B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

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jhinkey
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p.1 #1 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

B&H currently has a bundling deal that if you buy the GH-2 black body for $649 you get the 12-35/2.8 Panasonic lens for $1,099 - $200 off the lens only price.

Is that a good deal?

I've been thinking of picking up a GH-2 for a while now . . .

Nov 26, 2012 at 08:14 PM

carstenw
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p.1 #2 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

Seems like a good deal. The cheapest price for the GH2 on eBay and Amazon is $649... Maybe an American should chip in though.

Nov 26, 2012 at 08:18 PM

jhinkey
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p.1 #3 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

I've been looking at getting a system smaller than my D800-based FX gear and I've been unimpressed with the NEX lens offerings, and the Fuji X-E1 looks great, but it's pretty new.

So it was between the OM-D + 12-35 or the GH-2 + 12-35 (GH-3 is too new and very pricey). OM-D has no built-in flash nor 16:9 aspect ratio sensor, but it has the latest sensor tech, IBIS, and weatherproofing. GH-2 has great video, 16:9, built-in flash, but older sensor tech, no IBIS nor weatherproofing.

I like my carry-around zooms to start at 24mm FF equivalent and the 12-50 Oly just did not impress me at all regarding IQ. So I thought the GH-2 + 12-35 would be a great way to get into m43 with a high IQ lens and a decent full-featured body.

Nov 26, 2012 at 08:35 PM

Jman13
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p.1 #4 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

Yeah..right now that's a good deal. Last week, Amazon briefly had the GH2 for $499 and on Black Friday, you could briefly get the 12-35 for $999, but both deals seem to have passed. The 12-35 is a good lens, and if you were going to get both, it's a nice discount. I don't think you'll find either item much cheaper right now.

EDIT: Actually, the 12-35 can be bought for $1049 right now (though only a few in stock):
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-H-HS12035-LUMIX-12-35mm-Series/dp/B00843ERMW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&m=AP5EGLB0TN962&qid=1353772428&s=generic&sr=1-6

I've owned the GH2 and have the OM-D now. Quick summary between the two:

GH2 has better video
GH2 has more precise AF (size of AF point allows for very precise placing...accuracy is the same, but it's easier to hit what you want on the GH2)
GH2 has pop-up flash (though the OM-D includes the clip on flash that works very well).
GH2 has tilt and swivel screen vs just tilt on the OM-D
OM-D has better noise control above ISO 1600 (similar below that), especially at ISO 6400 and higher
OM-D has significantly wider dynamic range (I estimate about 2 stops)
OM-D's touch screen is better
OM-D has outstanding IBIS (better than the OIS on the Panasonic lenses, and works on everything)

So, pick what you like.

Both are very good cameras.

I like the 12-50 Oly for its versatility (wide to telephoto with good macro), but optically, the 12-35 kicks its rear end.

Nov 26, 2012 at 08:35 PM

Mescalamba
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p.1 #5 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

Good kit, I would probably buy it and switch to GH3 when it will be easily obtainable.

Nov 26, 2012 at 10:29 PM

jhinkey
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p.1 #6 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

Well the GH-2 for $499 + 12-35/2.8 for $999 is on again at B&H so I hit the order button.
It will be here next week.

Thought the DR, etc. of the GH-2 will be nowhere near my D800, it will be worlds better than my LX-7 which was my only other camera. It will also be less than 1/2 the weight and size of the D800 too . . . .

Now to get some stuff sold to pay for it.

John

Dec 10, 2012 at 09:28 PM

Jman13
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p.1 #7 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

The GH2 is a solid camera. It's not going to match your D800 in any way, but it's still quite good. DR is really the only place where it's only so-so. High ISO isn't bad at all, though, of course well behind a modern FF camera, and sharpness is good. The 12-35 is a very good lens (with a few issues, but overall quite good). The GH2 has great video and the multi-aspect sensor is really nice.

I really enjoyed my GH2 and shot about 30,000 frames on it over two years.

Dec 10, 2012 at 09:41 PM

jhinkey
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p.1 #8 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

This setup will be for summer climbs and winter outings where I really did not want the weight and bulk of the D800. Nikon's DX system really doesn't save you on weight or bulk that much either.

I look forward to throwing the 75/1.8 on there sometime soon. I decided instead of buying an EM-5 I'd rather put the saved $$ into some nice m43 glass. A used 12-60 may be calling my name too . . . .

Dec 10, 2012 at 11:46 PM

bmwrider75
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p.1 #9 · B&H GH-2 + 12-35 Bundle Deal?

John, I really look forward to seeing your m4/3 images! I've enjoyed your work on the Nikon MF thread immensely.

I went the OM route, but I couldn't afford to keep both systems, so the OM-D was the most attractive body. Still not sure what to do about a fast zoom, so I'm sticking with the 7-14, panny 25, and Oly 45 and 60 macro for now. Will be very interested to hear your thoughts on the 12-35 zoom.

See you over in the m4/3 images thread!

dc

Dec 11, 2012 at 11:19 PM

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