"One Minute" Review - Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7, the BUDGET "85mm" lens for Micro4/3

My quick review of the teeny Panasonic Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7 prime lens for Micro4/3 camera systems.
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Amazon Affiliate links (UK):
Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7: [amzn.to/34kb2X3]
Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f/1.2: [amzn.to/34g6ZLh]
Lumix G9: [amzn.to/2XBeYzN]
Lumix GX8: [amzn.to/2KItyjU]
Sony a7iii: [amzn.to/336ohJ9]
Rode VideoMicro: [amzn.to/2OygQW3]
Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8: [amzn.to/349Wqcl]
Sony 85mm f/1.8: [amzn.to/2D2fbCV]
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Edited in Final Cut Pro X
Music via Epidemic Sound
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[@artjohnson01]

I have 6 lenses for my Panasonic G9, but I seem to use the 42.5mm about 1/3 of the time. Not only is it a great focal length, but it's a fast lens with a creamy bokeh when I open it up. It's a beast in low light, and I love it for videos. I keep in on the camera for walking around photography, and I usually set it at a default of f4. At $347 this is a tremendous value.

[@artjohnson01]

@Christoph Penny The 25mm on a MFT is 50mm, often referred to as the "nifty fifty". It's a standard focal length for head shots, eg. not a wide angle and not a telephoto. I use the 42.5mm as a portrait lens and for landscape. Really, for me it's my everyday go to lens, and I think it would be a great companion for your 25mm. I have also been getting a lot of use lately with the 12mm. I'm experimenting with it for vlogging, but its also good for a variety of wide angle shots.

[@artistjoh]

Agreed, it is a fantastic lens on the G9. The IS is worth gold, but what I love most is the close focus distance. Most people use the Olympus 45 1.8, but the Panny is just as sharp and way more useful. It also has better AF than the Nocticron 1.2 and doesn’t weigh a ton like the Nocticron does. I say... even if you have the money for the Nocticron, the 1.7 is probably still the better choice. The Nocticron is for when you can’t be bothered going to the gym, but still want to lift weights.

[@FamauMedia]

Same! I now mainly shoot Sony and still love using 85mm, but really do miss the closer focusing of the Lumix lenses

[@KankukanAiki]

I am a fellow KZbinr with a channel and a G9 and Gx800 owner. I have bought this lense today on Amazon Prime Day. Your video has gave me some good feeling and made me happy to have bought it! Thank you. I subscribed to your channel to help you and your channel 🙏

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks for watching Kankukan, I loved this lens! I'm sure you will too 🤓

[@KankukanAiki]

@@FamauMedia i bought it after your video eheh!! Thank you mate!

[@gjwhite]

Nice review! I'm considering this lens. That, along with the 25mm 1.7 should round out my GX85 collection! Curious: how do you like the G9?

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks for watching! The G9 is a terrific camera, but I sold both of mine. Shooting weddings I simply needed far better low light performance so I moved over to Sony, but if I had the money I would’ve happily kept the G9 too!

[@gjwhite]

@@FamauMedia Did you get a full frame? Or APS-C? If I were to get another camera at some point, I'd likely get a FF, though I've been so delighted with the GX85 and my tiny kit.

[@kevinridley8883]

we're still waiting to see your new kit Ben ?

[@mattroelsgard]

Have you had any opportunity to compare this lens with the likes of the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens? I know the focal length is different, but I am considering the Sigma, but the lack of IS and size/weight difference is a bit of a turn-off. I already own the Lumix 42.5 f/1.7. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@FamauMedia]

Never used it, sorry!

[@ivancerezo7526]

Hello!! Just bought it. Is it normal the noise and vibration when focusin!? Or maybe it comes with a damage? Thanks!!

[@FamauMedia]

I sold this lens two years ago, so I'm struggling to remember to be honest! I think there was some noise from the stabilisation when it was disconnected/switched off, but I can't remember about focusing. It'd be worth your while finding an active Facebook group for Lumix shooters and asking in there 🤓

[@Irene-bm1xw]

Hi, when I shake the lens, I hear something moving inside, is this normal? It works fine, but maybe there is something broken?

[@FamauMedia]

Hi Irene, this is normal so don't worry! What you can hear is the lens's optical image stabilisation system - when it's not in use, it's loose so you can hear is rattling around a bit 🤓

[@almightyfitnessinc402]

Hey! Thanks for this video. I like to record my workout tutorials using f/1.7. Would this lens be a good for video?

[@FamauMedia]

Should work alright - I’d suggest using manual focus just because the Lumix bodies can struggle with autofocus, especially at wider apertures like f/1.7

[@almightyfitnessinc402]

@@FamauMedia Thank you!

[@Bencopland1]

Nice review Ben. New subscriber

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks very much!

[@beezdaksinematics3516]

I got lucky when I purchased my GX85. For $500, the kit lens that comes along with it is the 42.5mm f1.7

[@FamauMedia]

Very lucky!

[@IsmaelRodriguez45]

Do you have some sample work i can check out? Would love to see what kind of images this lens can produce. Thanks!

[@IsmaelRodriguez45]

@@FamauMedia thanks! Will check it out.

[@peterlemke3468]

Bugger the coffee Ben you need an egg timer. You didn't work for British Rail at any stage did you?

[@willprice7475]

Soooooooooooo..... New kit or wha?