Why Is This Micro Four Thirds Lens So Popular?

[@robinwong]

Some have pointed out that the lens used in the video was Panasonic 20mm F1.7 II version, instead of Mark I as mentioned. Note to Panasonic - why isn't there any labels indicating that on the lens? This is even more troubling - all the problems in Mark I existed in Mark II and Panasonic made zero effort in improving the lens.

[@a20010494]

lol agreed

[@andersistbesser]

Lumix takes zero effort with their lenses these days. They did not even update the firmware of their lenses to work better with the new autofocus system. Most of my lumix lenses have firmware from 2018. I think the only lenses having a phase detect update are the expensive 10+25 and 25-50 leica zooms

[@jackoneil3933]

Indeed Robin. H-H020AS is the mark II model number and H-H020 is the mark one model number. Having had both I stuck with the Mark I as I sold the MK II for almost twice as much and I thought the MKI may have had a bit smoother out of focusing rendering. I took some images yesterday to see if I could get some of the poor background separation and rough background Bokeh in your images Robin, and didn't get any quite as bad, most were smooth and attractive, but I have had some with unattractive out of focus backgrounds and funky edges, but not much worse than some well loved Distagon* Schineder and Leia full frame lenses with harsh backgrounds many think is cool.

[@bastian.michel]

I don’t understand why Panasonic and Olympus/OMS don’t realize that these types of lenses are their true competitive advantage. They should keep them consistently updated. I’ve considered switching systems from time to time, but I always come back because of their incredible lenses. Come on, Lumix and OMS-show these hugely popular lenses some love!

[@robinwong]

Agreed, it is time they updated and improved some of the older, popular lenses.

[@Gregory_Laborde]

You don’t (understand)? I think I do. It’s because the companies are run by accounting/marketing types who do not listen to the advice from photographers and engineers, much less use a camera themselves. They stick to the ‘safe’ approach of continuing to make the same product over and over, much like Hollywood studios with their infinite sequels, rehashing, and re-imagining.

[@robinwong]

They are also not necessarily targeting just photographers, but overall consumer market. Which makes things a bit hard to understand

[@edzardpiltz6348]

Om is getting the jist now. They are updating their small compact primes and making them even weather resisting😃🤙

[@edzardpiltz6348]

Awesome lens for what it is and what is meant for. Fujis x100's lenses are also not optically the best, but what they lack in image quality they make up for in size. Sometimes the best lens might just be that that you have on you😉.

[@RainIndex]

Imagine how much better a modern version could be!

[@Eyepatchfilms]

Mine is so old. Got it with my GH1. Let my sister borrow it for a few years and its back and still slowly churning that AF motor

[@JittikMieger]

I agree. This lens need a mark III. Preferably a weather sealed Leica version.

[@uncle852]

but already have 15 1.7, and om 20 1.4, and even 17 1.8 ii coming soon....

[@davidg5898]

I think it's a popular lens because it's the _only_ option for small 20mm MFT fast prime with AF. And "budget" compared to the other 20mm choices. It focuses a little faster on my EM-1 III body, but still on the slow side. I'm still hoping Oly will give us a 20mm f1.8 at some point with their lens refresh. If not pancake, then at least between the 17mm & 25mm f1.8 barrel sizes. I'd be happy with that.

[@KirstenBayes]

I bought the 20mm f/1.7 for a second time last year: a (very) battered copy to go with a cheap camera body (Lumix GF3). It's been brilliant with that camera, much better than the first one I bought, which hunted like heck on my o-g E-M5. Definitely saw all the problems you describe first time out, this one has been a champ, have been really happy with it. I think some lens/body combos just work better than others.

[@arunmaroli]

This lens has poor AF on OMD bodies, but focuses quite well on Lumix such as G90

[@nickadams1051]

I love the slow, asthmatic sounding af.

[@AverageUser1040]

This lens has lived on my E-PL6 for several years, an awesome go-anywhere combo.

[@michaelreyesphotography]

I bought and sold the 20mm 1.7 around 4-5 times already. It's a love-hate relationship but now I have it again and keeping it. I have other lenses which covers the 20mm like the 10-25mm 1.7 but the small size and great sharpness of this lens makes me want to keep it in my stable.

[@jackoneil3933]

Thanks Robin, I have had an early Lumix 20mm f/1.7 Mk1 for over 10 years, as well as a newer Mk II version and the MK II has a bit better contrast and maybe a tad less flare. I agree with your criticisms, plus the lens does loose a bit of sharpness at F1.7. I've used the original on the GH1, GH2, GH3 GH4, GX8 and G9 as well as the Original Blackmagic 2.5 Cinema and Pocket cameras, and some of my favorite images were taken with the 20mm f/1.7. The issues you point out about harsh out of focus rendering I am aware of, but when I use it for street photography don't often shoot wide open, but at f/2.8 or higher, where the background cleans up. Typically I use Micro 4/3 for more photo journalistic mages and video so the 20mm 1.7 is more my 40mm full frame look and has worked well. I tend to use my full-frame Sony, with vintage manual focus lenses for more of a film-like rendering, more subject separation and film-like look. The Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4 and Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH I would use when I want smoother, less aggressive look.

[@evanmcknight2566]

Thanks for your informative reply. Much appreciated and answered a few questions I had.

[@jackoneil3933]

​@@evanmcknight2566 Thank you, happy to hear it helped. A couple of thoughts I might add. The original mk-1 20mm f/1.7 I have came in a kit with the 14-140mm Zoom, and is made in Japan (Model H-H020), and is different than Robin's copy, Robbin's is chrome plated with a gloss black front element ring, my copy is a space gray matte powder coat and has a different style front element ring that's matte black.I preferred the images from my Mk1 Japan version over the Mk2, as I recall the MK2 version was made in China. As for focus Speed, I just checked my MK1 20mm with Ver 1.1 software on my G9 with camera Firmware V 2.7 and focus speed from infinity to minimum is about .2 seconds and for distances from about 1 ft to 8ft is nearly instantaneous, using the lens on my old GF2 body It's noticeably slower, and hunts a bit, similar to what Robin demonstrated with his GM1. As I recall, when I upgraded the firmware on the 20mm focus speed increased noticeably. Compared to my Lumix 12-35mm F2.8 that's considered one of the faster Lumix lenses, there's almost no noticeable difference between the 20mm from min focus to 10 ft ., and maybe 0.1 second from min to infinity. Much faster than Robin's camera and lens.. ** if you are reading Robin you might want to check your lens firmware. and try it on a newer Panasonic camera. Another thought, I used to live in Malaysia and bought a Olympus and Canon DSLR film Camera, and a Olympus E-620 DSLR Four Thirds Camera in Malaysia, and I noticed that Cameras and lenses while often less expensive than in the U.S. or Japan were often Chinese or Thai production rather than Japan, and the S.E. Asian market models could be of inferior quality. A couple of Canon EOS lenses Made in China I got in Malaysia were rubbish optically and optically and withing a couple of months were growing fungus. I later bought the same lenses in the U.S. Made in Japan and even the coatings were different. May not be the case whit Panasonic but I've never seen a Chrome Panasonic lens so I wonder if Robin has a Chinese domestic model that could be different than other more common Japan models?

[@evanmcknight2566]

@@jackoneil3933 Thanks for all the extra detail. I also have a silver version but I've used it very little since I have other, better, but bigger options that I got after I purchased this lens. I'm thinking of pairing it with a GX9 for a compact light set up, or letting a friend use it, or selling it. Despite the lack of weather sealing I like the design of the Panasonic GX9 (and this lens would suit it well I think), just wish I could swap out the GX8 viewfinder, but that is getting totally off topic for this review.

[@35-km]

@@jackoneil3933 Thanks for the info. I didn't know there were versions made in China. I think I've been lucky to have a MK2 made in Japan. I have the Leica 15mm F1.7, but I like the results with the 20mm F1.7 more.

[@jackoneil3933]

@@35-km I sold the Mk II a few months ago and going off recollection so it might have been Japan but I seem to recall china. It was an all black version that came with a used G9. I also took some images yesterday to see if I could get some of the poor background separation and rough background Bokeh in Robin's images, and didn't get any quite as bad as Robin's examples, most were quite smooth and attractive, but I have had some with unattractive out of focus backgrounds, but not much worse than some well loved Distagon* Schineder and Leia full frame lenses with harsh backgrounds many think is cool. I like creamy out of focus rendering and why I preferfull frame manual focus Nikon, and Canon FD lenses for shallow DOF

[@deangawler9727]

With the announcement of the OM 17mm F1.8 II, i think that's going to be the logical street photographer's lens. I'm looking forward to you getting a copy and doing some tests!

[@saifulakhtarshamsuddin7266]

love it as a street walkabout lens. i still have it. came originally as a kit when i bought the pana GF1

[@tobiasdavid3096]

Yes, Robin, all the drawbacks are true. But I have the OM 20mm 1.4 which is, in all aspects, better. But I still grab the Panasonic 20mm 1.7 II more often, just because of it‘s size and weight. BTW you have the mark II version. The mark I is in this blue/grey plastic look. Please compare the Panasonic 14mm, 20mm and the Olympus 17mm 2.8 with each other.

[@rmrpictures1]

I was wondering who was going to mention that he has a Mark II version of the lens, good catch.

[@beeshepard]

On my E-M5 iii, the focus is a lot faster than that with the mark ii version of this lens. Also, it would be nice to get some comparison images showing how the bokeh and 3d aspects of the image compare to a lens you do like.

[@SAMLAOSHI]

I’ve been waiting for a review of this lens for a long time, thank you Robin … 👍🏻

[@LeMillmeister]

It has some drawbacks but none of them a deal breaker for me. One of my favourite MFT lenses

[@w0lfyovi294]

Well done Robin on the video, I can see all the time and effort you put into making a high-quality re-review. I understand and agree with all your points, I do wish Panasonic would start updating some of their older lenses like 20mm f 1.7 and 45mm f 2.8 Macro, their AF is toooo slow. I might still get this lens one day but right now I have all my attention on the Samsung NX500 I got about a week ago for only 300 £ and I just added the Samsung 16mm f 2.4 to the mix alongside the 20mm f 2.8 and the MAMMOTH S 16-50mm f 2-2.8 zoom (I won this one by pure luck for just 270 £). I am having so much fun with the Samsung NX500 that I can't stop shooting with it, the UI, the ergonomics, the colours, the rendition, just pure fun.

[@robinwong]

Thanks for the kind words. I can forgive the older lenses for being slow, because they were old, and without them we won't be where we are today. But it is due time they make an update for some of their popular lenses! I see some Samsung stuff floating around in the used market here but they are so expensive here!

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Robin, nice photos and great colours. Thanks Robin 😊

[@diluteduk]

you're on your own Robin, I love this lens! Though I agree a mk3 would be good.

[@wasylbakowsky5199]

I have this lens, and absolutely love it. I'm not a pro photographer, but I've never faced the issues you have pointed out. I think that it is so popular because most people haven't noticed them either. In my case, this thing absolutely rocks in low light conditions, which is where it excels. I have used it for retirement parties, where conditions are super low light. People get really irritated having their pictures taken with a blast of flash to the face, I can just take pics with no flash, super clear, super bright. I have taken pictures of subjects outside in almost pure darkness, with extreme clarity. None of this was explored in your video.

[@alfredbarten4901]

This lens is why I chose micro 4/3 over Sony APSC

[@rasselkette0815]

I always enjoy using this lens. It offers a great price-performance ratio and is wonderfully compact and unobtrusive. The optical performance is also very good considering the price. The much more expensive 20mm from OM, on the other hand, could not completely convince me. I mainly use this lens on an old Em 1 original. A real dream combination from my point of view.

[@chainsov]

I think for weather sealing or faster AF they would need to redesign this lens completely, as the complete inner tube moves in and out, the motor has to move a lot of mass, and sealing the gaps would not be trivial. I had the mk1 since GF1 and later the mk2. Even now that I have the Leica 15mm, I like the 20mm, as its size basically makes it the only pocketable low light lens on m43. I also feel that since DFD was introduced on Lumix cameras, the AF is faster as it has to hunt less.

[@GLu-qc6vn]

This current lens design is a crucial factor, as you indicate. I'm not a lens designer, but I informally read about it a lot. I'd guess the lens *can't* be redesigned for fast focus. The current relationship of the elements all with fixed distances from each other would change if one or more separate smaller elements were independently moved, which is necessary for fast autofocus. Thus most or all of the curvature of most elements would probably need to change too. That may also entail less, more or different aspherical elements, different refraction indexes (perhaps it would need high density glass), etc. I'd guess the size of the lens would probably have to change, so it would look like, and internally be, a *different* lens. Still, Panasonic could consider designing a new lens in this focal length. With a 1.7 or 1.8 aperture, I'd guess it could be smaller and lighter than the Olympus F1.4 20mm Pro lens. Olympus is about to release weather-sealed small prime lenses. If they sell well, this may motivate Panasonic to design a weather sealed new 20mm lens. I'd love that.

[@chrishowell5718]

@@chainsov I agree, I think it's fine for what it is but if remaking it as a super-fast, weather-sealed, optically-superior lens were a trivial option, it would have happened by now, or at least just as there's the Leica 25mm 1.4 to compete with the Panny and Oly versions, so there would be a Leica pancake 20mm. I suspect that making a pancake lens means compromises elsewhere in the design just as making an f1.2 portrait lens means it can't be as small as the Olympus 45mm F1.8. Maybe you could use quieter motors, and update the autofocus speed, but would that shift in sufficient numbers to cover a complete redesign.

[@salgado_fotos]

I agree with your review, it seems very accurate and adjusted to reality. I value in this Lumix 20mm its particular personality, its defects for some may be its charms. I love its size to combine it with the Olympus EPLs

[@aussenbords4984]

Bought a used M2 of this a couple of weeks back and already deep into my m43 journey. Goal was to pair it with my also newly bought (used) Pen E-PL10 to have something pocketable for cycling. Now, had you asked me 3 weeks ago, I would have agreed to all of this because I hated the performance of this tiny and beautiful thing. However, there was a learning curve. The autofocus still is unbearably slow compared with what I was used to from Olympus (really each and every lens I own(ed) is faster) but I managed to get some really impressive shots with great sharpness and even 3D pop. ... and purple fringing and terrible bokeh - thanks for pointing it out so that I can't unsee it now 😀 So: one more vote for 'please give us a sensible update for this lens - it is what we are all in the market for'.

[@raytbrown2]

It's a very good review, Robin. Accurate.

[@GaryBaillie-he3yu]

Hi Robin,thank you for taking the time to test the lens.I have the lens and love it ,despite the slow focussing which you highlighted.I find the image quality fine ,but perhaps l have a good copy of the lens.Out of interest,l did have an Olympus 17 mm F1.8,but sold it as the images from it were "Not quite right" somehow,and just lacked contrast.A while later l bought the lens again at a good price secondhand,but found the same problem,Then recently,l bought the lens directly from OM Systems,brand new for £250.Third time lucky,as l am very pleased with the lens now.

[@RichardBiederman]

Well, I own 2 copies of this kens and I haven’t experienced any of the issues mentioned here, except for slow autofocus. Some of my favorite photos ever have been shot with this lens. Robin, is it possible there is a problem with the lens you have? Having said that - I would love a Mark III version with weather sealing!

[@UpgradeLemonade]

Welcome back Robin!! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the new OM system camera on Feb 6th ❤️

[@danthegeetarman]

Glad I watched this. That slow autofocus is a deal breaker for me. Also, I know this lens is older, but I really hope Olympus solves the wide-open chromatic aberration on the newer lenses. I like to shoot wide open a lot, and take pictures of high contrast stuff, but when it’s in between complex leaves and the sky, makes it almost impossible to fix in post :(

[@robinwong]

Olympus newer lenses are quite good at controlling purple fringing, not an issue so far.

[@LadyBovine]

​​@@robinwong Weren't there issues with the 20mm 1.4 having severe purple fringing in certain conditions though? Edit: OM system, and I assume OP meantd OM system as well

[@tedphillips2951]

I feel out of step with all the comments. I find that the lens focuses quite well on my EM 1 II & EM 10 IV

[@kennygo8300]

I love the 20mm 1.7, but I've found myself carrying the 14mm 2.5 more often. The Ricoh GR3x has taken over that focal length for me, when I shoot on the street.

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

Thanks Robin I just picked up a GX80 and have the 25mm Panasonic lens and was considering swapping to the 20mm but I believe I have the better lens when comparing the two 🤔

[@barryabdul6358]

I currently use this lens on my GX9 and i think the AF is better compared to when it was put on GM1 and GM5.

[@madnight.michael]

Robin, how you compare yongnuo 25 1,7 vs 20 1,7? I wanna switch for compactness, but afraid to lose in quality. Shootin on m10iii, epl8 and epm2

[@houghwhite411]

Wait, I don't understand. You remark about how the rendering is flat, but in your image example, the image felt like it have the pop, except the close ups

[@skfineshriber]

You’re talking about a lens I love! 😅 I don’t mind the bokeh, and at closest focusing I think it’s beautiful. Focusing is slow, but that’s a relative term. It’s usually fast enough. I find the focusing more reliable than my PL 25/1.4. I own about 15 lenses from Olympus and Panasonic. I think the 20mm has an almost vintage look.

[@GLu-qc6vn]

Your comment about the almost vintage look is interesting. Indeed, as I'm sure you well know, the majority of vintage lenses simply cannot achieve the "creamy smooth bokeh" that expensive modern lenses strive for. Some of that less-than crème-de-la-crème bokeh, as well as more diverse looks of the "bokeh balls" is fundamental to many vintage lenses' special character. Many photographers have been convinced over the last many years to desire a single standard bokeh look. Our esthetic ecology is becoming more a razor sharp, generally flat monoculture.

[@skfineshriber]

@ I think that’s what I said, except better. 😅👍

[@Rnder72]

When I bought the 20mm I was hoping for the same experience that I have with the Zuiko 25mm f2.8 pancake (FT lens) love this lens. But like you I have some issues. Along with the ones you pointed out here are some of mine. The lens is just so noisy, waking up from eco mode, in focusing and when taking a shot, you distinctly hear the aperture blades closing down. Though the lens is short its larger diameter crowds the front buttons on my E-M1-III. The filter thread is on the unit focusing part of the lens, so when using a screw in lens hood there may be a chance of damaging the focus mechanism if the lens hood gets bumped. With all that said I still like the lens and I am glad I have it. Though the 20mm is sharper, I think having to choose I would still go with my m.Zuiko 17mm f1.8

[@clintjohnson5914]

As usual Robin you get more out of these lenses than anyone else I know.. this is one of the few mft lenses that I never really cared for. The focusing as you mentioned was slow and kind of inconsistent. However if you were able to grab that silver one at a great price...fantastic. I got to say it's almost Olympus silver prime good-looking... And if you did get a mark too well even more bonus for you...

[@Bigfarmer8]

Hi Robin, you are definitely not alone in your opinion that the rendering of this lens is a deal breaker. Already in the first few photos that you showed I really didn't like the harshness of the photos. I very much like your honesty, because manufacturers won't change a lot when everybody says their product is fantastic. I really hope Panasonic listens, because the form factor and the following of this lens justifies an updated version.

[@JeevesTCW]

Very honest review Robin & 100% agree based on my experiences 8yrs ago with this lens. Shame because this is a fabulous focal length & it will be sometime before the OM system 20mm 1.4 comes down in price on 2nd hand market. Ps the 2nd version is already weather sealed I believe.

[@christinecoughlan4699]

Thank you Robin .

[@lespecsman]

May i ask what alternative do you suggest that you like better🤔

[@Hannemanneke]

Thank you Robin! I like your videos about gear so please kee sharing them 😀 Question: is there an alternative similar lens which performs better?

[@BrewAndSip]

I am using Panasonic 14mm for street photography, i use manuel focus+focus peaking. I can say that slow af will not an issue when you enable focus peaking and get use your lens manuel focus. About depth of field and bokeh what you said, agree, shallow dof not beauty as a Voigtländer lenses. Thats why im using it mostly infinity focus.

[@balintmolnar6299]

Sorry Robin you got it wrong, your lens is the mark II version... Still honest and thorough review as usual. 😊

[@HerbertPollard]

I got this lens back in 2012 with my first m43 camera. Yes it is slow to focus but I am fine with that. As for the out of focus areas I don’t shoot wide open often; and for chromatic distortion at more than twice the price and a much newer design OM’s 20mm pro has the same issues and this is a “pro” grade lens. All in all I like it. But I would love to see what Panasonic could do with a total redesign.

[@CC-wr7zo]

Autofocus speed is very improved with EM5III. But noise in video is still a problem.

[@gavinedmondstone316]

For the fact that I can have this lens in a jacket pocket makes this lens useful. I routinely walk around with a 150-400 on my OM1. This lens give me the ability to switch to a normal view without needing to add much weight or bulk. The slow focus is rarely a problem for me. It's not the greatest lens but it's one that I am willing to have with me should the need arise. I suspect that your wish list for this lens would require a complete redesign.

[@BrentODell]

I agree that it would be great to have a weather sealed version of this lens. In fact, I find it odd that it seems that a higher percent of the zooms are sealed than the primes. I'm no engineer, but surely it's easier to weather seal a prime lens than a zoom?

[@KDis0815]

Hallo Are you going to compare this Lens against the new 17mm 1.8?

[@ks1ngh27]

If they can make this lens faster focusing, it will be glued permanently on many cameras.

[@photosbymichelperez8297]

With all its flaws this is one of my favorite lenses when paired with my OM-5

[@BlueberryFennec]

This lens gave me a lot of focus hunting on Olympus bodies while performing fine on Panasonic GX80. Therefore I sold it.

[@MrJapanforce]

Indeed, great lens.

[@borislebeau524]

I kept my good old trusty GX1 + LVF2 only for this lens.

[@paperback10]

Thanks Robin. Does anyone know if the Version 2, which I see is on the market, offers better performance ?

[@KDis0815]

The 20mm 1.7, the flawed King of Pancake.

[@leckywoznicki5393]

Thank you :)

[@sweden_ove2074]

❤😂 Looks wonderful, that tiny lens looking so big on that tiny camera gem. I wish most of all that OMDS will make a PEN-T (tiny tiny) the size of the Lumix GM1. Ok, my second wish is that Lumix make a GM1 mark 2. 😅❤

[@LadyBovine]

Are you sure you don't have some sort of sharpening or other setting turned on in camera that might affect the look? I never found the bokeh from this lens to look like yours.

[@matshagonius6022]

You made my day.... 🥰🥰🥰

[@michaelscaplis]

How does the optical quality of the Panasonic 14mm F2.5 stack up against the 20mm seeing as it's equally small in size?

[@stevemcmahon6803]

Image quality is just as good and it’s actually a bit smaller than the 20mm. Plus the 14mm is much more responsive. The 20 is so annoying that I don’t use it anymore

[@TheDiverat]

Great photos Robin nice honest review. KL is such a wonderful place for street photography,colourful, amazing buildings, and full of smiling people

[@nickadams1051]

Robin consistently produces uninspired, boring images not even worth pressing the shutter. Sorry, that is not good photography, it is good for the rubbish bin.

[@xmeda]

Silver one.. that would fit nicely to my silver EM5III :D

[@simonatterbury]

Very interesting and useful video. I've been looking for the smallest useable prime lens to pair with my E-PM1. I had this, the LUMIX 14mm F.25 and the Oly 17mm F.2.8 on the list. I have the holy trinity of Oly F1.8 len's but want something truly pocket size. My guess is the LUMIX 14mm is the best of the bunch. Is the 20mm focus speed worse than the Oly 17mm F2.8? Also looking at your previous vids I like the rendering of the Oly F2.8 for causal / street photography.

[@stevemcmahon6803]

I can’t speak for the Oly but I have the lumix 14 and 20. 14 destroys the 20. I actually hate the 20 and try to talk people out of buying it even though it makes nice images. It’s just so annoying to use and makes the camera so sluggish even in manual focus

[@simonatterbury]

@@stevemcmahon6803 All the reviews I've read say the same thing, the 14mm look like the way to go. Thanks.

[@DamienZaid]

Autofocus on a Panasonic GX80 and GF7 was okay and accurate. Not the fastest, but still fine for quick snapshots. On my Olympus EM5III the autofocus was really inaccurate, unless when using single point and AFS.

[@christophejournoud2773]

Hi Robin, Do you obtain the same redering with an Olympus body ? So, do you prefer the 17mm 1.8 Olympus ?

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

I still want one myself!

[@timgilbert8497]

Have you ever tried a different copy, that bokeh looks worse than mine and I've had the mk1 and mk2... but yes an updated version with weather sealing and new AF would be great.

[@michelesiniscalchi8695]

hi robin! it's a shame that after all these years panasonic and olympus have not made an effort to fix these old and problem-ridden lenses. We are seeing the same thing with om system that is wasting an opportunity by relaunching old lenses with only the implementation of dust and splash resistance. After more than 10 years it would be a good idea to change the optical formula improving sharpness, flare resistance and more, using lenses with different treatments, or even new ones without having to completely change the optical formula. I would not buy lenses that are more than 10 years old that have not improved in any way from a qualitative point of view.

[@NatLife]

Exactly resonate with your experience. The pictures feel sterile and cold like in a surgery room. I have it since 15 years and use it a lot. As it is so small and convenient. Better to make a picture than not. Practically this lens with an old small Lumix serves me as replacement for a high end smartphone. In life you cannot optimize everything. I process in Dxo and Topaz. This now allows the creation of amazing quality. Without the need to buy more expensive lenses. SW and AI win over mechanical construction.

[@sweden_ove2074]

One more thing. I want a M.Zuiko pancake splash proof 14 f2 with the size of that 20 mm lens and Olympus optical quality. I saw today that the Zuiko 17 mm mk2 will have no focus clutch. That is so sad in my mind. I was hoping for 2 versions of the 1.8 lenses, one basic cheap version with no splash proof and no focus clutch. And the little better with focus clutch and splash proof. Ok, so let's hope Lumix make an updated better 20 f 1.7 that is good for all MFT shooters.

[@35-km]

I have the Leica 15mm F1.7 and that one, but I prefer the results of the 20mm F1.7. And Panasonic should release a new pancake 20mm F1.7... and a new GM1.

[@nikytamayo]

It's popular beccause it's perfect.

[@Leptospirosi]

Your lens is a Mkll

[@LadyBovine]

Yep, I don't know why people always seem to misidentify these. The mark one is blueish matt silver, with a black focus ring, the mk II is shiny silver/chrome with matching focus ring (or all black for the black model)

[@ryaneb3]

In your opinion, what lenses have the most “3d pop?”

[@g10col92]

Why - because it's a pancake lens and a great focal length. Quintessential micro four thirds.

[@ereseven]

I kinda still starstruck with the GM1 lol

[@dh1895]

COME ON, PANASONIC. Build a new version with a fast autofocus motor!

[@davidletterboyz]

How about Pana Leica f1.4?

[@christopherbonis]

6:23 WOW.

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Is there an olympus(OM systems) version of the lens that is better?

[@DamienZaid]

The olympus 25mm f1.8 is very sharp and has fast autofocus. It is a bit bigger though

[@sbeckmesser]

The Olympus 17mm f1.8 is a far better lens as well as being one of my favorites (all the Oly f1.8s are great). Not a pancake but still tiny compared even to APS-C equivalents (23mm), much less full-frame (35mm). And if you REALLY need the field of view of the Panasonic 20mm, you can always crop your 17mm pictures. If your camera's resolution is 20MP or higher, you won't lose much in detail.

[@DamienZaid]

@@sbeckmesser optically it is definitely worse than the 20mm, but focus is a lot faster and build quality is great

[@news603redux]

It's speed aside, I just don't get it. I've had both the 20mm and 25mm lenses and thought they both pretty much sucked as far as image quality was concerned. The 12-32 and 14-42 kit lenses leave them in the dust - what good is speed without sharpness?

[@bastian.michel]

Just here for the comments 😁

[@robinwong]

Comments will come in when the video is availble for non members

[@bastian.michel]

@robinwong This lens is sacred to many, which is why I mentioned it. I'm curious how people would react if someone dared to slaughter their holy cow.

[@houghwhite411]

If fuji could make xf27mm with weather resistance, what's stopping anyone especially oly/pana from creating WR pancake?

[@thanaponjarin]

We have to look at the front of the lens. Mark I = 0.2m/0.66 ft - … Mark II = G 1:1.7/20 …. 😁😆

[@alangauld6079]

My street goto lens is the olympus 17mm f2.8 pancake and it shares many of the flaws of the Lumix lens. But I do like its small size/weight and I do like its overall pictorial quality. I was surprised by how bad the "bokeh" of the 20mm was because I'd heard such good reports but that was a serious no-no for me. If you compare it with the Olympus 20mm f1.4 PRO it is a long way off the pace. A new updated version would tempt me. I do think Olympus and Panasonic should be giving some love to the teeny, tiny lenses we all fell in love with when MFT launched.

[@vinceriggio72]

We have been warned! Thank you!

[@DamienZaid]

The bokeh on your sample looks very strange and nothing like the one that I had. Mine was MK I

[@vermis8344]

I bought the mark ii of this lens thanks to hearing a lot of the hype about it, but to be honest I haven't used it enough to really appreciate the quality _or_ to regret the bad points. When I reach for a small lens it's usually the ol' 12-32. 🤷‍♂️ Time to use it or lose it, I think. I wonder if OM's revamped primes will steal the limelight, or even persuade Panasonic to develop that mark iii? (Or, given OM's track record, will the new primes be exactly the same, but with those extra rubber gaskets?)

[@RobertSigmund1]

The lens is great - but unfortunately on the slow side. Even a tram in motion is difficult to focus on. With the OM 1, compared with the OM Pro lenses 17 oder 25, it is a difference like night and day.

[@kimsalt_kor]

You want this fixed in 2025!

[@Gregory_Laborde]

It seems like updating the popular small lenses photographers already love and are clamoring for would be a guaranteed money maker. I guess I just do not understand the photography business, unlike the people running it who obviously do.

[@robinwong]

I agree, if the lens is popular, making it better is a guaranteed sell!

[@AmNeuberg]

IST ES DAS; IST ES WIRKLICH SO POPULÄR ❓❓❓ Ist natürlich nicht der Fall 😁😁😁

[@frankwong9486]

Good and it wont broke the bank Only problem: not very good flare control sometimes ,messy bokeh rendering Starter prime kit (withiut broke the bank) Om 17 1.8 (this one a bit expensive than others), panasonic 20 1.7 pancake ,panasonic 25 1.7, om 45 1.8 Usable zoom wont broke the bank: OM 12-50 with usable macro function, or 12-32 if you like pancake Then 100 300 for tele Ultrawide 7-14 F4/2.8 if you really want ultrawide and have budget

[@rebirth2526]

I have 20mm f1.7 mark II and yes the auto focus is still slow no different than mark I. My other M43 lenses are faster than this by a lot. I hope one day OM or Panasonic will look back and release more pancake lenses especially those that need update like this 20 mm f1.7.

[@kfbob364]

Panasonic struggles to make good photograph lenses. Olympus make beautiful lenses.

[@DuniaKita19]

very very very sharp, cheap, and very very light... just slow autofocus and a little purple fringing... very2 ok for manual video.. sharpppppp