Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens Review

[@charlesxchaves]

Excellent review, I went ahead and bought myself one after watching this video. Since I have the 25mm 1.7, you comparing it with the 15mm 1.7 really helped me with the decision

[@davidsyw1]

I like your footage samples. The minimal focusing distance is great for getting the bokeh effect. I very much like the image sharpness and clarity this lens produces. I had the 12-35mm f/2.8 lens which was great to have the zoom capability but found image quality to be disappointing when compared to my Nocticron lens. I bought the PL 15mm f/1.7 lens and I am very happy with that relatively inexpensive lens for the image sharpness it brings. I then put my 12-35mm lens up for sale where someone offered to trade his PL 12mm f/1.4 lens for my zoom. He went backpacking in Indonesia and wanted as light as possible for carry weight. The PL 12mm f/1.4 is sharp enough, though not quite to the level of the PL 15mm. Moreover, I find the PL 12mm to render a nicer looking image in terms of colors and contrast. I never understood what people meant when I read those words but now that I have the 2 lenses side-by-each, I can definitely appreciate the difference. Another way I can put it is - there is better dimensionality, color and contrast with the PL 12mm while the PL 15mm renders a dimensionally flatter (contrast) but sharper image.

[@tnew6701]

Thanks for the test. I just purchased a used 15mm Panasonic Leica lens for use on my GX9 and am pleased with the excellent results. The only negative is that the hood is loose on the lens (a common fault due to wear I believe), but fixed with a rubber band !

[@Chris-il6iq]

Wonderful answers to questions I had not even thought to ask, specifically the difference in color with different brands of lenses. It makes sense now. Thanks!

[@letsrememberthis]

Thank you Shane. Six months ago I moved over to a GH5 (from a Canon XA-30) to produce my life story documentaries and online business promos. I'm currently using a Panasonic 12-35, 35-100, and the 25mm prime. I'm after another low-light lens like the 25mm for indoor work (and for an immediate need, an upcoming wedding shoot). The Sigma 16mm 1.4 greatly appeals, but it's a heavier, more bulky lens. And I've also sourced a Panasonic 15mm second-hand. Your detailed review gives me the confidence to go ahead with the Panny. Cheers!

[@dangerale]

Great video! You should consider shooting this lens with an ND filter to make use of the large aperture when shooting outdoors. It would really show off that f/1.7 without having to up the shutterspeed getting that shake/stuttering effect.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks for the comments and for the tips too! :-)

[@andrebrix8653]

Can u please recommend Nd filter ?

[@davidsyw1]

At a street festival, I recorded video of stage performances where I was up against the edge of the stage which meant I could not getting any closer (or any further back due to people standing behind me). I wished for a zoom lens at the image quality of the prime lenses (PL 15mm or PL 12mm). The PL 10-25mm f/1.7 would be nice but I cannot imagine spending that kind of money unless I had ongoing paid projects needing the zoom capability (assuming image quality is on par with the prime lenses). Also, that zoom lens is fairly heavy compared to my other lenses (all Panasonic).

[@paulm8157]

Good real-life lens review, Shane. AF tests should include lower light performance. Mfr. lens generally performs best with same maker’s camera. Background blur comperable. Nice shirt - a bit tight, but great for nailing exposure and white balance 😁. By now you must be well settled in your new digs - great. Cheers.

[@geofff6671]

The bokeh on this lens is incredibly smooth.

[@IanexAyag]

Good video mate..very helpful planning to get one for my G9..thanks!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks a lot :). The 15mm lens is really great, I hope you enjoy it.

[@DAVEDigitalandVinylExpert]

Great review thanks. Have you tried the panasonic h-ns043e leica dg nocticron 42.5mm f1.2 asph? Not sure which to get between that and the 15mm 1.7. Do you have any thoughts please?

[@AcuraAddicted]

Yep, I've been shooting on this for over a year now. 15mm is really the limit for me, since I film a lot in my car, for which I would prefer less, 12 F1.4 would be great, but that costs over a grand. There's also the new 10-25 F1.7, but that costs over two grand Canadian :)

[@RomanMilovanov]

Which similar lens to choose for a full frame? For Panasonic 5sII

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

The closest you'll get is the 35mm f1.8 prime (s-series). This M43 lens is a 30mm equivalent though so it's slightly wider than the 35mm.

[@1redgate8]

Since when are you doing photog review as well Shane? Never knew until now. How do you find the time to do both channels? That PanLeica is the bomb for street BTW.

[@radpastorchad]

Great video as always! Caught between 2 expensive hobbies, but youre rocking it! Keep up the good work!

[@mozinoz_digital]

Great review! I’ve been researching this lens, for use with my GH5 & gimbal. Sold! Thanks for sharing!

[@SamirYasif1]

Im using gh5 w gimbal and still couldnt figure out the best af wide lens to work with. Are you now using 15mm 1.7? How does it perform w gimbal?

[@DangLeProject92]

I only have enough money to buy this Leica 15mm f1.7 OR Lumix 12-35 f2.8 Which one are you recommend for vlog & filmmaking ? Just bought G85 body only & looking to buy 1st lens for this :) please rep me soon

[@artjohnson01]

Excellent review. This is my favorite M43 lens.

[@PDM-95]

I was gifted a g85 and this same lens about 6 or 7 years ago, but have essentially not used it at all. Haven’t touched it after the first month or so of receiving it. Basically just turned it on and pressed record. I am completely clueless. Could this be used for video auditions, podcasting, or even filming short films or scenes? I need to learn the basics of the lens and the camera. Definitely want to start using it and making some content for the fun of it. Any tips or suggestions on figuring out the basics? Thanks! Also, is there another type of lens I should have for different types or distances of shots? Mainly asking from a filming perspective.

[@artistjoh]

Interesting noting your comment about preferring to stick with Panasonic lenses on a Panasonic body. Each of us has different needs. While I have more Panasonic than Olympus lenses for my G9, I love that I have a mix of Olympus and Panasonic lenses. Some, like the 60mm macro or the 100-400 give me capabilities I can't get with Lumix such as the longer focal length macro, or using teleconverters with the 100-400. It is also about the look. Lumix lenses, especially the Leica lenses, tend to have greater contrast than their Olympus counterparts, but Olympus tends to do color and bokeh a bit better than Panasonic. Even back in the film days, Olympus lenses were good for color. On the other hand, better contrast is better for black and white. I shoot a lot in black and white, so this is a big deal for me. Thus the 42.5mm f1.2 Noct is my preference over the Oly 45 1.2 Pro due to how fantastic it looks in black and white, especially male portraits, although if I were more of a color guy I would prefer the Oly as it is capable of very beautiful color and a more gentle look that shines in color female portraits. This is why I think mixing Panasonic and Olympus lenses is (for me) the best idea. I came to this video because I am looking to get a new wide prime. I have the 12mm Leica which influences whether I get the 15mm Leica, the 17mm 1.8 Olympus, or the Laowa 17mm 1.8. i do have the 20mm 1.7 Lumix, the original that I bought back in 2009 as my first MFT prime, but I have never been a 40mm equiv type of guy so that lens doesn't get a lot of use despite its good points. I am leaning toward 17mm because the 15 is a bit too close to the 12, but the I do like the look that 15 provides. Ultimately it might have to come down to a coin toss, but the Oly makes practical sense. Meanwhile the price on the Laowa beckons :)

[@rrafaelpaz]

Great review mate. I also would like a wider angle lens instead of the 25mm. Do you think it's worth to spend an extra money and get the leica 12mm f1.4 instead of the 17mm?

[@mrtheod9]

im cosindering this lens and sigma 16mm mft , which do you think is better??

[@silversteeler99]

I've seen videos of this lens showing you have to remove a ring from the lens in order to screw on the lens hood. My question is,...can a UV filter or ND filter be attached to this lens?. Probably yes, but I'd like to make sure.

[@WayneRosa-Australia]

G'Day Shane - I do have a question relating to GH5 M2 probably the same on GH5 - What's the difference between histogram being Yellow as opposed to white? Mine changes quite often. Yes I am quite new to videography/photography.

[@TheSkull1101]

Hello, Thank you for this review. I am french speaking, but I have almost understood the entirety of your vidéo. I have just bought a Lumix GH6 and I am looking for a fixed focal length lens, around 15mm with a good low light quality. So, this Panasonic lens seems to be the good one for me. In your vidéo, you are talking about Olympus lenses (around 9min 55 seconds in your video). Your opinion is that Olympus lenses are less good on Panasonic Lumix ? I'm asking this question because I was I hesitating between the Panasonic lens and the Olympus M.Zuiko digital ED 17mm f1.8. Thank you for your review and your feedback. Yves (Brussel - Belgium)

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

The 17mm Olympus is a great lens but it’s probably a lot more expensive. I did an updated review of this lens with a GH6. Check that out before you buy it. 😊

[@jbstravels1741]

Great video mate! Is there any noticeable noise coming from the lens when it's autofocusing?

[@binface9]

Great review video. Love the picture of the beer bottle

[@xsaviour755]

did you manual focus f1.7 on this video with the 15mm? also, did you notice much focus breathing with moving targets? eg, dog or a toddler running. Did you ever test on walking towards the camera and did it keep up ?

[@LifestoryDocofilm]

Great video, I ordered the lens immediately after watching the video. Thanks for the recommendations.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

You'll love it. I have been using it non-stop since I got it. :-)

[@joshuaaxelio7631]

Is it better than panasonic 25mm f1.7?

[@LifestoryDocofilm]

@@joshuaaxelio7631 Its a diferent lence. wider. The same sharpness to my opinion

[@martinlennon4673]

Excellent review 👍

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Thanks Martin. I posted an updated review of this last year as well. Cheers. 😊👍

[@cristibaluta]

Hi, is the lens hood on yours lose? Just got one and it's lose, it will fall very easily. The little blades that should secure the hood are very thin and one of them is almost flat. Got it for my tiny olympus for street photography

[@MyLifeFrAiurGaming]

Can confirm, design flaw

[@unityoc]

I was using this for the facecam for livestreaming on the G7 but that has that 1.1x crop so now that I'm on GH5 I'm finding it that little bit too wide and my 25mm is obviously too long. Trying to decide if the Panasonic 20 1.7 will do or I need something wider like the 17.5mm Voigtlander or 16mm Sigma / 17mm Olympus 🤔

[@denismalizani]

How does this lens compare with the 12mm?

[@androidgameplays4every13]

How do you think this Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 compares against the Panasonic 20 mm f1.7? I own the latter one, but as much as I love it the autofocus drives me crazy sometimes 😂

[@MyUrbanExplorationOnline]

Awesome video. I do have a question though. Would you consider in testing out vintage glass? As in Industar 50mm F3.5, Jupitor 8, and or a Jupitor 11 for example's.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I would be happy to test some of that stuff out but if the option ever came up! :-)

[@MyUrbanExplorationOnline]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy Well I have all three lens's I listed long with the adaptors for them to go on to a Micro 4/3 body's. It is cool if you don't want to for any reason, but if you ever pop a visit to the land of serial killers that goes by the name of Adelaide. You are welcome to give me a hoi if you like.

[@DubravkoTerzic]

Hi there! I'm interested have you ever tried filming with DJI Ronin S and Lumix G80? I also have G80 but I'm not sure are these two items compatible.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I haven't used that camera before but the DJI works fine with rigs up to 3kgs/6lbs.

[@JaySwarve]

Dji rss cable for panasonic

[@JaySwarve]

Think its part 9

[@RotterStudios]

cool! the perfect video for me. this video is awesome! i have a GH5 and use the kit lens and the 25mm F1.7. need wider.

[@jd5787]

Any front/backfocus issues as reported by some people?

[@beardedtraveler4495]

In your opinion how do you feel this lense is with Photography?

[@jiffijoff9780]

Great review. In case you happen to stumble upon the Sigma 16mm/f1.4 a comparison of those two lenses would be very interesting.

[@MCO_group]

Dear Shane I just subscribed your channel. I own a GH5 by 2 days and I am impressed - shocked by your precision in color grading and your detail. Would you share your settings and how you grade, the luts you have, the record mode etc? I would pay for it. Literally. THANKS A LOT. Love you.

[@photogenic2010]

would love to see this 15 with Sigma's 16mm native M43 !

[@davidsyw1]

Nice video and analysis. 10:26 Interesting question on bokeh comparison. I think a closer distance with the PL 15mm would be a better comparison with the 25mm lens for bokeh assessment.

[@edjefferson9175]

My hood broke and I cannot believe how much a replacement is.

[@mfda]

Awesome video! Thank you.

[@redcomn]

What is the musoc at 5:00 shane?

[@AngelBerniz]

Hi friend, great video, I am really impressed with the autofocus of the Leica 15mm. What option of autofocus did you use in this video?

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

Is this lens mostly for video or photos or both?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

This is a great lens for photography. There's a whole community of people that love it for that. It's also a great video lens but for some reason the Autofocus on this one isn't as good in video as most of the other primes. This and the 12mm F1.4 seem to be the slowest to pull focus. I recently did a video testing this on the GH7. :)

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy I went for the 20mm 1.7 for my “new” GX85 which arrives tomorrow. Of course now I found a “new” GX9. You think that is still worth getting?

[@MessiahGaming1080p]

How far away are you sitting when you compare the 15 to the 25mm?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Arm's length to the 15mm basically. If I was to expend my arm I would be able to touch the tripods. The 25mm is up a tad higher too but it's a very different angle of view.

[@MessiahGaming1080p]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy Great, I am awaiting my secondhand 15 mm tomorrow, found one for 260$ so I snatched it instantly. I think it will be a good webcam format and also for other filming, I was contemplating the Sigma 16mm but I didn't find it secondhand and it also do crop a bit more and that distance could be a dealbreaker since my room is limited and then I have to pull my desk further back from the wall and that is also weird. Thanks for the reply man, appreciate it.

[@Knowbody42]

42 inches

[@ericmuijs1938]

Great review!

[@DavidMBanes]

Find the lens you really like and then buy the system/body to go with it... I'm still looking but have narrowed it down to a 40-45mm prime.

[@ingoodmusic]

Hi, What AF settings on your cam?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

All standard settings

[@TayouTroy]

Very informative. thank

[@danbei2232]

Did you use a lens filter?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

No filters

[@danbei2232]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy nice, great review.

[@timroodvoets6168]

I like your pedal reviews better. 😄

[@Ronbc000]

Many thanks 👍

[@HobbyistLifestyle]

Is this lens good for vlogging?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Yes if your camera has some stabilization.

[@crazykenbei]

Yup that's the magic lens.

[@VIGEVANO112]

It's Leica SL 601 compatible ?

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I am not sure Roberto, sorry! I only have Panasonic cameras.

[@fellowcitizen]

Closest L-mount lens is the Sigma "i"-series 35mm f/2 DG DN - it is small, with the aperture ring, and all-metal.

[@petemtodd]

Music around the 8:00 mark?

[@Knowbody42]

yes, there is music there

[@yenaurapourtoulmonde]

Great!

[@kingpossie]

You might wanna check out the latest developments regarding autofocus on the “AF challenged” camera’s of Panasonic and BM. See thread on EOSHD.com www.eoshd.com/2019/07/exclusive-blackmagic-pocket-cinema-camera-4k-gets-time-of-flight-autofocus-with-prototype-add-on/ An independent camera agnostic AF system would be awesome imho. I myself shoot on a GX80 with ancient glass - mostly FD and anamorphic adapters. More interested in cinematography than in practical KZbin content creating stuff. I am not particularly into blues as well but seem somehow stuck as a sub to both your channels. How weird is that. Keep up the good work, Shane.

[@dumbhead1698]

How did you remove the rear of the lens? I’m feeling a bit dense after not being able to get mine off.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

The plastic thing twists off. Just hold the base of the lens and turn the plastic cap to your left if you are looking at it from behind.

[@dumbhead1698]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy Thanks mate!

[@Yoko.Kurama]

Have you used the Pabasonic 14mm 2.5.? It's only $200. Or the Olympus 14-42ez

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

I haven't used those lenses sorry, Yoko.

[@newpageone]

Both of those lenses are great to use, but I’m afraid the Panasonic isn’t as sharp as I’d like sometimes. Still, it’s been on my camera 90% of the time over the past year. The 14-42 is great except in low light situations. Still, good to have both in your bag!

[@valdiskrebs566]

Yoko Kurama I have both of those, and like the EZ lens very much. Very sharp for a kit lens. The 14/2.5 is OK, not much faster, and about the same IQ as the EZ.

[@eltinjones4542]

Have one 👌

[@zom7022]

Kemper spotted!

[@paulie_b-007]

The 15mm is much sharper

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Trying to find someone doing a comparison with the sigma 16mm

[@fredriksvard2603]

I found that with the g85, image was dictated by the camera itself, lenses didnt matter much. Had this one and a few others, didnt notice any differences in real world usage. Images looked like, yep, m43 sensor, bit above phone camera but far off from bigger sensor cameras. When people say its all about the glass, idk, depends. I wouldnt buy expensive glass for the g85. Sold it and got an s5 with primes.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Lens selection makes a big difference for MFT like any system. Try an F5.6 lens on your S5 then try a 1.8. The difference is huge. I now use a multi-camera setup with the S5, and the results are awesome. I hope you dig the camera. :)

[@fredriksvard2603]

@@GeekyNerdyTechy Yes i can get shots with a 1.8 i can't get with a 5.6 of course... but with the g85 i saw no difference between the 1.7 primes and the slow zoom kit lens really - apart from being able to shoot low light and get shallower dof ofc. IQ was bottlenecked by the sensor though, imo. With the s5 i see more differences. But these days we mess so much with the images that i don't really care. We use diffusion filters and tons of post processing to reduce the "digital" look, it's not like 20 years ago when sharpness was the scarce commodity and everyone tried to compete with the sharpest possible landscapes shot on velvia film with canon L glass.

[@RyanMcQuen]

You look just like the guy from @intheblues.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

haha funny that :)

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I use it on a GX80, known ans GX85 in the States and god knows how in Japan. There is one annoying quirk. I hoped I would be able to benefit from the manual aperture ring. Meaning - the camera has a front and a back dial. So I hoped I would be able to control all 3 things at once - aperture from the lens ring, shutter speed from 1 dial, Exp comp from the 2nd dial. Nope. Cannot do that. No matter how you configure the wheels on the camera and whether you choose Manual, A priority or S priority - it doesn't allow you to do it. So, in reality, the manual aperture ring stands on A (which is automatic) and the lens is controlled just like any other lens, without a manual aperture ring. Stupid.

[@Okles15]

Have you figured it out? :D I have GX9, which is a successor of your model and I am considering buying this lens as my first prime lens ;).

[@fellowcitizen]

Wait... Funky Squad?

[@andreasrochow5170]

15 mm with a mft sensor isn't very wide! Eqivalent focus length of 30 mm optically is close to 50 mm and belongs more to the "normal" lenses. It is NOT a real alternative to the 25 mm kit lens. Please look for a prime lens much wider than the 15 mm! Samyang 12 mm f2.0 may be an option or the Venus Optics Laowa 7,5 mm (both manual).

[@senterpoint]

A photographer who shoots in auto? Maybe you should try something else, maybe guitars. You could call your channel "In the Shane".