Comments on: Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens

By: L. Ma

L. Ma — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 09:56:38 +0000

Very fast, compact lens ever used
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is a very fast, with pretty big aperture which you can still shot fast at night.

The build quality is good too.

Like this lens very much.

By: Carl M. Flarity

Carl M. Flarity — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:06:48 +0000

A very sharp lens that's great for available light photos
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The 14-45mm zoom kit lens that comes with the Lumix G1 isn't bad but this is much sharper and has more contrast. I was especially surprised at how sharp it was wide open (f1.7). With the increased depth of field of the four-thirds format versus full frame 35mm, there is no reason to avoid using this lens wide open for available light photography. The large aperture significantly improves the performance and usability of the live view LCD and electronic viewer of the G1 in low light conditions.

With this being such a short "pancake" lens, the manual focus ring is hard to grab with my fingers. I also would have preferred having O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) on this lens even if this had meant making it larger. This is mitigated by the large aperture that lets you use a faster shutter speed and the relatively short focal length that reduces the effect of camera shake.

I disagree with another reviewer who said the auto-focus of this lens was noisy. I have to hold it close to my ear to hear it. The sound of the focal plane shutter of the Lumix G1 is louder, which isn't that loud at all (no mirror slap).

I purchased my lens through Amazon with two day delivery. It arrived per estimated delivery date via USPS. Many other stores don't have this lens in stock.

By: Dan Markermoore

Dan Markermoore — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:11:42 +0000

LOVE THIS LENS
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Had the 14-45 lens that came with my GF1 Now I picked this up. This lens is amazing. Quick note I bought this last week for $400 now it’s listed for $550 wait a week or two and save the $150

By: Bay Wiz

Bay Wiz — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:51:03 +0000

E-P1 owners, your dream lens has arrived
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you own an E-P1, you absolutely owe it to yourself to get this lens right now. I used to own the 17mm and loved its size, but found the image quality lacking. There are plenty of detailed reviews of this 20mm lens out there so I'll spare the tech details.

I've had this for a little over a week and the performance is just amazing. Auto focus speed is very good, not super speedy, but definitely not slow. Images look sharp even wide open with lovely bokeh. It's not quite as nice as the Panasonic/Leica 25mm 1.4 for 4/3, but it is half the price and 1/4 of the size.

I have some good glass like the Olympus 50mm f2 and Olympus 14-52 mark II 2.8-3.5 via the adapter, but those will probably stay on my E-620 since this Panasonic 20mm fits the E-P1 like a glove.

It's amazing how this lens makes the E-P1 come alive like no other lens I've used on it before.

By: Jim in L.A.

Jim in L.A. — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:47:00 +0000

Razor sharp lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve been enjoying using this lens on my Olympus EP-1. It’s fast to focus, is sharp and has a beautiful bokeh. Amazon got it to me as quickly as it was released. The Oly 20mm with the EP-1 is a great “decisive moment” carry around combination.

By: A. Chng

A. Chng — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:07:20 +0000

best lens for m4/3
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
i’m impressed with this lens and have read all the good things about it, not yet a negative. get this lens if you have a m4/3 system. or rather you owed it to yourself to get this lens if you have e-p1, e-p2 or gf1. this lens is a perfect pairing with my gf1 for everyday chores and travel with me anywhere.

By: K. McGowan

K. McGowan — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:35:10 +0000

Great Lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I used this lens with my GH1 and it’s worked out great. It’s a fast lens, meaning the iris can open up letting in more light. This lets you shoot in low light situations and create stills and videos with very shallow depth of field. It’s also very small and light-weight lens. Couldn’t be happier with it.

By: Arthur

Arthur — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:39:30 +0000

Excellent, but....
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I bought this lens after owning the GH1 HD for 4 weeks. I have used the lens in all kinds of situations for stills and movies. The lens works very well as a still lens, specifically in dark indoors and outdoors situations. It also works very well for close ups, landscapes and even portraits.

As a lens using the Video features of the GH1, I am not fully convinced. Initially it had issues with the auto focus (running in and out of focus and making lots of noise). With the firm ware upgrade this issue has more or less been resolved, but I find myself putting the 14-140 on for video use.

On other positive about this lens is that all of a sudden you can actually carry the camera and lens installed in the pocket of your coat, your GH1 becomes a shoot and click.

All in all, I would recommend buying the lens if budget allows.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:30:56 +0000

A sharp pancake lens for Micro Fourth Third
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Panasonic 20mm f1.7 is a sharp prime lens. I use it with the Olympus E-P1 and the IQ is just excellent! Its an ideal lens for either the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic GF1 or GH1. I highly recommend it.

By: Jonathan Moore

Jonathan Moore — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:28:10 +0000

LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This lens is really great. It is much sharper then the kit lens on my EP-1 producing stunning images with great depth. I would say it is a must have for any one doing available light shooting on the EP-1