Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens

5 star lens at 1.7
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This lens is a must for m4/3 format… it’s small and very sharp… give you a great 40mm view and is a killer in

low light… get it!

Great prime lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I purchased this lens to go with a new Olympus e-p2. I got the lens before the camera, so I waited with great anticipation to see what it could do. I got the camera about a week ago, and it was purchased with the 14-42 Zuiko lens. While the Zuiko seems to be a fine enough lens, the Panasonic is incredible! The technical reviews explain the high quality of the lens, but in use it is just an amazing tool. Wide open I can shoot in low light with great results. The combination of camera and lens is exactly what I was looking for to replace a Nikon D-200 that had been stolen. No more big, heavy cameras for me. I LOVE this thing!

Creative and Fun Lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This lens wonderful. The depth of field and low light performance allows for much more interesting photos. I’ve been using it for over a week now and had no issues with regard to image stabilization. Plus it keeps the GF1 (and EP-1) much more compact than the 14-45mm system lens option.

20mm F/1.7 mounted on Oly E-P1
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I just received this lens and am still in the testing phase, but so far everything looks good. I took several sharp photos in low light at apertures ranging from 1.7 to 2.0, shutter speeds of 1/30 to 1/80 (handheld) and ISOs from 400 – 1000. The photos are sharp with no evident distortion or CA and have lovely bokeh. I look forward to spending more time with this camera and lens duo – the pair travels with me in my purse daily.

Amazon delivered this lens to me sooner than expected and I will definitely buy from them again.

So small, and very sharp!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought the 20 1.7 to go with my Panasonic GF1 and GH1 cameras, and this lens has not disappointed! It is so small and light, and the image quality is fantastic! I mostly use it with my GF1 as that combo is my go everywhere camera, but it also does visit my GH1 at times. The lens is sharp and contrasty, and the AF is quite fast even given that the lens does have to move some to focus. This lens has become a classic in the micro 4/3 world!

What a wonderful lens !!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Just received lens today,

One month of waiting was quite actually worthy enough!

It is unbelievably compact, with GF1, you can just take it anywhere you go.

And the most important, picture quality; couldn’t be better.

If you are getting into MFT, along with 7-14mm and 14-140mm, this 20mm lens is simply must have!

Just get it, you will never regret…

Cons;

One thing you should remember is, because of the sensor size, F1.7 is not a DOF you can get from 35mm lens.

Overall,

Fascinating and fabulous lens!

It’s a good lens to own
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Back in July 13, I sort of jokingly called up an authorized retailer in Massachusetts telling them if they had any GH1 cameras in stock and a guy told me their was one left. Knowing that I’m in college and have tons of loans to pay off, I told the guy that I’m going to have to think things over and call back. At that time it was very hard to find a GH1 and I told myself that if I didn’t get it now, it’ll be a while until I get another chance to purchase one so I called back and told the guy to please hold it for me because I’ll be their later on today.

I got to the store and saw for my own eyes that they really do have it in stock and went home with it. I’ve shoot a lot of good vides over the summer but all of my night footage didn’t look as good like this one for example,

[...](Shot on intelligent Auto mode). I have a Canon FD f/1.8 lens at the house but I never bothered to purchase an adapter.

Once October came, I told myself that I must either get an adapter or purchase the 20mm lens that I’ve been dying to get. I knew it was expansive but you can’t find much wider and faster lenses for any price and it’s the only fast lens that auto focus in the video. I’m cruising Amazon one day and was surprised to see that they have it in stock. I forced myself not to buy it on that day and when I saw that it was still in stock the next day, I couldn’t control myself any longer and bought it. Just like the GH1 incident, I figured that if I didn’t get it now, it’ll be a while until I get another chance.

Since I got it, I noticed that it’s sharper than I thought it was going to be and at the same time, it was noisier than I thought it was going to be. Also the auto focus didn’t work as quick as the 10x lens but Panasonic has been releasing firmware updates like last month for example and I’ve noticed big improvements since I got it. I argued with myself over rather I should give it 4 or 5 stars but because of how unique and compact the lens is, it should get 5 stars even though theirs no stabilizer and it’s a little noisy although when theirs other noises around you can hardly hear it.

Here are a couple of videos for proof. I’ll also show you how the auto focusing performs in low light situations.

[...]

All I had was the GH1 in my hands when I shot those.

Keep in mind that if your shooting video in a very quite room, it may be best to purchase an external mic.

I strongly recommend this lens to anybody who own a Micro 4/3rds camera.

Worth the price
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This review is not for you pros out there- After all you are used to spending real money on good glass. This is for the duffers out there (like me) who are moving beyond the point and shoots. And for GH1 users especially. The kit lens, though brilliant, does not work well in two conditions that you may find yourself in- low light and close quarters. Combine both and you have a party – literally! So, for all your holiday needs, this is THE lens.

It’s very sharp, and has awesome performance in low light conditions. I shoot a lot of video with my GH1, and the addition of this lens has dramatically changed my game. Beautiful images in firelight, streetlight, etc. If you’re in an environment lit by christmas lights it’s magic. Excellent bokeh on the close ups as well.

Add in the ability to autofocus in video (albeit a little slowly), and you have an awesome lens for most social situations. I hesitated to buy it due to the price, but I bit the bullet and now find it to be my favorite lens on the GH1. Makes for a small combo package. For you E-Pen and GF1 types, it’s also a great choice.

To see more, search on flickr or vimeo (for video) search with the lens name. Some great examples out there of the low light.

Better for stills than movies
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
The best attributes of this lens are its tiny size, low weight (100g), and excellent low light performance. Its image quality is excellent and at f1.7 it’s currently the fastest native m43rds lens that money can buy, with both auto-aperture and auto-focus.

The worst attribute of this lens is its noisy auto-focus motor. In my experience, the Panasonic 7-14mm f/4.0 Micro Four Thirds Lens for Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras and the Panasonic 14-140mm f4.0-5.6 HD (the GH1 kit lens) are both essentially silent when auto-focusing and they rarely hunt. This 20mm f1.7 lens is acoustically noisy, really too noisy to be used for movies unless you are going to record audio separately, and the autofocus hunts frequently *while taking movies*.

So all in all I’d say it is a great lens for still photos but not ideal for movies. Ultimately I recommend it for GH1 owners because at f1.7 it will allow you to take better pictures and movies in low light environments than is possible with the much slower f4.0-5.6 GH1 kit lens.

Low Light Addition to the Panasonic Micro 4:3 Lens Lineup
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This lens is fast, sharp and lightweight. It provides a low light capability that the Panasonic H-FS014045PP 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS Micro Four Thirds Lens, Panasonic H-FS014045PP 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS Micro Four Thirds Lens and Panasonic 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 Lumix G Vario MEGA OIS Zoom Micro Four Thirds Lens for Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds Cameras lenses do not. If you would like to take indoor photos without the aid of a flash, you will need this lens.

Great for narrow depth-of-field effect in a compact set
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I originally bought the Panasonic Lumix GF1 with the 14-45mm kit lens, and then bought this 20mm pancake.

The pancake turns the GF1 into a really compact set, that I enjoy taking together anywhere. I keep the 20mm lens in the camera most of the times, and only when I know I’ll need some telephoto I replace it by the 14-45mm lens.

I owned previously only point-and-shoot and superzooms, so I wanted to try some DSLR, but I was afraid I wouldn’t take together because of the bulk. With the GF1 + this pancake lens I have a small camera that I don’t mind carrying and that takes DSLR-quality photos.

It lacks OIS, but I don’t really feel the need as this is a very fast lens. With the f/1.7 aperture, you can also create nice narrow depth-of-field effects, which are impossible on point-and-shoot cameras.

I just wanted it be a bit wider… notice that this pancake is actually a 40mm in a 35-mm equivalent focal length. Probably in the future Panasonic will release a wide pancake. They currently sell a wide zoom Panasonic 7-14mm f/4.0 Micro Four Thirds Lens for Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras, but that’s too expensive.

Panasonic has other few lenses, but I believe this pancake 20mm is what makes more sense to use with the GF1 to have a real compact set.

I found this camera bag Lowepro Apex 60 AW (Black) is the smallest to fit only the GF1 + the 20mm pancake lens, if you’re trying to have a real portable set like me, and I also recommend to protect your lens with a filter like this HOYA 46mm UV Filter for Camera Use.

Pros:

- fast f/1.7 lens, great for narrow depth-of-field pictures and low light shots

- fast autofocus

- very compact lens. It makes a lot of sense with the GF1 – as a compact set you’ll carry with you all the time, as it fits your coat pocket.

- compact set = less obtrusive camera = more natural, candid photos

Cons:

- well, it’s not as flexible as a zoom lens. It’s fixed 20mm (40mm equivalent). But the pros outweigh the cons, so you’ll end up using it more than the larger zoom lens.

Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Lens Review
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this to supplement the 14-45 Lens which also does very well on my “Lumix G” system cameras. I’ve been using the 20 for a month with great satisfaction. I work commercially with Canon L glass, but, many times out of intrigue, shoot off hours with a number of other systems and therefore have a pretty good idea of their respective strengths and what constitutes good value in the balance of image quality and portability. This lens is a high performer and nicely fulfills its design intentions within the micro 4/3 category.

Great Lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The 20mm pancake lens is great for use on the GF1. It makes the camera into a near perfect street shooter, and it’s also good for parties or social gatherings where your inconspicuous gear profile will allow you to snap a lot of candid shots. The f/1.7 allows for shooting in low light and produces some beautifully shallow depth of field. Images are are extremely sharp, and I’ve had no problems with flare after several weeks of usage. I’m perfectly happy with it as my only prime.

There are some minor things any prospective user should be aware of, but I don’t feel any of this detracts from the essential quality of the lens. From what I’ve read, in its unmediated state the lens produces some barrel distortion, which Panasonic corrects in camera via software. You should also be aware that the lens is noisier than the kit zoom and takes slightly more time to acquire focus. From what I’ve read, this is due to the need to move around more glass while focusing. The implications of these last two minor downsides are 1.) that the use of continuous focus when shooting video will result in some annoying noise, and 2.) it’s slightly less good for action shots and quick shooting scenarios, which is what may keep it from being a perfect street shooter. The former can be addressed by simply not using continuous focus when shooting video, and the latter can be addressed by using manual focus and hyperfocal zoning to shoot on the fly. True also, the lens has no image stabilization, but photographers have been capturing great shots for many, many years without image stabilization.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.