Lumix G 42.5mm f1.7 is very sharp, right into the corners even at the maximum aperture. In my tests it comfortably out-performed the Olympus 45mm f1.8 in this regard, which only became sharp in the extreme corners when closed-down a couple of stops. The contrast is also very high, again even at large apertures.
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_G_42-5mm_f1-7_H_HS043E/index.shtml
Optically the Panasonic LUMIX G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is a good performer.
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_g_42_5mm_f1_7_asph_power_ois_review/
Panasonic's Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. lens is a strong performer that delivers sharp images across most of its aperture range. Edge-to-edge sharpness of frames is very good for such a fast lens and other potential aberrations are either negligible or very well controlled.
http://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/lenses/m4-3/panasonic-lumix-42.5mm-f-1.7-asph-lens-h-hs043e
Initial impressions (just like all Panasonic mini lenses) were very good. So light you almost don't know its there! Its got great stability with the OIS. For the price its a no brainer for a lot of people. However, the build & quality of the 1.2 version is so good that if you can afford it its still the one to go for videographers. It just feels more solid in the hand for me and obviously the depth of field defocus is amazing for portraiture. It proved very popular at the recent Photography Show in the UK.
I would like see more portraits with this lens. But I have bought the Zuiko 75m 1.8 recently and its a expensive lens.
im going to sell my oly
0.2x is like Lumix 20mm 1.7's. Although not so dramatic, but useful for sure. OIS should help too.
Despite of the similar appearance to Olympus 45mm f/1.8 the optical scheme of Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.7 looks quite different. Besides the O.I.S., it is noteworthy that the new lens' closest focusing distance is 60% shorter than either Oly 45mm or Pana/Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 -- 31cm versus 50cm-- providing a larger maximum magnification ratio, ~0.2x versus 0.11x. Close focusing ability opens up many interesting and dramatic compositions that would have otherwise not been possible.
Yeah hooray~! I want this lens. Of course Olympus body's 5 axis IS would perform better than Power IS, but I have a Panasonic body.
12mm - 25mm relatively fast prime with OIS, that's all I ask.
I hope they can bring out the 25mm f1.7 with OIS for budget or Leica 25mm 1.4 with OIS for prestige user. I think Leica 42.5mm f1.2 will sell even less since there is finally an alternative with IS.
Are there any disadvantages using a macro lens for normal shooting except the fact you are paying extra for the macro element without using it?
Would have preferred 30-35mm
Well, 30mm macro is also stabilized. Not so bright, but.
Have been eagerly waiting for Panasonic to bring out a fast stabilised prime and here it is!
I will be buying one.. The only down side is the focal length is a bit long.. Would have preferred 30-35mm
If it is same gem as Olympus 45mm and if focus is silent, fast and stabilizer is good without jitters - it'll be popular lens, really popular.
It is nice and the price is right. However, I just can’t help thinking that the 42.5 F1.2 is worth the extra cost. I know that it is much more expensive but the difference between F1.2 and F1.7 is significant at that focal length.
It looks like the panasonic version of the Olympus 45mm f1.8 only slightly faster and with optical image stabilization. It even has the same 37mm filter thread as the Olympus.
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