I read that Panasonic 25mm 1.4 for 4/3rds would soon be discontinued (if not not already) and I noticed that the Sigma 30mm 1.4 for 4/3rds was listed as discontinued from one online retailer. What gives? Is everything going to micro 4/3rds? Or maybe there will be a new lens from these brands? Let me know if I am missing something or your opinions on this topic.

Panasonic stopped making lenses for 4/3 because they stopped making a 4/3 body. They're focused on the m4/3 now. Sigma stopped producing a 4/3 mount for all but 3 of their lenses for their own reasons, and they make mounts for many different formats.The Pan/Leica 25 mm f/1.4 is a superb lens. If you can afford one get it for your Olympus 4/3 camera. It's sharp, a normal FL lens that's great for close portraits and head shots and it works very well in low light. -- Dave No thought exists without an image. Socrates http://whaleshark.smugmug.com

Sigma 30mm still not officially discontinued in Scandinavia. Might be soon though.

furbwrote:I read that Panasonic 25mm 1.4 for 4/3rds would soon be discontinued (if not not already) and I noticed that the Sigma 30mm 1.4 for 4/3rds was listed as discontinued from one online retailer. What gives? Is everything going to micro 4/3rds? Or maybe there will be a new lens from these brands? Let me know if I am missing something or your opinions on this topic.Lenses are manufactured in batches; the company estimates how many they can sell in say, 2 years, so they make that quantity. If the demand is stronger than anticipated, they will run subsequent batches or determine if a revised model is called for.Given that Olympus has ceased production of 4/3 bodies with the exception of the E-5, and most E-5 buyers already have a collection of 4/3 lenses, why would any lens manufacturer make more of something that has very few buyers. The used lens market will most likely satisfy the need of those few buyers.If the smallest quantity that can be manufactured cost effectively is 2000 units, and the projected sales for the next year is only 250 units, why would any manufacturer do a production run?By now the stocks are depleted. Any unsold lenses from low volume countries/markets are collected and either put on the auction site or brought to higher demand markets to be disposed of.If you want any particular 4/3 lens, get one now if you can find it.Trevor