Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm F/1.7

For an unobtrusive, ultra-wide lens with a fast, bright maximum aperture, this offering from Panasonic becomes a very strong contender. It could be ideal for a wide range of subject matter, even, with care, portraiture, which is no longer constrained by the view that 85mm is the ideal. Styles change, and we have an ultra-wide world now in cinematography and videography. Travel photography also demands compact lenses and the fast lens extends the possibilities into the evening light. Astrophotography, street photography, and architecture, all are ideal subject matter.

This Panasonic lens fulfils all the requirements for a compact, fast ultra-wide. The actual performance technically is excellent centrally in particular, the only glitch being the relatively lacklustre sharpness at smaller apertures at the edges. Fortunately, this is the most apparent close-up and at normal distances not so much of a problem.

A sound lens at a sound price. 

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH

If I were a Panasonic MFT user, then I would be looking very closely at this lens. It is a remarkably useful lens, focusing close, delivering superb quality, and handling well. I can even forgive the catch on the lens hood as it can be worked around. The changeover point of 25mm with its f/1.7 sibling seems to have been finely judged and the two lenses together would make a powerful pair indeed.

The description of moisture and dust resistance seems to be hedging bets a little, but Panasonic are not alone in being slightly vague on the matter. The price is also quite high, but that is reflected in the quality offered.

In summary, overall the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH is a very fine lens well worth very serious consideration. 

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH

There is a lot to like about this lens. The fast maximum aperture is great for low-light applications and for improving the ability to throw the background out of focus on the small MFT format. The constant f/1.7 aperture maintains these advantages right through the zoom range. In theory, it also would make calculations for manual flash simpler, but probably these days that is a relatively minor advantage for most of us. Focusing is virtually instantaneous and very, very accurate. The lens hood is too easy to release, but once aware we can watch for that.

Of course, the icing on the cake is the quality of the results, with the one exception of the possibility of flare. Overall though, a superb bit of kit and a lovely lens to complement the MFT system.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH

Panasonic has produced here a telephoto zoom that is exceptionally easy to handle, produces excellent results and is priced realistically against the competition. Compared to full frame marques, it is priced very competitively when we consider what job the lens does.

Not only that, but the compact, light construction mirrors the size of the MFT cameras and follows the ethos of the MFT system. It is easy to see the attraction of lighter, smaller cameras and lenses, especially when the quality is still extremely high.

So, on various levels, a lovely lens and an Editor's Choice.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH

The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 Asph. is a pleasure to use, but the greatest pleasure is arguably in the outstanding sharpness, giving a real punch to images. The pleasure extends to enjoying fine engineering as well, because there is the high quality of the construction and finish to enjoy for its own sake.

In summary, a lens that lives up to its Leica tag and should serve very well for many years of use.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH

The lens hits all the right spots and delivers generally excellent quality. It is true that it falters in a couple of areas, principally the edge sharpness at 12mm and the general sharpness at f/16 and f/22. Given the small MFT format, the performance at the two smallest apertures can be forgiven as diffraction is to blame. Arguably f/22 could have been left out altogether, but on the other hand, as long as we are aware of its drawbacks then at least it remains a choice. In all other respects, the lens shines, with low vignetting, low CA, remarkably low distortion and virtually no tendency to flare. Even the edge sharpness problem at 12mm could be mitigated by shooting at f/5.6 or f/8, which many photographers might do anyway.

Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH

Regardless of the technical results, this is a lens that produces images that look fantastic. Some might argue that's actually what a lens is for and we need look no further than that. When we do examine the detail, the overall standard of sharpness is very good indeed but becomes outstanding at the centre over most of the aperture range. This high standard shows up the effects of diffraction with the fairly soft results at f/16 and it is probably a wise decision not to include the option of f/22.

No lens is perfect, but we have here a very exciting prospect for MFT format users with a lens that provides a unique bright f/1.4 aperture and excels at producing superb images. Lovely.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph. Power O.I.S.

The Panasonic Lumix 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph Power OIS lens is not perfect, but it has some remarkable properties and is incredibly versatile. The low levels of distortion and CA are truly impressive and overall central sharpness is of a high standard, starting off as outstanding.  .

Lenses have different applications and this Lumix seems an ideal light, compact travel lens that will deliver the goods over a wide range of subject matter.

Panasonic LUMIX G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH

As far as the performance of this lens is concerned, there is little to find fault with. Sharpness is outstanding from maximum aperture, falloff, distortion and fringing are all well controlled too. You also get a lens that's robust, well built, compact in size and lightweight. Overall, the Panasonic LUMIX G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH gives outstanding sharpness with built-in optical image stabilisation.

Panasonic Lumix G Macro 30mm f/2.8 ASPH

Who could ask for more than a reasonably priced lens that delivers excellent sharpness across the frame from maximum aperture, useful optical stabilisation and life-size magnification at its closest focusing distance? Of course, the compact size and light weight also help to make this lens one that will win over many admirers.

Overall, the Panasonic Lumix G Macro 30mm f/2.8 delivers excellent sharpness in a compact and well-built lens.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 35-100mm f/4.0-5.6 Asph Mega O.I.S.

On the whole, it's difficult to fault this little lens from Panasonic. Optically it performs better than its price tag would have you expect while being compact enough to be barely noticeable in a camera bag when travelling. Those looking for a compact telephoto lens should certainly add this lens to their list of considerations. The Panasonic Lumix Vario G 35-100mm gives excellent sharpness and is as compact as telephoto zoom lenses come.

Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH

The Leica name is like a seal of quality for Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds lenses, and this lens lives up to its reputation in many ways. The Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens delivers excellent sharpness with high build quality, fast focusing, low falloff and CA as well as a realistic price. Overall, this lens is a fine performer in most ways, that is sturdily built and worthy of the Leica name.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH

This is one of those times when a lens manufacturer just gets everything right. This optic is sharp, lightweight, compact, nice to use and not overly priced. Some people may find the lack of a manual focus ring is not for them, but even so, it's difficult to not be impressed by this little lens. The Panasonic G Vario 12-32mm is an impressive lens that is sharp, lightweight, compact and nice to use.

Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH

Optically, this lens delivers on high sharpness, with low CA and distortion which is enough alone to recommend this lens. The fact that it also includes an effective optical stabilisation system, Nano Surface coatings to suppress flare and a manual aperture ring to improve handling, makes this lens very hard not to love. It may cost a fair few pennies, but it will be money well spent, especially as the price isn't obnoxious in any way.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6

When we tested this lens' predecessor, we liked it a lot, as it offered good performance for a 10x zoom. As this lens performs even better throughout the zoom range, we like it even more. Very few zoom lenses are able to deliver as consistently as this lens does throughout the zoom range.

Overall the Panasonic Lumix G Vario delivers good sharpness consistently through the zoom range.

Panasonic Lumix G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II

This standard zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras covers a range equivalent to a 28-84mm lens on a 35mm camera, sports a compact design and optical image stabilisation. it offers excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range and makes a great kit lens as well as an option for those wanting a standard zoom in a compact size body with manual zoom control. 

Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 Asph OIS

Panasonic's 35-100mm is a fine lens that is priced reasonably, compact, lightweight and performs incredibly well. Sharpness is spot-on, distortion is low and focusing is fast. IS is effective, there's a constant f/2.8 aperture and the lens is weather sealed.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6

Although the optical performance of this lens may not be up to the lofty heights of some other Micro Four thirds lenses, especially at 150mm, the low price and good features still make this a decent value choice, especially for those after a compact telephoto lens on a budget as sharpness is good to excellent throughout the zoom range in the centre, build quality and handling are excellent too.

Panasonic Lumix G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8

Performance-wise, this lens delivers sharp, contrasty images with low CA and distortion, which should be expected of a pro-spec zoom. It also comes weather-sealed, offers fast focusing, a constant f/2.8 aperture and IS. The size makes it easy to carry around, too. 

Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH

When the excellent performance and features included are taken into consideration, this lens represents a very good buy for Micro Four Thirds camera owners after a dedicated macro lens. Sharpness is excellent from maximum aperture, the optical stabilisation works well and it's lightweight and compact too.

Overall, this lightweight, compact lens offers excellent sharpness levels, has a fast internal focus and is good value for money.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4.0-5.6

The Panasonic 100-300mm lens offers good value and would make a good choice for wildlife shooters. Results are good and although it's not one of the highest performing lenses Panasonic make, it is certainly adequate, producing sharp contrasty images. It's also lightweight for a lens providing an angle of view equivalent to a 600mm lens on a 35mm camera. Focusing could be faster but we can forgive this. 

Panasonic 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6

Overall this optic performs well, the build quality is good and focusing fast so it should please most people. The lens mount is plastic and it's not as compact as some other lenses but with good optical quality, decent build, fast focusing and an effective IS system, it's a lens that's well worth considering. 

Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 Lumix G

Overall this lens is capable of producing excellent quality images and given its keen price and miniature size, it is sure to find many fans amongst Micro Four Thirds system camera owners. Although it can be quite prone to flare with a strong light source in the frame, this is a small negative when the excellent sharpness, low CA and good build quality are taken into account.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6

The Panasonic 45-175mm lens is a very good general purpose telephoto, with good build quality and design. Excellent sharpness levels are maintained throughout the zoom range at maximum aperture, but sharpness towards the edges falls behind. Stopping down does improve sharpness a little, but as diffraction limits how effective stopping down can be, quality peaks at f/8 throughout the zoom range.

 

Panasonic Lumix 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 G X

Although other lenses in this range may be able to turn out slightly sharper images, the compact size of this lens and excellent build quality will still win over many fans, especially those attracted to the Micro Four Thirds system for compactness.

The novel design and controls may take a little getting used to for some, but the implementation of the rocker switch controls is very good, which ultimately leads to a pleasant user experience.

If the compact size will make a notable change to your picture-taking habits, then this lens could be worth every penny to you.

Panasonic Lumix G 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye

The compact size, and excellent optical performance of this fisheye optic will make it worthy of consideration if the distorted fisheye effect is what you're after. The price is in-line with other manufacturers' fisheye offerings for other camera systems, and this lens should be ranked up with the best of those as far as performance is concerned.

Panasonic 7-14mm f/4 Lumix G Vario

This specialised lens is more than capable of producing very high-quality images with very good sharpness across the frame. Although flare may be an issue caused by the large bulbous front element, so long as a little care is taken to avoid the situations where this may occur, it is only a small issue when compared with the excellent performance and build. Although the performance is excellent in most areas, this lens may still be confined to a small niche

Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 Mega OIS

This lens offers decent quality for a 10x superzoom lens. This, coupled with the low distortion/falloff, optical IS and excellent build quality may be just enough to sway many in the direction of this lens.