Tell me about pancake lenses

[ElizK]

Because I haven't a clue how to use one / what it's for! I've read product description, I've seen someone on this board mention using it, but I do not understand! Is this lens used in conjunction with another, or is it a "stand-alone"?

Thanks. Hope that question isn't too silly. But how can I decide if I need one if I don't know what it is???

 

[JoeDif]

Here is a write up found on Yahoo Answers


Pancakes do not alter the image in any way. They're prime lenses that are physically thin, like pancakes, hence the name. There's really nothing special about them other than the fact that they're extremely compact. Combined with a compact DSLR, you have a very slim and portable package. Pancakes also tend to be less intimidating to subjects in urban and candid photography.

 

[Pugrpooh]

The pancake lens that you're referring to I guess is the Olympus 25mm. The name "pancake" describes its shape rather than function. They designed it to make a really small DSLR outfit for people who don't want to lug big cameras and lenses around.

It's a prime lens, so doesn't zoom and I think it's biggest advantage if you're not getting it for size, is that it's a faster lens than the kit lenses.

I haven't decided if I want one or not. I was almost ready today to get the 70-300mm, but I didn't get away from work early like I had hoped.

 

[ukcatfan]

The pancake lens that you're referring to I guess is the Olympus 25mm. The name "pancake" describes its shape rather than function. They designed it to make a really small DSLR outfit for people who don't want to lug big cameras and lenses around.

It's a prime lens, so doesn't zoom and I think it's biggest advantage if you're not getting it for size, is that it's a faster lens than the kit lenses.

I haven't decided if I want one or not. I was almost ready today to get the 70-300mm, but I didn't get away from work early like I had hoped.

I could be wrong, but I was thinking ElizK was a Pentax user. They have the DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited and DA 40mm F2.8 Limited that are true pancake lenses. There is also the DA 70mm F2.4 Limited that is very small.

 

[ElizK]

I could be wrong, but I was thinking ElizK was a Pentax user. They have the DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited and DA 40mm F2.8 Limited that are true pancake lenses. There is also the DA 70mm F2.4 Limited that is very small.

I have the Olympus E510. I've only had it for about two and a half months. I'm still a newbie.

So, basically, it's just a very thin lens that has no zoom? Thank you for the info!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

So, basically, it's just a very thin lens that has no zoom? Thank you for the info!

Yes, it's a prime lens, ie one focal length. It's also faster (ie wider aperture) than the kits, but not as fast as, say, a 30mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8, other lenses that you can get in 4/3 (don't think those are referred to as pancakes, though).

This particular "pancake" lens came out last year packaged with the E-420, which, together, gave them the distinction of being the smallest DSLR combination. I think Oly was caught off guard because so many users bought the lens alone that suppliers ran out of stock fairly quickly.

HTH. I think it's a great value.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/lens/dea/products/lens/25_28/index.asp

 

[ukcatfan]

Yes, it's a prime lens, ie one focal length. It's also faster (ie wider aperture) than the kits, but not as fast as, say, a 30mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8, other lenses that you can get in 4/3 (don't think those are referred to as pancakes, though).

That is a very good point. If you are not in need of the small size, you are almost always better off with a regular size prime b/c you get a larger aperture.

 

[Groucho]

I could be wrong, but I was thinking ElizK was a Pentax user. They have the DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited and DA 40mm F2.8 Limited that are true pancake lenses. There is also the DA 70mm F2.4 Limited that is very small.

I believe all three are considered pancake lenses; Pentax is the only company offering a full range of pancake lenses.

I've heard lots of good things about them but I haven't been in a situation where I've needed the smallest/lightest kit possible so I've never considered them. I'd rather get a larger lens with a faster aperture - I value speed over almost everything else.