Lumix14mm FG2.5 -great STREET lens

[@robbro53]

I recently bought this lens for my lumix g80 after seeing your review. It is not only tiny but it is way better for filming than my 14-140mm ii kit lens. It focuses much faster and more reliable than the kitlens especially for filming. So now it has become my standard lens also for taking pictures. Keep up the good work!

[@doscheid]

I own and love the 14mm. It is just perfect with my gx85.

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

I own this lens for 10 years. I bought is for the GF1 and today it lives almost permanently on the GX80. This is my small setup to grab if I don't want to carry the larger gear. I can add the 20mm/1.7 and all the other lenses if I have to but in a lot of cases I'm going with the 14mm/2.5 and it's not that hard to deal with the limitations. The lens is great for street, people, all kinds of occasional situations and the size is just breathtaking.

[@DavidMBanes]

Glad I found this video as I have just bought a used GX800 and this lens for street and car meet work.

[@paulhigginsphotography]

I like the 14mm as well. I got mine with a GF3 attached, so I got a free camera. I like the lens across all my M43 cameras it has been great just to take out everywhere. Nice and light and works well. Also slightly faster than my Olympus 12-40mm F/2.8! Keep up the good work on the videos!

[@AndySnap]

The 14mm is a great little lens, truly little! Plenty sharp enough, and sublimely compact on a smaller Lumix body. Add the Lumix or Olympus 42mm f1.7 lens, and you've got a very useful combo' which is ridiculously small and light.

[@mattisulanto]

True, that set-up would be super tiny.

[@martyptx]

I got the lens when I bought the GX9, to use primarily for street use. The GX9 came with the 12-60 kit lens which is nice but much bigger. I really love the GX9/14mm combo. Oh, I also only paid $99 (tax-free) for the lens, which I thought was an amazing price.

[@acamilop]

I use this lens all the time for restaurant shoots. Great little lens.

[@ruuddirks5565]

I like that you are a "one lens shooter". I use the same policy myself. You concentrate more on one style during your trip.

[@mattisulanto]

Yeah, that's it. Just take photos and don't play with your gear😀

[@scottfineshriber5051]

The 14mm is great fun on my GX850. And the IQ is way more than adequate. I love tiny, cheap, high-quality lenses like this.

[@MrDunk66]

Matti , as soon as you said sharpness is overrated - I subscribed 👍

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!😀

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. I have the following micro 4/3 prime lenses: Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 (46mm filter) (primarily use for landscapes) Olympus 17mm f/2.8 (37mm filter) (rarely use) Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 (46mm filter) (primarily use for street and general subjects) Olympus 45mm f/1.8 (35mm filter) (primarily use for portraits) I purchased the 14mm and 20mm in 2011. Love the fact that the 14 and 20 use the same size filters. I usually carry a 14/20/45 three-lens combination. When I shot 35mm film on my Contax G1 rangefinder, I usually carried a 28/45/90 three-lens combination.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank so much for sharing your set up.

[@robinwong]

Give me those LED tube lights I will pretend they are lightsabers.

[@mattisulanto]

They need a proper handle first, but other than that they are pretty good light sabers😀

[@johnjenkinsmusic1]

I really enjoyed this informative and unbiased video. You also seem like a really chill person. Thanks for the videos!

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@dizmatt1]

I have this lens on the GM1, and it's so small and pocketable that it opens up more opportunities. Haven't tried it on my G9 yet.

[@mattisulanto]

It is an excellent lens for something like the GM1.

[@JensMHA]

Cant really do anything other than laugh a bit. I have spent this evening researching the lens and then this pops up. Your timing is excellent! :-)

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!😀

[@saulgrimmer2585]

For people who prefer a slightly longer focal length in a pancake prime, don't forget the Olympus 17mm f/2.8 (a bit cheaper than the 14mm) and the Lumix 20mm f/1.7 (slightly more expensive, and a little larger in diameter). I have the 15mm and the 20mm, and usually prefer the 20mm field of view (although focus is slower, and noisier). By the way, what grip do you have on the GX880? Is it comfortable?

[@joeltunnah]

Olympus needs to make a weather sealed f/1.4 pro 14mm.

[@Weider63]

This is my favourite street lens, it's almost invisible! Using it with my lumix gx9, bought it used for 50 euros almost a year ago, one of the best compact lenses I have ever used. Twice got to the exhibition with photographs taken with this lens (and my hands lol). This lens is not soft at all, shooting mostly with f4.

[@lorenschwiderski]

My concern with the 14mm is not about the lens --- seems a deal at $198 and will consider it. The thing is the view is wide, so when I am on the street or just anywhere and see something going on say 50' away it may be unusable once cropped to the area I wanted. I have been using the 12-32mm, 14-42mm, 25mm, 45mm and even the 45-150mm for MFT on the street. At time I love the 14mm width, but still not sure about how many times it could be too wide. -Loren lorenschwiderski.smugmug.com/

[@mattisulanto]

You got it for €50? Wow, that was a good deal.

[@Weider63]

@@mattisulanto yes, just €50, my lens is from the first generation, usually people selling them for 120-130€. I don't know is there much of a difference between the first and second gens.

[@martinr.6693]

Hey Matti, thx for that video, I like your way creating videos on KZbin! 👍 I was long time looking for a small and light lens for my Gx800 afternoon photowalks… minimalistic as possible ‼️🤔 I tried much lenses… 3 times second hand and new 25mm Lumix. Back because of bad focus shift, Leica 25mm mk1? Sending back because of crazy unsharp corners! Lumix 20mm 1.7? Back because of old fashioned AF like in the 80ths… Olympus 17mm 1.8? Back because of bad general sharpness! And some manual china lenses, all back. And now the 14mm 2.5 mk2… wow what a tiny little lens! And… big surprise! What sharp images! And bright! It’s very close to my super sharp Lumix 42.5 1.7 lens! I am very lucky with the 14mm, maybe it’s no coincidence that my first lens in old analog times was beside the 50mm a 28mm … ⁉️🤔😂 I wish all a better better better new year‼️👍‼️

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. I'm so happy to hear the 14mm works for your.

[@MikeC2K10]

FYI, the Mk II version has a white alignment dot and white focal length marking. The original has a red alignment dot and orange focal length marking. The one you reviewed was a Mk II.

[@lorenschwiderski]

Just got my new 14mm lens today. Samy's of California has a no tax deal, where they pay the tax, and a hundred bucks off, which was a net $198. It is sharp, has good sort of film like character to the images, and at f2.5 it will be enough light for my street photography. At f2.5, f2.8 on up to f7.1 or f8 it is lookin' good. Only had a short time before sundown to take images, but it is looking really promising. This lens was made in Japan. You can always call Samy's before purchase to find out if all the inventory is made in Japan lenses -- might be the case. The lens looks awesome on the Panasonic GX-85 camera! It is Samy's 44 yr anniversary sale going on.... -Loren

[@mattisulanto]

When I lived in Pasadena, long time ago, I used to buy a lot of stuff from Samy's in Hollywood. I think the location is still the same on South Fairfax.

[@lorenschwiderski]

@@mattisulanto Yes, and they have a location in Pasadena now. They did close the Santa Barbara store however. Have you been to B&H in NY -- wow, that is huge! But it is say a 3,500 mile drive, give or take to get there, so I use delivery. ;) I have been to Camera World in Portland, Or and Russel's Camera West in Monterey, CA. Bought a Pentax SF1 at Russel's -- Camera World would not give me sale pricing at the store -- had to order instead, so I left and went to Russel's -- that was around 1987.

[@mattisulanto]

@@lorenschwiderski I have never been to New York, which I may have to rectify as this pandemic is somehow under control some day.

[@artemorbid]

Great review my friend!!! been looking into getting something very similar here

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@jvburnes]

Thanks for the review. This is also a great vlogging lens. On the GH5 you get great stabilaztion which is important for video.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@mufathur4]

I have the olympus 12-40 f/2.8, and my most used focal length when doing street photography is 14mm. I was thinking about the panaleica 15mm, but it is so expensive. And i'm okay with f/2.8 tho

[@mercurygalaxii]

Hi Mr Sulanto, I love your reviews about Lumix camera and lens and I also owns G9!

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you!

[@AnandaSim]

I bought the 14mm first. I waited to get it at a cheaper price - usually if you buy it new, alone, it is more expensive than waiting for a shop to sell it separated from a package body & lens. The GF bodies were sometimes offered as packages with the 14mm. Unfortunately, I did not love it as much as I wanted to. As I mentioned to our friend Peter, my style of photography is urban landscape with sweeping curves and leading lines and 12mm is my preference. Later I got the 12-32mm cheap (yes it appeared to be also a separated part of a body+lens package). I like the zoom more, I like the 12mm width more. I found the 20mm prime and the 14mm prime exhibited veiling flare particularly if there was bright cloudy sky with UV filter. I can use a lens hood instead of a uv filter on the 14mm but the combination is no longer small and pancake. And a 14mm hood still does not shield from the sky much. Anyway, I still have the 14mm, I will give it a few more chances.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing, Ananda.

[@perishellas7228]

I have the 12-32mm lumix and was thinking the 14mm as a faster lens. Did you compare them together to see any other differense except the apperture?

[@AnandaSim]

@@perishellas7228 In my perception, the main impact between the 12-32 and the 14mm is the zoom gives me 12mm and ability to zoom. I have not compared A vs B between the two lenses, yet - the versatility of the zoom for my style, far outweighs the 14mm. I don't think much of f/2.8 for short focal length - if I need light, I will use f/2 f/1.7 or f/1.4 . Of course I do appreciate f/2.8 for focal lengths of 135mm and more

[@PavelUrusov]

This is the second Micro 4/3 lens I bought back in 2011, it's still my favourite lens!

[@zxcvdan]

Hi, how about its low-light performance? Kind of worried if the max aperture is not big enough

[@PavelUrusov]

Daniel W. Modern Micro 4/3 cameras are good enough to shoot in low light handheld, I personally haven’t had any trouble with this lens (used it on Panasonic GH2, GF2, GX85 and my favourite camera of them all - GX8)

[@michaelwrest6145]

It is good to hear a positive review of this lens, because it has attracted criticism over the years. Is it worth paying extra for the 15mm f1.7?

[@mattisulanto]

The 15mm is a better lens, but in most cases it would be difficult see it.

[@artistjoh]

Sure the 15mm is a better lens but it is not necessarily the right question to be asking. The differences in lens quality is usually seen when wide open and in the edges/corners, and in aberrations, but stopped down to f4 or 5.6 and it gets hard to tell any difference between most modern lenses. The question better asked is “which lens better suits my photographic needs?” If you normally shoot outdoors during good daylight or indoors using flash then you will mostly be using f4 to f11 and the f2.5 pancake will be just as good as the 15 1.7 However, if you normally shoot in the evening or night, or indoors, sometimes without flash, then that f1.7 aperture will be worth gold to you and the 14 f2.5 shouldn’t be considered. These days KZbin reviews encourage the idea that some lenses are intrinsically “better” than others and that that should determine your buying decision. It is of course a nonsense masquerading as a truth. In fact there are only ever lenses that are best suited to your needs. All too often people spend large amounts on lenses they don’t really need. I guess it keeps the manufacturers and credit card companies happy :)

[@NatLife]

Had both, the 20 and 14 mm. I used the 14 rarely. The images were boring flat, even not getting better with extensive pp. Hence, I stayed with the 20 mm as the one always on. In my humble opinion, the 20 is worlds apart, better in all aspects. Just walk some steps backwards and you will get a wider perspective. Moving, walking makes great pictures, not lazy standing and humming the zoom. Further, sw now got so advanced that you can achieve amazing quality with reasonable glass as when having a new camera and better lense. Do not waste your money in more expensive bodies and elite lenses. Sw rules not materials anymore.

[@rascalhusky8129]

I have this exact lens . In North America its called a pancake lens, it's very good .

[@mattisulanto]

It's so called pancake design, true.

[@artistjoh]

It is called a pancake in every English speaking country, and I suspect the equivalent translated word in all the rest of them. Pancake lenses originated in the 1960’s as customers demanded lightweight lenses similar to those on fixed-lens cameras, especially popular cameras like the Olympus Pen. The Nikon GN lens was one of the first. It was a 45mm f2.8 I don’t know who first called it a pancake, but they have always been “pancakes” in my memory.

[@liamingram3100]

Not certain if this applies to the 14 2.5 but you often can tell which are Mark II due to the font. All the new remakes use the new white printed font on the sides.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for the tip.

[@RogueSplice]

I am surprised there is no 12mm pancake. Nice review though 👍

[@datapro007]

Another great review Matti. I shoot mostly with the Lumix 20mm. Sometimes I wish I had a wider prime. Is the autofocus fast or sluggish like on the 20mm?

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. AF is fast on this one.

[@hieppt]

The only that I dont like about this beauty is the focus ring. Other aspects are very nice!

[@eppietimisela7118]

Very clear. Thanks.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@MichaelGerrard]

How much better is the 15mm f1.7? I sometimes think about getting a wide prime, I am not sure. I have the GX80, it has IBIS and it is compact so this lens would fit it very well. Hummm...

[@lorenschwiderski]

these links may help : www.ephotozine.com/article/panasonic-leica-dg-summilux-15mm-f-1-7-asph--lens-review-25677 www.ephotozine.com/article/panasonic-14mm-f-2-5-lumix-g-lens-review-17539 If wanting sharpest lens Lumix 30mm macro. The 14mm and 15mm are sharp at center. -Loren

[@bradleyanderson247]

I own both. I've never really done any kind of in-depth pixel peeping comparison. Not my schtick, so this is my impression. I think there's more copy-to-copy variation with the 14.5. I see folks that really criticize the optical quality. Mine is dang sharp. It sharpens as you stop down a bit, and I'd say if corner sharpness wide open is something that is critical to you, ... I think with the design of the lens it's not surprising it improves when stopped down, especially so on the edges and in terms of vignetting. Ironically, I don't really care about corner sharpness and vignetting; why do I want people looking at the corners?. I had the Olympus 17 f/1.8 and my copy of the 14 is better optically than that lens. In the f/4-5.6 range I find mine really excellent in the center, and very solid in the corners. I have the 15 too. I'd say it's more consistent across the frame and across the aperture range. I'd also say I think it just renders better, but I might be guilty of sniffing too much Leica dust? For me, the biggest advantage of the 15 is the faster aperture. One of my main uses for a lens like this is for use at night and indoors in relatively dim environments. The biggest advantages of the 14 are that it is incredibly tiny and light (unbelievably so until you see it up close and in person), and much less expensive. It's the kind of lens you stick on a small body, set the aperture to f/4, and just shoot. I don't notice any difference in things like focus speed. For my uses, I use the 15 much more.

[@mattisulanto]

If you mainly publish on social media or print up to A3, I'd say it would be hard to see much difference in most cases. However, the 15mm is a better lens optically and it has a faster max aperture too. But then again, nothing beats the compactness of the 14mm.

[@MichaelGerrard]

@@bradleyanderson247 thanks for that detailed explanation, it helps a lot.

[@MichaelGerrard]

@@mattisulanto thanks Matti, it is food for thought.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Thinking about this lens or the 20mm for my PenF street shooter kit. I can put the camera in my coat pocket :)

[@mattisulanto]

Both are excellent for street.

[@Yoko.Kurama]

14mm. 20mm had me wishing it was wider too many times

[@protestagain]

I think that lens should be perfect with the Panasonic GM5. Really a pocket solutions. Think I have to catch one, if I find it for the right prize. By the way, I had the 28/2.8 with Olympus OM2 when I worked as a photograph in the seventies, as the only lens I carried with me.

[@mattisulanto]

It's great on some of the small bodies.

[@protestagain]

@@edjefferson9175 The Panasonic GM5 isn't a poor man's Leica Q. It's the modern digital Contax T3, and I think, it will be collectible as the T3.

[@jacekobloj]

Hi! Thank you for sharing this video! I wonder if there is any way you can think of to prefocus this lens? (Panasonic 14mm f2.5) I would like to prefocus it at say 2 meters (it doesn't have distance indicator) and keep shooting at f16 or so but cannot work it out how this could be done. Many thanks for your your time and keep doing the good work!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. You could use MF and then focus on something that is 2 m from you, but I can't think of any way to set 2 m from the camera or lens.

[@jacekobloj]

@@mattisulanto Thank you for your reply! Does the lens than have MF switch? Have a great weekend!

[@StephenStrangways]

@@jacekobloj no, you set manual focus on the camera body.

[@LonStar3000]

I do not own the 14, but have the old 20 that came with my GF1. I have put it on my G9 recently and yes it is slow but ultra sharp. Sharpness isn't everything, but it has that element going for it. Fun to use!

[@mattisulanto]

I used to have the GF1+20mm combo too many years ago.

[@lorenschwiderski]

Matti, it looks like you had the Japan made lens in your hand. I am thinking that is the first edition and the new one is made in China. The next time you are in the store, take a look at a new one to see if it indeed is now made in China. In the USA the price is around $198 most of the time -- not bad. I also see the 12-60mm lens is available separate of camera, but the price? In some cases it seems they throw in the camera for $200 more -- now that is more tempting than the 12-60mm lens alone. I think it is a great range on a lens, but would wait for at the least $200 off the lens price, where it makes more sense to buy by itself. -Loren

[@mattisulanto]

The lens I have is made in Japan indeed, but I'm not sure if it's also made in some other countries. It's true that kit lenses are usually a good deal in the kit, but not always that good separately.

[@hoggif]

I find the lumix lineup odd when there is 14mm prime when there is 15mm prime too. And there is no 35mm equivalent like 17 or 18mm. I find 40mm equivalent too far off from what I'm used to.

[@mattisulanto]

I'd also like a 17-18mm prime, but the 14mm and 15mm are so different, that both are justified.

[@lorenschwiderski]

Olympus 17mm f1.8 www.ephotozine.com/article/olympus-m-zuiko-digital-ed-17mm-f-1-8-lens-review-21464 The $399 sale price seems high still and the Panny 12-32mm will be a close match for image quality -- just slower. If the need for speed, the Oly 17mm around $349 or less seems right priced, IMHO. -Loren

[@keithfarquhar9819]

@@mattisulanto I bought the Olympus 17mm which I use on my GX8 for street photography which is nice. This looks nice too though. I like very much your reviews !

[@bkaustav]

Heard good about pany 15mm. However I went with an Oly 17 f1.8 and couldn't be happier.. and with Oly 45 f1.8 combo.... Not feeling for anything else... Except the weather sealing part...

[@perishellas7228]

@@lorenschwiderski There is the Laowa 17mm 1.7 which I found fantastic for less 190 euros. Wide open is softer than Olympus but gives you a film feeling and it's manual focus good for videos.

[@Gagula57]

The 14mm is not soft at all - indeed it is sharper than my Leica 15mm ! Maybe you got a bad copy...

[@JasonBagherian]

Or maybe you have a bad copy of the 15mm.

[@nore8141]

Great video and commentary. Might consider it, though the fact that there’s no weather proof.....hmm

[@wtfkurtis]

14mm (28mm:35mm) is the sweet spot. Panasonic has a 12mm.

[@borispradel1037]

Hi, would you recommend this or the Lumix pancake zoom 12-32?

[@mattisulanto]

The other one is a zoom and the other one is a prime, so it's comparing apples and oranges. Both are good lenses, but if you need or want a zoom, then a prime is not an option and vice versa, of course.

[@eguitarstar]

I have the 12-32. If you wanted something tested, let me know. I'm more than happy to do a video on it.

[@disappointingproductions2068]

The zoom 12-32, it is way more dynamic

[@lorenschwiderski]

The 12-32mm is nice -- inexpensive but good image qualities. The 14mm possibly sharper in center, but not by much and weaker near edge. The 14mm is slightly faster lens. At $198 on sale - decent value. The 30mm macro is on sale around $298 and is super sharp on edge. This might help in street photography where the subjects or emphasis is closer to edge -- just a thought. Also sharp all the way across. The 12-32mm kit zoom however is pretty sharp to the edge, from all reviews / data I have seen. I use it - fine little lens. So slightly faster - slightly sharper in center - is that worth it over the kit lens??? For quality of lens, I am going to look over that 30mm again: has macro, has sharp across frame, decent speed, and good focus speed, but then again the kit is still good. Note Panasonic 30mm macro on sale under $300 which is a hundred off. I see the Olympus 30mm for $225 - good deal perhaps! Will there be better offers, maybe yes - maybe no. -Loren lorenschwiderski.smugmug.com/

[@AnandaSim]

I have both. I bought the 12-32 after I bought the 14. Right now, I prefer the 12-32. I'll write another reply to Matti further up

[@adrianwhareham8921]

Thanks for the review Matti , I think you would be better off with the 15 mm 1.7 but at the right price may be .

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! If you already have the 15mm, stick with it, it's a better lens and the angle of view is almost the same. But, if you'd like a really tiny prime, then the 14mm is the one to get.

[@lorenschwiderski]

$198 at Adorama on sale right now. Lens data: www.ephotozine.com/article/panasonic-14mm-f-2-5-lumix-g-lens-review-17539

[@liamingram3100]

Quite a price difference there though. The 14 is attractive partly due to its low cost.

[@skfineshriber]

Please tell Robin Wong that you don't get extreme CA with your 14/2.5! :D

[@mattisulanto]

I saw Robin's video, but I've never had any major issues with CA. I have to talk with Robin😀

[@1957PLATO]

Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. I am looking for something like this. The Oly 17 mm f 1.8 is a little too expensive

[@bkaustav]

Go for a used Oly 17 f1.8... you won't regret... I am using the 17 and 45 combo for my PEN...

[@1957PLATO]

I'll save a little longer then. I already have the pany 20 mm, so I want something a little wider. Choices, choices...

[@joeltunnah]

@1957PLATO, Henri wouldn’t have been caught dead with a 28mm (equivalent). LOL 17/1.8, 25/1.8, 45/1.8 and you’re ready to become the next HCB.

[@bjnslc]

The MK1 lens is the slowest and noisiest focusing MFT lens I've used. To each their own.

[@disappointingproductions2068]

We have this lens, bought used for 200 euros, it is cute and all but it doesnt value the money if you have a 14-42mm kit lens.

[@lorenschwiderski]

In USA current is $198 at Adorama and B&H -- may have European deals running as well. If you own the Lumix 12-32mm or 14-42 R II Olympus, you may not need the 14mm, but then again, it is slightly faster and is compact, while rendering very good images at center. I am just not sure it is better or worse however for using on the street, and the 12-32mm has the range, is sharp and has good color. The longer 14.42mm Olympus is decent as well. The EZ pancake is not getting greatest reviews -- though some praise it. I say for pancakes, go with 12-32 Panny. -Loren

[@clifhellner1493]

New to photography. I have the 14-42 Kit lens. Being that the kit lens is 14mm, would there be any reason to buy this lens?

[@ordinosaurs]

I believe yours is a mkII (white dot on the barrel) ; to my knowledge, all mk I have a red dot and 14 printed in yellow.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@lfcmarkeb7124]

fast forward 4mins

[@qamaruddinyusli7947]

are you indonesian?

[@mattisulanto]

No.