in the equation -- just the lens. And the 24-105 won. I confess, I've never shot with a 24-70, so can't compare directly. But the images this weekend convinced me without testing the 24-70. So, don't know exactly what help that is -- except I like the lens enough to continue with it.

One thing to remember is that your 6d will be an incredible low light camera that can get away with no flash. Micro 4/3 on the other hand falls apart at high ISO alot faster than your canon. Ultimate IQ your going to appreciate the canon.

As a secondary camera system I use the EM-5 and gh3. Small and portable is the key factor. Also I shoot available light only with my m43.

To be honest I'd build your canon kit to your liking so that you have your FL covered in one system. For the price of some of the m43 lenses I'd really select the ones you really need.

I can't comment about the Olympus since I have no experience with it. But I recently acquired a 24-105 F4L. What a great lens. It has replaced my 24-70 2.8L as my primary general use lens. I use 2 'rigs' to shoot weddings and this lens will be mounted on one of them.

That 24-105 lens has been around long enough to have a few defective lenses, like any other mass manufactured product.

So, we might hear a bit more about those, than about all the good ones. It's expected 'good', so we get negative comments about a relatively few bad ones, and that hits home a little harder.

24-105 is my go to lens. I use all my lenses and rotate them. But when I have a need of general usage, I pick it up. It's an underrated lens in my opinion. I shot several indoor events (well lit) with it and very pleased with it.

I would asses your priorities first when travelling or with family
Also do you mind walking around with your 6D all the time?

If I were you, I would get the OMD and 17mm as it would compliment your gear nicely since you don't have a 35mm lens and it also gives you a 2nd body to work with.
Down the road you can decide on whether to get the 45mm
or
use your 6D + 135mm for med-tele
or
get a EF 85mm 1.8 for your 6D

-side story-
when we went to Disney World/Miami last year, I brought an X100 (35mm) and 5DII w/ 17-40mm & 135L.
I ended up using the X100 90% of the time as it's small, light and discreet; 35mm is a great focal length for travel.
I used the 17-40mm only once to shoot the fireworks in Disneyworld and one night in Miami to get some night shots.
135L likewise was used sparingly, once in DW to shoot the animals, a beach volleyball tournament and Heat vs Lakers game in Miami

could I have done the same thing with just the 5DII and 24-105L?
you bet but that's one big camera to lug with all the time

Since i use the spider holster the weight of the camera is not an issue.

When we went on an Alaskan cruise I lugged my 5dmk2 along with my Olympus omd. I'll have to say the OM-D with the incredible 25mm f/1.4 did a spectacular job during the day. In the evenings I used my 5dmk2 alot more due to its iso capabilities.

With my experience the Canon lands the shot exactly the way you want. The OM-D is somewhat reliable but its not going to have equivalent keepers when your in a challenging environment. Outdoors in ample light the keeper rate is great but not nearly as accurate as a dslr.

As far as M43 is concerned I'd honestly push you to buy an EM-1 or Gh4. Flagship M43 bodies that are more capable in high iso situations. My em-5 is not upto my challenges I throw at it so I use it as a good light camera body. GH4 will be a killer video camera for family events and professional shoots.

http://www.alanuyenoph​otography.com/p9719700​3/e315e98c3

My Gh3 is very capable but not 4k capable. The reason for this M43 is to compliment the canon system. Olympus is dreadful in video but the em-1 is a big improvement but not even close to panasonic. I highly doubt Olympus would even ever get close to Panasonic's video capabilities.

If your wanting a supplemental camera body for "still's" only I'd probably look at fuji or sony a7 series. This is where image quality is much higher than a M43 system. The m43 system has a wide selection of lenses but it does compromise in high iso capabilities.

My current m43 system barely satisfies my IQ demands but on print it does a fine job. For my comfort zone I'll lug my canon for more flexibility. For good light the M43 is a killer system.

OP, choose your personal application and see what "fits".