Lumix 20mm F1.7 -perfect normal lens?

[@raykleiner2288]

This lens is one of my favourite lenses. I use it for street photography and especially for portraits whilst travelling. Stunning results.

[@glennsak]

The Panasonic LUMIX GF1 and the 20mm 1.7 was my first introduction to the micro 4/3 system. Almost 10 years later, it’s still one of my favorite lenses because of its size, sharpness and field of view.

[@valdiskrebs566]

Yes, my favorite pocket combo today... still get amazing images from 12MP sensor!

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Yes -- please do a comparison -- shooting all three in similar situations (street, landscape, etc.) -- with things like bokeh, overall and edge sharpness, stabilization-or-not, AF speed, etc.. Thanks!!!

[@ookiemand]

Maybe you can also add a few Olympus lenses to the mix, like their 17mm?

[@olaganvalantine4551]

​@@ookiemand it would be a perfect comparison! include Olympus prime lens pls :) @sulantoblog

[@Luigiz28]

The images this lens produces is stunning. I've shot casual portraits of family members and their response is always: "Wow, that little lens took those?"😆 The 20mm 1.7 is a gem!

[@Harold6643]

Indeed it is and the best FOV for street photography

[@donjohnsmusic3116]

I shot my entire film Do No Harm with this amazing lens! Why? Because it’s so fast and I didn’t have a crew and no budget, I did not have time to set up lights so I needed a fast lens that would allow me to shoot on the fly. Very affordable and just an overall great lens! Don’t believe me? Watch the film to see it for yourself. Every night scene, (which is almost he entire film) was filmed with this lens! Great video!

[@psysword]

Where is your film. Send mea link please. I'm a film maker too

[@donjohnsmusic3116]

@@psysword kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqXKqp2iq52Eh5osi=EdcIHFmUcK6lwbCk

[@1957PLATO]

As an Oly shooter I have this lens pretty much glued on my em5 II for street photography. It’s awesome and cheap.

[@1957PLATO]

@Rui Batista of course, it is a m4/3 mount

[@ДимкаШудренко]

What is your experience with its autofocus for purposes of street photography? Is it suffucient enough?

[@1957PLATO]

@@ДимкаШудренко it is a bit slow to focus but if you don’t shoot fast moving subjects it’s ok.

[@JamesBoyer-plus]

Thank you for another engaging video, Matti. I really like this lens and it's become my "everyday carry" lens on the GX9. It's small enough to bring along anytime I leave the house and the best camera in the world is the one that you have with you when the shot presents itself. While the 42.5mm f/1.2 is still my favorite lens, and the 8 - 18mm f/2.8 - 4 on the G9 is helping me to really rediscover the outdoors, there hasn't ever been a pocket big enough to put either one of those in. This tiny little lens is great.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@kenwiberg6517]

When I go out on the motorcycle, this is a great lens to throw on my E-M5 Mk II as most times, we like to have some record of our destinations...... captures the moments admirably, and hides very well, just in the tank bag of the bike ! Had it 4 yrs now and it's going anywhere we decide to ride around Vancouver Island ..... :-)

[@puppybeagle1024]

the quality of the pictures I take with this lens always surprises me and the autofocus isn't perceivably slow at all

[@juanmontano7478]

My favorite, yes, it hunts, specially in low light you need to hand Focus in very dark locations, Focus speed ok with enough light, , not a problem for a wide angle, ideal for street photography, shows, family travel, beautiful bokeh and increíbly sharp

[@grantmedical]

I agree with everything you said!!! I have this on on my Panasonic G9 as my default lens... It is my preferred "Street Set-Up"... To get over autofocus difficulty in low light use the live-view boost mode on the G9... for some reason the lens also "sees" better... I use a Haoge 49mm Square Lens Hood with a 46-49mm Step-Up adapter... Autofocus is much faster than what most people would expect when listening to the negativity on KZbin... And more importantly it is accurate when it does lock on focus... I find manual exposure works well enough for me (although I would have preferred a manual focusing clutch) and is my default when using the lens for video recording... I consider this lens' focal length on micro 43 superior to all the other smaller focal length lenses for street work because of the perspective distortion characteristics as it pertains to close up photography... At 1-2 meter distance you can still isolate the subject or the face of someone without distorting the facial features... Not true of the 15mm nor the 14mm... The bokeh is very pleasing with near perfectly round light balls with no "onion rings" when used wide open... The depth of field is reliable with a smooth drop off of sharpness which is very pleasing... The optical characteristics are unique... in my mind similar to that on the Leica 35mm... It is by far my favourite lens... I own also the Panasonic-Leica 25mm which I never seem to take out of my bag... I tend to just stick this lens on my camera and leave it there... I also have a Panasonic GX85... This lens and the 42.5mm Panasonic Lens are my "Batman and Robin" combination and I take them everywhere in a small shoulder bag... I need nothing else on the road...

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your extensive comment.

[@productguru8323]

To mitigate its slow focus speed, use "pre-focus" mode (available in some models of cameras), so that it will focus when you are framing.

[@TimSullins]

I've had the original version for nine years being used with various Olympus Pen and OMD bodies. This is a very sweet little lens.

[@HansBaier]

I have the first version, and the image quality is fantastic. Best bang for buck lens in all Micro Four Thirds.

[@mattisulanto]

It really is a very nice lens.

[@observerstation]

I have been using this lens for a number of years. It was the first M4/3 lens I bought and I picked up the mark I for 100 pounds. It is my go to lens for general photography and street photography on my Olympus EM5 Mark II because of the size and the colour rendering is fantastic and always seems better than my other lenses. I think if you shoot Micro 4/3 this should be one of your first lenses to buy. Great lens.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

I had already bought an Olympus EPL3 and wanted a prime. After several reviews and recommendations. I settled on this 20 f1.7 and I'm really glad it did. 👌 I document interiors in my own studio and keep it in the pocket for street scenes, general photography. Most importantly for me is the absence of distortion when photographing artwork and architecture. ☆☆☆☆☆

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@SuperRaven79]

I have the MK1 since ten years. It was my first prime for MFT. And i still use it a lot today, probably it is my most used lens EVER! Because it has a great focal range. Not wide, not tele. And because it is so tiny, it is always with me. In my eyes one of the most iconic lenses of the century (so far) ;-)

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! You really seem to like this little lens, and I get that 100%.

[@SuperRaven79]

@@mattisulanto Haha, maybe i am a little bit too excited... ;-) I am just happy to see a new video about this "old" lens. Thank you! But i have another proof for the greatness of this lens: When friends or other people ask me: "Wow, the pictures of the dinner/party last evening are so beautyful! What camera were you using?" - It was always (no joke) my battered "trash gear": Oly EPL-5 with the 20mm 1.7!! I dont know why, but when i use smaller (LX15) or bigger (GH5 with 12-35) gear, nobody asks...

[@gonzalocervero5492]

I use that in my camera Olympus OM-D EM 10 Mk II and is one of my favorite lens. It is very versatile. It is light, sharp and small. I'ts a great lens.

[@nlanca1]

Very fair review of this lens. You can find a lot of criticism of the focus speed around the forums but as you point out, for most of the time this is irrelevant if you know what you are after. Anyway you can also zone focus when on the street if you want instant reaction.

[@JohnRobertsTV]

I think a comparison of just the 14mm vs. the 15mm lenses would be interesting since they are very similar focal length. Is the Leica name worth the premium price? What do you get for that?

[@Garrus4Spectre]

I've used the M4/3 system for the last 5-6 years and this has been and still is my favourite lense, first on a tiny Olymus Pen E-PL3, then on a GX85, now on a G85 and soon on a G9. It's also the one that I put on my camera the most. To be honest, I've never felt the need to complain about autofocus, but then again, I rarely shoot fast-moving scenes. The pictures from this lense simply have great character and the sharpness is excellent. I would highly recommend this lense as the first M4/3 prime to anyone that doesn't want to break the bank.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@davidecapri]

I own both versions and it's my favorite lens ever, the best one I've ever used on any system (for personal photography). I even prefer the lower contrast mark I over the "too perfect" mark II. This lens has a more than decent micro contrast (to be micro 4/3) and a very gentle general contrast, not too harsh like all modern lenses. Colors are amazing especially if paired with Panasonic bodies (which I prefer to Olympus ones). The 4/3 ratio and the extremely balanced 40mm eq. focal lenght make this lens amazing for head/waist vertical portraits. It excels in low contrast overcast (cold) lighting due to its gentle character. A lens like the panaleica 25mm 1.4 in the same conditions is more punchy, both color and contrast wise. The 1.7 aperture makes this lens good enough even to separate the subject from the background, even at around 2mt of focus distance, and bokeh has a good enough quality. The result obtained with this lens (and with micro 4/3 in general) is somewhat "vintage" and doesn't look too "modern digital" at all: you (and people) don't focus on the quality, but the content of your images. That's the sense of micro 4/3, even today, where we have excellent aps-c and full frame systems (which I own and use only for work purposes).

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing your experience on this lens. I agree, that it's a very nice lens for general photography.

[@murph6547]

mark 2 version has same micro contrast as orignal mark 1 ?

[@milodermick2981]

A very precious and beautiful lens, thank you !

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you too!

[@SLLYT]

The Lumix 20mm F1.7 is an excellent partner with my Panasonic Lumix GX8. The image quality of this tiny, lightweight lens is excellent. I favor a lens, like the Lumix 20mm F1.7, with a field of view similar to the human eye.

[@ThomasTolentino]

Yes! Please do a comparison. Your videos are great! I'm trying to decide if I should get the 15mm and I own the 20mm.

[@awksedgreep]

One of my favorite lenses. I love this thing. Small, light, ultra sharp, and focuses fast enough. I use it for street photography and as a walking around lens. I'm hoping to use it for star trails and astrophotography in death valley this month. I have a wide angle that I'm renting, but this field of view can be reasonably interesting IMO.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@AnandaSim]

This was the first MFT lens I bought for my PEN E-PL1, I got it second hand. It is nice on small bodies. Yes, AF is slower and it affects my street photography so I zone focus, then fix it with f/4 or f/8 to get the deeper DOF. The focus fall off at f/1.7 for a head and torso shot is nice. The slight wide allows me to get more context in at the same camera distance compared to 50mm full frame without being too wide like a 35mm full frame. On an Olympus body, the burst frame rate for stills is slower than an Olympus lens because of the differing live view approaches

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks, Ananda.

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Nice video. I bought mine in 2009. Have used it for about 75% of my images, mostly street / general. Started with 40 mm lenses with Minolta CLE and Leica M4P. I own 7 native mft primes, this is my go to lens. Regards Ulf

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@maheshg212]

I feel the 15/1.7 gets the most limelight but 20/1.7 is a much better lens in my opinion. I love the angle of view, the pop this gives to images. 15/1.7 distorts faces if you are not careful. I have had both the lenses, used the 20mm for a while and sold it. I am now thinking of getting a micro 4/3 again with possibly a GX9 and 20/1.7

[@murph6547]

both lens are m43 must have lens..............

[@ToolCraze]

I have several primes and this is my favorite overall as I like the focal length and the compact size is great if I need something compact. Though I mostly use my Olympus f2.8 pro zooms most of the time.

[@harpsnake]

I own this lens, 14mm 2.5, 15mm 1.7 and 25mm 1.4 in the wide-standard rage. 25mm 1.4 panaleica is definitely the best, but the second place goes to both 20mm 1,7 and 15mm 1,7. But the best MFT lens ever is definitely the Nocticron (Olympus 45mm 1.2 and 75mm 1.8 are also extremely good, but I love Leica rendering of Nocticron)

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@psysword]

You're right. The Nocticron is magic. I love to shoot cinema on it.

[@MichaelGerrard]

It is great to see you with another classic m43 lens! I had the 20mm in the past, I found the AF a bit slow, as you pointed out. Also, you said it doesn't have moving parts, that isn't quite right because as it focuses the front lens element moves. I liked the 20mm but I didn't love it. I seldom used it so I sold it with my GX7 three years ago. Since then I got the 25mm F1.7 and I use it more. I know it is just an extra 5mm plus fast AF but somehow I prefer it. Both are great lenses. I would like to see a comparison video for the 20, 14 and 15. I have my eye on the 15 :-)

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@richardgardiner9597]

I would love to see a comparison video. You should throw in the 25mm f1.7 since it's usually the first prime most people will get. Great video, BTW. Love your channel.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! I'll consider the 25mm F1.7 as well.

[@MarkoKoskenoja]

I have the 20mm lens I bought for my GX85 and while I like it for the size I much prefer the 15mm for the extra field of view. I take mostly outdoor landscape type photos so 20mm is not as flexible for my needs. I think I would use the 20mm if I did street photography.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@ZawMoeLwinSteven]

I got a lot of street portraits using this lens.

[@NBPT428]

I bought this lens two years ago and love it. I have the 12-35mm f2.8 zoom. While that's an excellent lens, I find myself wanting to use the 20mm f 1.7. It's lighter, very sharp in the sweet spots and while I experience the slow autofocus, I try to allow extra time to set up a shot and use it in manual focus mode with focus peaking. If you haven't tried it this way, please do. The focusing ring has such a nice damping force and the ribbed metal construction makes it more engaging to use.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@gerrymac5865]

Very good review of this little lumix prime lens, I use this lens on my lumix G95 and Olympus pen e9 and it produces excellent results I managed to pick up the Mkii version for £180 as a ex demo from a dealership it was in excellent condition I don’t think the lens had been used it just arrived without the original box maybe that’s why they couldn’t sell it as new but I was delighted to get it and it is on my camera all the time, Gerry

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! You got a good deal on the 20mm.

[@parratt-world]

The Lumix 20mm f1.7 is the only lens I have for my Olympus E-PL3 and it is superb.

[@paulwoods4094]

I bought this lens back in 2011 and used it extensively initially. I then out it away and used a zoom lens for some years, but it was only after checking some old photographs, I realised just how good the F1.7 is, and tempted me to use it again, on a GX9 body. Probably best suited to street photography, architecture etc.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing. It is in many ways nicer than a zoom.

[@LukeSalaiz]

definitely considering purchasing this lens....im mostly a video guy but i would like to use this more for general/ family photography. Thanks!

[@neilhuggan]

The 20mm 1.7 was the first prime for my GX7. And it's the one I would happily keep if I had to give away every lens except one. Use it mainly for street. Always reliable.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Leptospirosi]

I really like this compact lens, the superb sharpness and the focal length itself: I just wish it was a bit faster at focussing especially in low light where it's 1.7 aperture can deliver. A thing I must say is that this lens really need DFD lumix bodies: because of how slow it is I find it hunts less on my GX9 then on my PenF

[@genius1a]

Your review is nicely done and honest! It was my dream lens when I bought a used Olympus Pen -PL1 in 2013, but I cold not afford it for years. I finally got one in 2018 together with a PL9, and I love it! It is small, tac sharp, fast and has the field of view I look for in a camera most of the time. It's my default Lens, unrivaled by the other prime lenses I got since then (Olympus 45 mm F 1.8 and Laowa 7,5 mm F 2). As you mentioned, autofocus could be quicker, but its ok. For me this Lens marks the peak of size to performance ratio that M 4/3 can provide over bigger sensor cameras. If there was a new version with better autofocus, but still (at least) the same specs and sharpness, I would absolutely consider buying it, if it was under 600 Euro.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you and thanks for sharing.

[@petercameron4380]

Have this lens. A 46-37mm step-down ring makes a perfect hood.

[@mauricioperea]

I own it and love it, is super sharp

[@fodsonmedia]

I used to own this lens, but sold it a while ago. Now I'm considering getting it again, mainly because my current 25mm f/1.4 PanaLeica is a tad too tight, and my 12-35 f/2.8 II a tad too slow. I remember it being very solid and with good image quality. I used to use it for photography, but will now use it for video. It'll be interesting to see how it works for that. Thanks for a great video, dear neighbour :) Cheers /Fred (Sweden)

[@mattisulanto]

This lens works for video, but the C-AF does not work. So, if you need C-AF, choose another lens. Nice to see Swedish visitors here😀

[@zacharydietz6404]

Hey Matti! I've used this lens for a few years. For me, the 20mm excels at environmental portraiture and street. It's slow focusing can usually be mitigated by pre-focusing and prediction as you said. There are some scenarios where even that doesn't work, though. In low light environments, with moving subjects, the lens can take forever to hunt for focus. Aside from that drawback, it's a sharp lens and will always have a place in my kit. Any chance you'll be reviewing more Olympus lenses in the future? I'm dying to know what you think of the 75mm 1.8!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your comment. I'll probably review some more Olympus lenses, but I have to borrow them and sometimes it's not so easy.

[@tomfurstyfield]

Just went back to Panasonic after a flirtation with Fuji, and the first lens I got was the 20mm mk1. I think the only other lens I'm going to need is a portrait, it's really good and I was surprised by the nice shallow dof you can get.

[@LeighKempPhotoArt]

Hi , some while ago I found a good reliable way of removing a stuck filter, step up/down ring etc.. I use the bottom of a rubber-soled training shoe or inner sole on a flat surface and put the lens against it and apply even pressure whilst turning it in the unscrewing direction . It always works well. Kind regards, Leigh

[@mattisulanto]

Great tip! Thanks.

[@LeighKempPhotoArt]

@@mattisulanto My pleasure, have a great day.

[@vicibox]

The review I would most like to see is the new Lumix Leica 25mm f1.4 MkII; its supposed to be improved optically and now weatherproof. In my book that suddenly makes the Leica 25mm the most exciting MFT lens as its worth paying extra for weather proofing. I only just discovered that this lens exists, its like it is invisible as the press seem to have ignored it completely. Up till now I have had no incentive to upgrade my 25mm f1.7. I am astounded that nobody seems to have reviewed it on KZbin, they just focus on these silly ultra fast Noct lenses which are too big and heavy. I am particularly interested in its hyperfocal performance as its where most lenses perform best and if its prone to chromatic aberations which I believe the MkI version was. I like the 20mm but doubt I would ever buy it as i have a 17mm & 25mm ;-)

[@mattisulanto]

I have feeling that you might see the Leica 25mm F1.4II on this channel quite soon😀

[@andrehoffbauer]

Since you did your viedeo about your dream lens I considerd this tiny 20mm f1.7 to be renovated again by Pana. A version III may have a weathersealing and a slightly faster AF - it would be my perfect all day walkaround and street lens.

[@mattisulanto]

I would be close to my dream too.

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

Always great videos. Thanks!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for watching!

[@datapro007]

Great review,thanks. This lens lives on my GX85. As you mention, the autofocus works fine, and so is manual. Love the low light performance and compact size.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@rubenremus5649]

I have the first-generation version of this lens. I use it mostly on the GX85, as it looks quite comical on the G9. I am not bothered by the slow AF, though it is the slowest of all my native MFT lenses (adapted Olympus 4/3 lenses can be evan slower, but that does not count). One thing you forgot to mention is that this lens will not do continuous autofocus at all (unless this changed in the 2nd generation version). I still like this lens quite a lot, it is sharp, reasonably fast and the focal length is just about perfect for general/street photography.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your comment. It has AFC on video mode on the G9.

[@seanmangan2769]

I ordered one yesterday, expecting good things!

[@thebentzenable]

I would be very interested in the comparison video of the 3 lenses 🙏 nice video and good content. Cheers from Denmark.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@MarkoKoskenoja]

Yes, please do a comparison of the lenses you mentioned.

[@datapro007]

Hi, Matti, What are your thoughts on the new OMS 20mm?

[@mattisulanto]

I have asked OM System, if they have a demo lens for a review, but so far no reply at all. I'd like to try the lens before I share my thoughts, but let's see if that is possible😀

[@nore8141]

I’m looking to buy this lens for a trip to cuba 🇨🇺 in a few months and don’t have a prime lens like this. Do you think I’ll be ok for low light street photography? Great video thanks 🙏

[@mattisulanto]

This could work, but how well it would work depends on your shooting style.

[@alvaro5162]

The 20mm was my first fixed lens, a few months ago I bought the 15mm (DJI), the two are among my favorite lenses. I don't have the Panasonic 42.5 because I preferred to buy the Olympus 45mm f1.8 along with the 75mm f1.8, both are wonderful lenses but the 75mm is simply amazing. I have never seen direct zoom comparisons against fixed lenses, I think it would be an interesting test. I really ❤ the photo of the yellow truck.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@Mrgijs]

Great video, I've owned three of these lenses, and I'm still using one today. Optically it renders beautiful images, but I also own the 15mm and 25mm Panasonic Leica lenses and I can never decide which of these three is really my favourite. The 15mm Leica has a nicer size, easier to use focus ring, an aperture ring and faster autofocus, but the 20mm I feel makes more beautiful images.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@raykleiner2288]

Just purchased the Summilux 15mn and am curious to see how it compares. Off to Naples this weekend to try it out.

[@mattisulanto]

Hope you like it!

[@nw1650]

Would like to see the comparison between the 3 lenses. When i had a stuck filter on my Nikon lens, i wrapped a thick elastic band around it and it came off very easily.

[@vireakcambodia5172]

Love to see the comparison

[@wolfganglonien2093]

My wife has the Mk1 version, and it's in my opinion the best lens in the system. Although I have the PanaLeica 25mm/1.4 I keep "borrowing" that lens from my wife all the time.

[@mattisulanto]

It really is a nice lens and somewhat underrated.

[@KRBY555]

25mm Leica is the best lens I have tried in the system. The character makes it a poor mans Leica setup. The "tone" is waaaaay better than 20mm, 25mm 1.8, 45mm, 12-40mm pro

[@murph6547]

@@KRBY555 25mm mark 1 or mark 2 ?

[@KRBY555]

@@murph6547 I think it was the Mk 1. I have now sold and moved to Fuji XE4. Honestly M43 is still really good, and it's only the sexiness of the XE4 convinced me to flip. Anyway, I'd recommend this lens for sure. What body are you using?

[@overnightdelivery]

You simply can't beat this lens paired with a GX85 or Olympus EM5/10. 20mm f1.7 is perfect for micro four thirds when you factor in that it's pretty much the minimum focal length for decent shallow depth of field and do 80 Percent of your photography with one prime. It's only limiting when you want to capture a whole scene in tight areas. That's where the 12-32 mini-zoom lens fills the void for any travel photography.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@mhsvz6735]

Thank you for another excellent video!

[@valdiskrebs566]

Yes, please do a comparison! I have the 14mm and 20mm ver 1 and like them both, especially on the GF-1.

[@mattisulanto]

I'll do it, but right now it's difficult. Have to wait until this global chaos is over.

[@valdiskrebs566]

@sulantoblog Understand! Spring is here in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. Took this pic today w/20mm 1.7 on GF1. twitter.com/ValdisKrebs/status/1243298466668916743

[@FlashLighthearted]

YES! Please compare!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

I have used the 20mm lens for over 10 years. Love it / Ulf

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@JensMHA]

Another good one, thanks!! I, for one, would very much like to see the comparison between the 14, 15 and 20mm. By some notion, all my primes are Olympus, sans the 25, the F/1.7 which came along free of charge with my GX8 house. All my zooms are Panasonics, though. No idea how that came to be. Best regards from Norway.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@daxfitz]

Great video, what size was the step up ring on the 20mm?

[@mattisulanto]

I'm sorry, but I don't remember any more, because I didn't put it on in the first place. I just wanted it off😀

[@Weider63]

I am very sensitive to vignetting... 😔 Btw love the professional animation about red door.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! The animation is a show off, I know😀

[@ar43r]

I used it with Panasonic g1. Fantastic and compact.

[@walterzannoni]

Hi Sulantto. I have the 35-100 2.8 and the 12-32 kit. I bought the 42.5 1.7 and the 15 mm panaleica which I am delighted with. Now I would like a transition lens between 15 and 42.5. I'm undecided between 20 and 25. I like 20 as a focal length, but I'm afraid it's too close to 15. If I had to opt for 25, I wouldn't know if the Panaleica is worth it. Thank you

[@mattisulanto]

That is a hard question for me answer. I think 15 and 20 are kind of close and a 25 would probably be a better option. The Lumix G 25mm F1.7 is also a very good lens and a good value.

[@armanddimeo6575]

I use this lens on my Olympus Micro 4/3 cameras. This lens is not perfect. The auto focus is a bit slow and noisy. But the size and focal length are just right. The 20mm focal length is great as a "wide normal" lens. The Olympus 17mm f1.8 is just a little wide for my needs and costs a hundred dollars more. This lens also has a unique and aesthetically pleasing color rendition, which I would describe as "film-like."

[@mattisulanto]

I agree, the AF is on the slow side, but it's still a very nice lens.

[@murph6547]

which version you have ? mark 1 or mark 2 ???

[@armanddimeo6575]

@@murph6547Mark 2

[@sebastianligueno]

I really like the lens, but the 25mm I thinks it´s best to take stills with autofocus, specially in low light. Today, i wanted to take stills for family portrait in mode "delay", and it was slighty frustrating. But in street photography or daylight pictures, it seems me a suitable focal distance and very convenient to carry in the bag

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@benicetoyou]

The optical quality of this little lens is outstanding. Also great bokeh in my eyes. It fits very well on smaller bodies like the GX80. The field of view is great for general purposes & (environmental) portraits. But the slow autofocus can bother me from time to time especially in video, since it doesn't support C-AF. The AF motor is also a bit loud. Panasonic should update this lens!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! The lens can do AFC on the G9 on video mode.

[@benicetoyou]

@@mattisulanto Yes, it kind of tries, but it's basically useless. I would say: Don't get this lens if you need AFC in video. YMMV. In photo mode, AFC is disabled anyway.

[@mattisulanto]

@@benicetoyou I think the face recognition is actually reasonably good, but I would also not recommend this for video shooters.

[@davidgoold6646]

A nice trick worth trying with a stuck step-up ring or filter is to wear rubber gloves... place the lens face down in the palm of one hand and turn gently with the other. Never failed with me, but maybe you tried it. On my Lumix bodies I love this lens too and fully understand what you mean by the only lens you'd ever need - 40mm equivalent is a lovely focal length. The AF on the 20mm (both versions) doesn't play well with my two Olympus E-PL9s, my E-PL10 or E-M10III for which, to avoid misfocussing, I need to half press the shutter and hold for a fraction of a second longer than I would normally before fully pressing (even with focus priority release selected).

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for the tip, but I'm more afraid, that the lens body will brake, if I twist hard enough.

[@ZawMoeLwinSteven]

I got MK1 with GF1 as a kit lens. The lens make me to stay in m43 system. Panasonic should remake it as a kit lens.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Been considering this for my backup Gx85 as a portrait lens.

[@TonySkraba]

Suggest considering something longer. Your personal preference wins out, but after playing around with a 40yo canon 50mm, I learned to appreciate 45-100mm (90-200 equiv) a lot more than standards for portraits Cheers!

[@gordonclarke1210]

I agree with Anthony, consider a longer lens. My min for portraiture would be 75mm equiv. I use a 60mm (120mm equiv) Sigma lens on my GX1 and it gives great sharp portraits. Put it on your list to consider. Happy buying.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Anthony Skraba appreciate the advice I have my G9 for all of that. This is for the days when I’m just roaming the streets light for some candids.

[@rudolfabelin383]

Would love a comparison of these lenses.

[@ramiroprado7649]

How about a comparison between this lens and the M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 1.8?

[@mattisulanto]

Maybe some day, but I can't borrow Olympus lenses so easily.

[@ramiroprado7649]

@@mattisulanto Surely Peter lends you some, or you can make a duel video between the two!

[@r-l-l]

What is the step up ring you used on the lens? that looks nice and I guess it can act as somewhat a hood

[@mattisulanto]

It was just a normal step up ring, but fortunately I managed to remove it.

[@r-l-l]

@@mattisulanto It was actually look nice on there.

[@sstansm7f]

I read the comments with abnormal expectations. A lens with 7 elements can't be free of distortion, chromatic aberrations in out of focus areas, fringing, flaring etc. Also fast focusing is possible if lens has sophisticated optical scheme with moving element in very tiny range of motion. See Olympus PRO prime lenses as example.

[@TCizauskas]

It's my 'go-to' walking-around lens on my Olympus OM-D E-M10ii. Chromatic aberration isn't good...but that's probably because it's a Panny lens on an Oly body, and it's easy to fix in post.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Here in Cologne, we need that weather sealing or we don't take many pictures. I do have a olympus 17 1.8, focus fast but also not weather sealed. Works well on my G85 & G9. Also no lens hood for it, but it is a little longer they the 20mm.

[@mattisulanto]

I've been to Köln many times, but I didn't know the weather is so bad there most of the time.

[@steveschnetzler5471]

@@mattisulanto May it is just in the winter, and this seems like such a long winter.

[@mattisulanto]

@@steveschnetzler5471 Over here this winter has not been so bad, because it's been more like continental European winter. Like yours😀Mild temperatures and no snow. Here in south, that is. In Lapland they have a lot of snow.

[@mariocrb]

in Italy costs only 219€ on amazon, I think you miss something important to say about this lens, you can't focus in continuous mode so it's a big issue for video

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for the price info. The AF issue has been covered in other comments already. The lens can do AFC tracking and face recognition.

[@cmalc8]

It's a great lens in any case, but if you have an OM-D and a PEN, put this on your PEN and keep it in your coat pocket. Put a 12-40 pro on your OM-D.

[@KrissCook]

Hi Matti, thank you for your videos! I had a PSC Reflex and I recently moved my first step into the world fo 4/3 buying a Lumix GX-80 with the 12-32 pancake lens. I watched your review of the Lumix 25mm f1.7 and now this video... Could you please make a comparison video of theese two lenses. I'm wondering to buy a prime lens for portraits and more bright interior shooting and I really don't know what to buy between theese two.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! I'll probably make a comparison between the 14mm, 15mm, 20mm and 25mm. Cupcake lens😀

[@olaganvalantine4551]

​@@mattisulanto it would be so helpfull!

[@Jawsjawsjawsrg]

This is the second Lumix lens I have considered getting as an Olympus shooter. (the first was the 100-400mm)

[@mattisulanto]

Sure, it's a good little lens.

[@dfrombc]

Got a copy for 80 CAD.....cheap and very cheerful

[@artjohnson01]

I'd love to see a comparison of the 3 lenses.

[@DwightParker]

Own it and it has been my favorite for a long time, but the 15mm is currently my favorite only because it is faster ..... but I prefer the 40mm FOV over 30mm .......

[@blindsouris]

Only AFS on an G9 camera, AFF and AFC not allowed! For the rest a good & sharp lens.

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

How do I know which camera this lens is for? Full frame S5? Or are all lenses you feature interchangeable with all Lumix cameras?

[@mattisulanto]

If you watch the video you'll find out😀 I don't say it at the start, which I should have done, but if you watch from 3:25 it's there.

[@vermontsoriginal]

Would love the comparison

[@cameronkrause4712]

I recently bought the 20 1.7, and I think that it must be the first version because the outside barrel has a different colour than the one that you have there. If, as you say, the design is the same then I don't care, but I am surprised that the first version is still being sold here in Canada because it is almost 2023.

[@mattisulanto]

To my knowledge the optical formula is the same. Maybe they had some old stock still. Was it sold as the mark II? The latest model is: LUMIX G 20 mm F1.7 II ASPH.(H-H020A)

[@pavelperina7629]

I would like to see comparison with 25mm lens including big&bulky sigma dc. Imho 14mm is very different. I have mkI from 2009 and I have a few issues with this lens, but they don't really matter. It's good to be aware of 2nd one. Focus is super slow and noisy, lens is basically useless for video. In low light situations focus is unreliable. Automatics on G80 sometimes considers blurred circles around light sources to be sharp objects. Sometimes I need to use manual focus. But it's my preferred lens for all kind of social events. Once I've tried some street photos during xmas markets and it worked. I also liked to carry it around the city and to think about composition and where to stand not having zoom lens. After like 5 months using it exclusively on GF1 I bought 14-45 and later 12-35/f2.8

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@dandanu2526]

For landscape stills,what would you recommend between lumix 20 mm 1.7 and Sigma DN 19 mm f 2.8. ? Thank you!

[@mattisulanto]

Both work well.

[@dandanu2526]

Thank you!

[@sokol-38]

Thank your for the video! I read somethere that it doesn't support some of focusing modes of Lumix cameras. Is it real? And it hunts a lot. Rly? And also +1 for the comarision review. In Russia it costs around 250 euro at nonofficial stores. Planning to buy 15mm 1.7, but still not sure. Review will be very handy at this moment :)

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! It looks like the lens does not support all focusing modes on all camera bodies, but it does not hunt a lot, unless it's very dark and the subject has no contrast. I'll get back to this in my the comparison.