This is a dream lens. It has it all: - fast and exact autofocus - SHARP - in-lens stabilization - aperture ring - big aperture - designed by Leica The size is the only drawback. I wish there was exact copy of this but smaller (and maybe f/1.4 to lower the price and size). Once again: excellent review, David Thorpe!
Completely agree about this lens being a necessity for pros stubbornly shooting m43. This lens has given me so much. When competing alongside photographers using pro Canon and Nikon gear, the Nocticron has helped level the playing field and win me contracts. I am fond of the 45 1.8 too, but the Nocticron lets your sensor sing with some magic tones and colours that seem to be dormant with the 45mm.
I bought this lens when it first came out. It is hands down one of the best lenses I've owned for portraits and wedding photography. It look and sharpness has helped me earned double the income because of the rendering results.
Sukhi Rai I think that is probably one of the reasons Panasonic came out with this lens. It's on the road to making MFT a truly viable professional system. Some way to go with high speed teles and a specialist lenses but it's getting there.
As usual a great well thought out video, especially on this lens because i haven't seen people compare it to the little Oly 45, i guess they don't think the Oly is even in the same ballpark. But it is when u consider, like u so strongly did, everything, size, weight, price, pic quality, u didn't let the greatness of this lens take u away, & that my friend makes this & all of your reviews just a treat to watch.
sski66 Thank you very much! Yes, It's very easy to get carried away by a lens like the Nocticron but the advantage it has over the Olympus lies purely in that extra stop of speed. Other than that the Olympus competes on even terms. I've said it over and over but the 45mm f/1.8 is a bargain even at full retail price.
Your reviews are worth every second of watching over and over again, because you`re really an expert and a reliable, responsible and most of all independent reviewer - this gives RUclips more sense than many others could ever do - thanks for that and for sharing your excellent knowledge with us, David !!
I actually purchased this lens after I bought the G85. I am stunned by its IQ. I'm a novice just getting into photography but this lens is like an addiction that makes me pick up the camera and shoot anything in my sight. I'm also equally impressed with the Panasonic 12mm/1.4. It delivers stunning night low light images with a wide field of view. I would love to see your review of that lens as well. I subbed.
It#s hard getting hold pf Panasonic lenses. I buy most of my stuff for review but the lenses are getting so expensive now! The Nocticron - fantastic lens!
Great review David. Having just picked a Panasonic G7 for walk around and video camera I'm glad I found your channel; I appreciate your quick, honest reviews. I'm sure they'll prove helpful as I build out my kit for this body.
Great lens and a very fair professional review, your conclusion matches perfectly with mine. Fantastic lens, but for me it defeats the reason I choose to take my M4/3 system on hikes or travel, over my full frame Nikon system. Keep up the good work David, best M4/3 reviewer on here, actually probably the best reviewer full stop!
Thanks! Yes, a fantastic lens but if you try to emulate what a FF system will do, you do end up with something approaching FF sizes. You chose Micro Four Thirds for the very reasons it exists and that involves accepting the limitations. I'm entirely happy with the Olympus 45mm or the Panasonic f/1.7 42.5mm both of which are much more in keeping with the Micro Four Thirds ethos. Best of all worlds to have the choice,though!
I am glad that Leica name remains a synonym for high build quality, high image quality and high price. Thank your for showing us stellar performance of that lens, but also for retaining common sense and giving us good reasons for (not) buying it. Great review, David. As is your habbit.
Brilliant review David! I will never own this lens ( I own the four thirds summilux) so I understand your concerns about the size. Yes, if you gave it to me I would take it but I shoot landscapes, some street photography when on vacation and never portraits (my daughters don't like that!). Still I enjoyed your review immensely!
Mark Seawell Glad you enjoyed the review. Yes, it's a lens that is defined by its image quality at wide aperture. Stopped down to f4 or 5.6 or more it's sharpness is all anyone could hope for but so are quite a few other MFT lenses like the Summilux.
Hello David. I've recently discovered your videos and I really like the style, production quality and simplicity of them. I recently got this lens and I am so impressed by it. I can't say the same for my Tamron 85mm 1.8 on my Canon 6D, due to focusing problems. Its either just off a slight bit, spot on, or completely off. I roll through 100 photos and its just one of the three every other frame. This Leica 1.2 is impressive. I really like your video! Excellent work!
Glad you like them, Justin, thank you. The phase detection focusing of DSLRs can give off focus results sometimes because it is not seeing what the camera is seeing. The contrast system on Micro Four Thirds is foolproof since it is reading directly off the sensor so sees what the camera does. PDAF is better for continuous autofocus still, though with Olympus's hybrid PDAF and Panasonic's Depth from Defocus they are fast improving.
Solid review, I have been using the 42.5 for over a year now for video interviews and now the GH5 coming soon I can't wait to see what the result will be!
This is a very nice review. I have both lenses and I confirm all that you've said about them. I have bought the Nocticron because I shoot at weddings that present the most difficult lighting conditions. That lens focuses so fast on a Panasonic GX7 (a lot less so on a Olympus E-M1) that it even surpasses a Canon 5D mk III + 85mm f1.8 in low but still useable light.
lesdeth12 Interesting comment. Shooting in the conditions you describe is the reason a lens like this exists and as more 'specialist' lenses like this are introduced more professionals like you will see the MFT system as a practical - even better - alternative to DSLRs under many circumstances.
Solid honest review. I'm a big fan of that you take into consideration m43s biggest (smallest) advantage compared to other systems, it's size and weight
Thanks - it's easy to take it for granted that faster is better for lenses -just as it is with cars - but nothing is for nothing and I feel strongly that other considerations can weigh against it. I think that comes from my professional view that equipment serves a purpose and sometimes that purpose is better served by smaller things. In my office we had a range of high speed Nikon tele lenses in the cupboard. The fact is that 99% of the 300mmm pictures were taken on an f/4.5 Nikkor because the fast one was just too unwieldy while the f/4.5 was always in the bag and just easier to use.
Nice review... I agree, such a great lens. I just compared the Lumix 42.5 1.7 vs the Leica 42.5 1.2... In a lot of ways they are very similar, but there are some pretty amazing differences as well.
Another clear, honest and helpful review. This is why I subscribed to your channel and forward your reviews to people who ask me for camera purchasing advice. Thank you David!
Another pro review, David. Been wondering about this jaw-dropping f1.2 lens for a while. After seeing your review - all points considered - I'll stick with my Olympus 45mm f1.8. If I didn't already have the 45mm...maybe but the price/quality combination of the 45mm can't be beat. In my humble opinion.
Frederick Hagan The contrast between the two lenses is highlighted by the fact that one is value for your money whereas the other is a bargain. If Olympus had brought the 45mm in at a 30% higher price, I doubt it would have dented the sales at all. Like you, if I hadn't already had the 45mm I might have thought about the Panasonic, though I think I would have bought the 45mm anyway.
Thank you so much..... you just solved my headache, indecisiveness, worries, confusion, etc.... I have Olympus 42.mm f1.8 and been loving it WITHOUT any doubt until Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f1.2 Nocticron came along..... Now, I can sleep at night peaceful without having too much desire for f1.2 Nocticron... (^_^)
Tobeon2 Sleep well while you can. Do you have a 17mm lens you are happy with? The new 17mm f0.7 Polympasonic is the sharpest and fastest lens the world has ever seen and only £2,700. I'be bought two of them in case one gets broken. You _know_ you want one :-)
Yet another excellent video by David Thorpe - always informative full of user information, succinct and polished in production/editing. I feel as if I have this lens already - I am sold on its capabilities and creative flair, however, the cost is far too rich for my pocket.. Perhaps, RUclips should censor Dave for making videos; that IMHO, are too good.
Thanks! However, to avoid censorship I will start my videos in future with a shot of me wearing a back to front baseball cap and a cry of "Hi Guys"!!! . I will follow it with shots of me at a desk waving the review item about and regurgitating the spec sheet :-)
gahhh i want this lens! at 6:50 for the cat and the laser pointer, what auto focus mode do you use? and for something like sports where you wanted shallow depth of field, what auto focus would you use?
The cat is single shot single focus. For most sports I use the same because it is so fast you don't need continous focus. If something is approaching or receding fast at an acute angle continous works best.
David.. you are the best reviewer, no doubt.. Nocticron vs Oly45.. Beside difference in weight/size/f-stop, I found a big difference in color rendering and skin tone too..
Thank you, Ekasak! Yes, it's surprising how different tones can be between different lenses. The less radical lenses usually have fewer lens elements and that makes a big difference. The Oly 30mm that I reviewed recently renders beautiful clean, natural images and that was what i most liked about it. Some of the older film lenses have a pleasing rendering too.
Great video as always. Your input has been invaluable as I've built up my GH-3 kit. If I were shooting two or three headshots a week I'd invest in this lens. As my application is more street, sport and video I think I'm going to wait to spend the big money on the 150 2.8 rumored to be coming out sometime in the next year or so.
Ws6er97 Thanks, glad it's been helpful. I'm doing the same as you, waiting for the 150mm f2,8, such a useful focal length. I'd like it if they did a high quality1.4x converter for it, too.
Thanks for the awesome review, David. Was very tempted to get this gorgeous lens for my GX7, but I am going to stick to Olympus 45mm instead due to the weight factor that you mentioned.
bajigurwedangronde The little Olympus fits in my jacket pocket so it's usually around for me to use.. The Panasonic I'd have to plan for, take a bag. I'd love to have one but I wouldn't take it out unless I was pretty sure I was going to use it.
I don't think I have ever seen a lens/camera combination autofocus so fast. I still use a 5 year old Olympus system (which I still love) and which I've always thought was very fast but that was some incredibly quick focusing.
I was very impressed myself. Essentially you press the button and it is focused. In many cases it means you don't need CAF at all. On the other hand, Olympus's PDAF aided focusing on its high end cameras remains that bit better for the most trying of sports subjects, especially in low light. Panasonic's SAF has long been quicker than Olympus's though I find the difference academic in normal photography.
You haven't mentioned about the power O.I.S, that is another big advantage in low light performance over the Olympus if you are using Panasonic cameras like gx80, gh5, g85 etc, Also the direct comparison would be Olympus and Panasonic H-HS043E-K Lumix G Lens 42.5 , F1.7 Aperture wouldnt it? Thanks for the video btw.
Yes, I did this review before the onset of Dual IS and top notch IBIS on Panasonic bodies, Now that both makers have excellent IBIS lens stabilisation is icing on the cake, really.
Really enjoy the slideshow type of video with stills only! The voice over is just excellent too because the content covers a lot of things we need to consider before buying and those are really helpful! Just a question though, does the lens hood scratch the metal casing of the lens if you screw it on too hard?
Hey David... Following up from your very helpful purching advise on your other video... I went on and watched THIS video and ultimately decided that THIS lens is the ideal "Batman" to my little 15mm Pana-Leica "Robin"... So I said no to the 35-100mm f/2.8 (aka Captain Gordon) and chose this instead... I am truly happy and with the "Dynamic Duo" - I feel that my needs are well met... (Of course there is the 100-400mm Leica (aka Superman) for the future 🤣... but for now I am very happy indeed)... Thank you once again...
It's a good combo, 15 and 42.5. With those and a little leg work, there's not much you can't cover. The 100-400mm, it's a good job that it's an Micro Four Thirds lens. If it was built to do a simialr job on FF, it wouldn't be called Superman, you'd need him to carry it :-)
When this lens first came out, I lusted for this lens, but wondered if I could ever afford it. Since then, Panasonic released the 42.5 mm. F1.7 lens. It may not be absolutely quite as sharp or have such perfect bokeh, but I find that I am very happy with the results and the minimum focus distance is better than the Leica. The size of the lens fits in with the MFT system and the price fit my budget with no problems.
Hi David, how does this compares with the new Olympus 45mm F1.2 pro? I think the Panasonic Leica 42.5mm doesn't have weather sealing, do it? Other than that does the 2.5mm less make a difference in terms of portrait photography? Would like to hear from you again once you get the chance of testing the Olympus 45mm F1.2 pro. Just like you did in this video, I also own the Olympus 45mm F1.8, light weight with superb performance which I like using a lot.
Interesting review of fantastic lens. Probably THE best prime lens for Micro Four Thirds users. I hope that EPhotoZine loan you the Fuji X-T1 camera and some of the great Fuji prime lenses. I would be very interested to see you review this camera and lenses.
freedriv082000 Thansk! And yes, certainly a gold standard lens in terms of performance. I stick pretty much to MFT cameras, simply because my reviews depend on me knowing the equipment very well and using it daily myself. If I extended my reach. Nonetheless, if a Fuji came my way I'd be very interested to try it.
>>> Thanks for a balanced and comprehensive review of this hefty lens. I’ve watched many of your reviews and found them most informative and helpful. I wish you could present your reviews without sounding as tho you were reading a script. I’ve done product voice-overs myself and I was lousy at it. Much worse than you, anyway. Guess we can’t all be David Attenboroughs
It's funny, because I frequently get comments saying how pleasant and relaxing my voice-overs are. For myself, I started out not long ago never having even recorded my voice, let alone written and recorded a voice-over. Ditto video, I'd never pressed a video button until I started my Micro Four Thirds channel. So my videos are not how they are from my choice but because that's the best I can do. I tried talking to camera like all the 'hi guys' people with their baseball caps and who just talk extempore but it wasn't for me because I make my videos for information rather than my ego. I just finished up not saying half the things I thought were important. So, there it is. Balanced and comprehensive, you have expressed, in a nutshell, exactly what I aim to be - thanks!. That Attenborough, overrated, you know. Doesn't know what he's talking about. All that stuff about animals and the planet, it'll never catch on😆
Leica CL with 18 and 11-23 or Lumix GX9 with multiple lenses Or A7 III? For daily, street, light travel setup. If price not main concern but feeling and it really inspiring you to go out to shoot is important.
I specialise in Micro Four Thirds so that would be my choice. It's a great size and weight for street work. Olympus 17mm f/1.8 and 45mm f/1.8 make a classic street outfit. Panasonic's 12-32mm and 35-100mm mini lenses give away nothing in optical quality but give you an amazingly versatile travel outfit that doesn't even need its own bag. It's when you read my lens choices and realise there are so many alternatives that you see the great advantage of the Micro Four Thirds system. Want a 17mm - choose from f/1.8, f/2.8 or f/1.2? Standard zooms? - any number of them from cheap and cheerful to expensive and razor sharp.
I think it's Nocti(c)ron, but I might be wrong. This video really shows how great the Olympus 45mm is. Thanks for the review. I was just planning to sell the 45mm for the 75mm Olympus, but this video makes me rethink that plan as well. What do you think about this trade David?
hi David, I see a lot of scratches at the end of the lens barrel. Is that caused by the screw that holds the lens hood in place ? looks quite nasty ! Cheers ! Oh, too bad. No Panasonic 150mm 2.8 prime at Photokina. Sad.
Yes, the scratches are a bit ugly. This lens was lent to me by ePHOTOzine so it's been sent around all the magazines and bloggers and seen a very hard life. I don't think you'd see the damage in a lens that was used by an individual. Why hood screws rather than bayonets on I don't know. Yes, I was hoping for that 150 f2.8.
David Thorpe very interesting lens, does this make it the fastest lens (aperture), that also has image stabilization, super-quick auto-focus and is below 100mm focal length (85mm equivalent on full frame)? The best of all worlds?
Thanks again for a great review david! Was just wondering, if you wanted the absolute best portrait lens in m43, would you go for the nocticron of the 75mm 1.8? Have you happened to use the 75? Which has more pleasing bokeh?
I haven't used a 75mm, though I would like to. For me, it is a little too long for general portraiture indoors so a bit less versatile than the Nocticron which is fine in or out of doors. The out of focus areas of both are very pleasantly rendered but the 75mm will appear to blur the background more in spite of its slightly smaller aperture. That's due to background objects being rendered bigger due to the more compressed perspective compared to the 42.5mm. So, if I wanted portraiture mainly indoors, the Panasonic it would be. Outdoors, I'd go for the Olympus. Another way of looking at this - if you have the budget for the Nocticron, you could buy the Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.7 or Olympus 45mm f/1.8 PLUS the 75mm and still have a couple of hundred over.
Thanks for putting it that way! I didn't realize how much more expensive than the 75 the noctocron was! Since I already have the 42.5mm 1.7 I might just save up for the 75mm down the line! Thanks for your insight!
I am saving for the 150mm 2.8 that Panasonic promised for the end of 2014. If that lens is out of reach for me, budget-wise, i'll get this lens. hopefully they'll send one to review to you first, David ;-)
powermichiel I hope so too! That would be a lens that I would definitely like to have. If they made a 1.4x converter for it as well, that would be ideal.
Looks an awesome lens ,great review ,but I agree having handled one today far to large for my pen lite . Sounds like you rate the 45 mm Olympus lens ,one for future purchase list me thinks !
malcolm russell Yes, in my view the one must have lens in the MFT system. Classic portrait angle of view, small, light, very sharp and ideal for any situation where you want to limit DoF - and currently less than £200 in the UK.
The Panasonic f/1.7 42.5mm or Olympus 45mm f/18 would do the same job pretty much as well. The Nocticron is a lens where no expense has been spared. That makes it the best lens, especially considering I used it wide open most of the time, something you can't expect of many f/1.2 lenses. But in terms of a portrait, either of the alternatives will make portraits practically indistinguishable. The difference in depth of field is not great (though it does exist) but DoF can become a fetish. I personally use the Olympus 45mm which I've had for a long time and it suits me just fine. The Nocticron is worth the money, it's just that value for money becomes a different equation at that level since you pay more for progressively less gain. That applies to cars and most technology, of course.
I really like your reviews, they are simply one of the best for the micro 4/3 system. Do you think that the panasonic 42.5mm 1.7 is comparable to the olympus 45mm 1.8 ?
Yes, it is. The much more expensive Panasonic probably has the edge in sharpness but it's not something you'd notice in everyday work. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.
Thanks for your review. Interesting take on its size and weight. It does seem counter intuitive. BTW, what is your take on the Oly 12-40 f2.8 pro? I took it travelling and had major problems with acquiring pinpoint accurate focus with subjects across the street against busy background. After seeing your review here, I realize the potential pitfalls of a fast lens AND the need to have face recognition on! D'oh!
+batterista I think the 12-40 is fabulous, if a little large. If someone had told me that they would be producing an f/2.8 zoom with virtually no practical sharpness hit compared to 3 primes covering the same range, I'd have said pull the other one. Focusing, ultimately it is the camera body doing the work of saying where focus should be, the lens's job to carry out the body's instructions. That's mostly a mechanical consideration, weight of lens elements being moved, quality and design of motor. I'm surprised if the 12-40 let you down in that respect - a consistently out of focus result would be most likely the fault of the camera itself. For busy scenes, the smallest possible focus area needs to be set. Busy scenes are usefully coped with by back button focusing too - actually the 12-40 has that great function buitton on the d=side purpose designed for such difficult situations.
+batterista That's great - it's a very, very useful technique. Takes a bit of practise to get the feel of it. For anyone who doesn't know it, essentially you set the camera's AE/AE lock button so that pressing it actuates focusing, letting it go stops focusing. Then set the camera to continuous auto focus. Now, when you press the button it follows focus but if the subject stops, taking your finger off the button leaves focus on the subject. So, if you are following a player who looks likely to score a goal, you can move focus point to the goalkeeper and release the button. Thus, anyone player who momentarily gets between you and the goalkeeper will not divert focus. It's useful for more than just that, of course. Some Olympus lenses have a function button on the lens which is an AF lock by default. While I'm at it, another useful little attribute of Olympus lenses with the focusing clutch, where you pull it back and it engages manual focus. If you manually focus on something and then push the ring back to resume autofocus, when you next pull the ring back to manual, focus will return to where you previously set it. Very useful!
+David Thorpe yeah, I tried the continuous focus thing on my EM5 and it still performed poorly. :( Was using the Panny 100-300...I think there's something wrong with my camera. I've heard there's a way to troubleshoot or test your cameras autofocus. Mine tends to see through the target to back focus with subjects at distance. It's an infuriating issue which has cost me a lot of shots.
@@AdrianVenturaMusic Sounds like an artistic effect to me 😀 That sort of thing doesn't bother me very much as I only use such a thing - or an EVF - for framing. I gauge the scene by eye and then just photograph it. For street work with a 54° angle of view lens it's sometimes best just to watch the scene by eye and raise the camera somewhere near the face or neck and shoot blind with focus at around 2.5m and f/4 or 5.6.
Just purchased gh3 just waiting for it to arrive, any suggestions for my first two lenses to purchase? Will be doing real estate and documentary interview type shooting
David Madrid The first two lenses I'd buy - given I had the money - would be given by the 12-35 and 35-100 f/2.8 zooms but they are expensive. The 14-140 sacrifices a bit of speed but covers most things and could be the only lens that many people ever need. For shooting tight interiors the 7-14 would be best. All in all, I'd get either the 12-35 and 35-100 combo or, if I need to shoot in tight spaces, the 7-14 with 14-140. The 14-140 is excellent for video due to its wide zoom range meaning you can cover a lot in one sequence.
I've decided to go with 25mm f1.4 for my first lens cause got a really good deal, but think going with the 7-14 mm for real estate shoots. Any good online companies to buy lenses you recommend?
David Madrid I don't have a particular source for any of my stuff, I tend to just hunt around among the companies I know I can trust like Amazon, SRS at Watford and Wex. Loyalty I don't have, price and availability is all!
You never explained is that compaired next to the Newer Smaller 14-14mm f/3.5? ****** or the much bigger 14-140mm f/4.0? Thank You David and great Review as Always :),
thanks for super nice review as always - I do have the Oly 45mm and love it - just wandering about the low light advantage - would love to see side by side low light comparison - I think the shallow DOF on the Oly is fine but one always can improve on low light ability with smaller sensor - what do you estimate difference - 10% better or more
igetsmart The f1.2 is a bit more than 2x the brightness of the Olympus, so 100th @ f1.8 on the Olympus would translate to 150th @ f1.2 with the Panasonic.That's in mathematical terms, of course. Is that what you meant? In reality the different glasses and contruction would have an influence so it wouldn't be that exact. Glad you liked the review!
Wile-E45 I'm far from always right(!) but it's the use of things that interests me, much more than actual technical information. I read one report on this lens talking about uneven exposure across the field. I looked for it but couldn't see it in any of my pix. But, If you photograph a test chart, I suppose it must be there. Most of us don't, though, do we?
I've come back for another go at your review Dave. "It's a superstar, but it's just a slightly overweight one" - lol. Anyway, I got my drooling lens fix vicariously. That's a lot less expensive than buying them.
If I am going to start macro photography of Ceramics, flowers, other still images (not insects) Will this lens do a good job of that. I think I saw a comment in your video "not for macro" My other option is the 45mm or 60mm Olympus. I would probably be using a tripod due to my personal camera issues. IF I were to take photos of flowers outside, I would need to use AF. I have Lumix equipment, so in that case I would be concerned about "shake" with an Olympus lens on a Lumix body. I'm appreciate your opinion. I can live with the price of the leica.
Hi Richard - everything you say points to buying a 'proper' macro lens. The Nocticron is at best 'close focusing' at about 0.5m - about 1:10. My personal favourite and one of my most used lenses (for product shots on my videos among other things) is the 60mm Olympus. That will give you up to life size 1:1 and the lens is formulated for that close focusing, less distortion and a greater focus movement for more accrate focusing. Autofocus is fine, too. Finally, if you will be using a tripod, the speed of the Noctilux will be superfluous. I'd look at the 45 and 60mm macros but generally, 60mm is a more useful focal length, giving you a little more breathing room between you and subject for lighting and shadow avoidance.
had the Lumix 42.5 and liked and used it regularly and was very happy with the images ,I don't think I'd find the Pana Leica the extra £ better value optically
No, a lens can only be so sharp. You really are paying the extra for the extra aperture. If you like to shoot at f/2, a practical aperture for portraiture to get adequate depth of field, it really doesn't matter you are using this or the Panasonic or Olympus slightly slower lenses. But, if there are occasions when you really want the extra speed, you can't open an f/.7 to f/1.2!
Hi Dave ! What are your thoughts on the new Olympus 40-150 f2.8 lens?? Lack of Image Stabilisation on this lens makes me really sad. And i own a GH4. Love your reviews BTW. Thanks !!!
It's an Olympus so sadly was never going to have stabilisation. It's too big for my taste but plainly a superb lens. Panasonic is getting a bit left behind now in the lens stakes and will be more so when Olympus's 300mm f4 comes out.. I think that Panasonic sales to stills photographers will suffer if they don't respond. The GH4 is a superb stills camera but so is the EM1 and if Olympus have the lensesmore stills shooteers will turn to them. Who wants an unstabilised 300 or 600mm equivalent. Glad you like the reviews. I love dojng them.
Great review, David! I need your advice. I shoot with an em5. Met someone online that's willing to trade in his Pana-leica 42.5 in exchange of: An olympus 75mm f/1.8 and a fuji x100s.....your thoughts please
Career Purveyors Co. It sounds like a fair enough deal if you don't use the Fuji and 75mm any more. If you still use the Olympus 75mm and would like to keep it, I'd sell the Fuji and buy an Olympus 45mm f1.8. The Panasonic is a fabulous lens but unless you really, really need the f1.2, it doesn't offer optically anything that the 45mm doesn't and it is very bulky. If you are going to shoot at f2.8, the two lenses are pretty much the same optically. The 42.5 needs to be opened up to f1.2 most of the time to justify its weight and cost. Having said that, every picture in my review was shot at f1.2 - it's quite a lens.
If you had an olympus ep-5 it would be obvious to choose the zuiko 45mm f1.2 pro over this,do you agree? Its newer,slightly cheaper and would surely focus quicker on an olympus body. Or am i missing something?
Focusing speeds are no different on Olympus or Panasonic bodies with either marque of lens. Even so, it might seem tidier to match Olympus with Olympus or there may be aspects of either lens that you prefer. I'd probably prefer the f/1.8 45mm Olympus as a match for the EP-5 since it is so much smaller. You pay an awful lot in extra money and weight and size for for an extra stop or a bit less of speed. In practical use, the f/1.8 is just as sharp.
In one of your closeups of the lens, I could see the goopy glue residue left over from the lens hood. What a shame that Panasonic screwed up on the least technical aspect of this amazing lens!
I'g go for the Panasonic lens. There won't be any difference in the performance of the two lenses but if you are making pictures in a dim church or reception and don't want to use flash, you might as well have the benefit of the Dual Stabilization.
Thanks so much David!! Will do that. I will have that day an OM10 body with an oly 12-40 f/2.8, will also have a Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8 so will rent an updated body (G9) for it and a good prime, so I thought of this prime lens to put on my gm1 (I know, disproportionate but wanted a prime for quality) if you have any other advice or think I'd do better with a different lens or body, will be much appreciated!!! I've seen a 75 mm oly 1.8 too. Anyway, thanks a lot!
@@Songwirer You are pretty well covered for all bases with the E-M10 and G9 and the two zooms. The 42.5 isn't really necessary but nice to have and will certainly add some zest to your pictures and be fun to use too. The question will be whether you can stop yourself from using the Nocticron on the G9 some of the time. They really are a great combination.
Just a small correction to what the author is saying - this is indeed an 85mm lens on a m43 system, but crop factors also need to be applied to the aperture and the ISO (the formula for the latter being ISOxCF^2). So this is, in fact, an 85mm f2.4 lens, on a 35mm equivalent.
Jerubei When photographers talk about equivalence, they mean angle of view. This 42.5mm gives the angle angle of view of an 85mm on a 36x24mm sensor and that is what the photographer will see. However, if the exposure is 100th@f/1.2 on a FF camera, the exposure will the 100th@f/1.2 on an MFT camera. The actual quantity of light matters only to a scientist, it has no bearing on practical photography and serves only to confuse what is an already confusing subject.
David Thorpe I couldn't disagree more and I'm surprised to see someone separating science from photography, as if photography is not subject to the laws of physics. You state that we should apply the crop factor to the angle of view (although the correct term here should be "focal length"), but not the aperture or the ISO. You are aware that a crop sensor receives much less light than a full frame sensor, simply because it has a smaller surface area. The difference between the total light hitting each sensor is exactly the difference between their sizes - 1.5 times less light for APS-C and 2 times less light for m43 systems. If you don't believe me, ask yourself this question - why do m43 systems don't offer the same depth of field as full frame cameras? In other words, why does an f1.8 photo on an full frame system has a much shallower depth of field as compared to an f1.8 photo on an m43 system? The answer is that people forget to multiply their aperture by 2 (on an m43 system). Using the above example, a photographer, who would like to achieve the same depth of field on both systems, would have two options: - On the full frame camera, he would have to shoot at f1.8 x 2 = f3.6, to have the same amount of depth of field, as that on the m43 system. - On the m43 system, he would have to find a lens with aperture of f1.8 / 2 = f0.9, which will compare to the depth of field on the full frame camera, shooting at f1.8. The above example assumes that both the focal length and the distance to the subject are equivalent (e.g. a 70mm f1.8 on the full frame vs 35mm f0.9 on the m43 system). If you don't believe me, take a full frame and a cropped body, with equivalent lenses, and compare the depth of field of the test shots. All of this confusion comes from marketing gimmicks, which many people fall for - after all, imagine how photographers would feel like, if they realized that they've spent thousands of dollars for glass, which they believed was f1.8, but it is in fact f3.6. There will be many people throwing their m43 cameras in the garbage, when they realize there aren't any low light lenses for their system - at least until recently, before the arrival of the f0.95 Voigtlanders and the Panasonic f1.2 lens in your review. I can point you to several sources, including RUclips videos, explaining what I've just written, if you so wish.
Jerubei Honestly, I am just a bloke who has earned his living from photography all his working life. I never found it necessary to apply mathematical formulae to sell pictures and technical matters are only about 5% of using a camera professionally anyway. As far as I am concerned a camera is a machine for making pictures and that's it. It's not that I don't believe you it's that I don't think that what you say has any relevance to me. I think of a picture and go out and take it. That's it.
David Thorpe I understand your point, especially if your shooting style doesn't include low light photography. But you should agree that by stating that this is a 85mm f1.2 lens to 24,000 people, you help spread misinformation. That's why I suggested you investigate this further, maybe create a video about it, and continue with your otherwise excellent reviews.
Jerubei You say that I state this is an 85mm f1.2 lens and that my style may not include low light photography. I've just realised that you haven't watched the video! First of all there are many, many low light shots in it. But mainly, at _no time_ in this video do I say that this lens is equivalent to an 85mm f1.2. I describe it equivalent to a full frame 85mm _portrait_ lens. I think you may be so keen to make your point that you are nor hearing what I say correctly.
I was really hoping you'd review this lens and say: "It's expensive, you don't need it, save your money". This would make it easier for me not buy it. So my struggle goes on, I am desperately trying not to splash out on it :-) Btw, photo at 3:58, from Sheldon square. Where you there maybe three weeks ago taking pictures from the highest ring of the amphitheatre while eating you lunch by any chance?
Marek Kolesar No, I was there a couple of weeks ago, mostly in the Union Bar with some Associated Press photographer mates. You can be sure it is me if there are crowds of beautiful women vying for my attention and my pink Lamborghini parked on the concourse :-) I was hoping I'd hate the lens, too and I admit to starting out with a prejudice on account of its size. I've written a bit more about it on my blog. I'm struggling just as much as you, I hate to say!
crazyRyoga Unfortunately not. The A7 has a 36X24mm sensor and this Micro four Thirds lens is designed for a 17mmx13mm sensor. That means that it would only cover the centre part of the A7's sensor. You can adapt a FF lens to MFT but not vice-versa, therefore.
+MrTobamory If you are looking for a fast short tele this is the best there is. Don't hesitate. As I said in the video, it's not a bargain, such specialized glass never could be. But it is worth every penny.
David, I love your reviews. Quite honestly, i'm not sure if it's the knowledge you share or your delivery. It's probably both i suppose. :) I would just like to know if you feel there is enough difference from the Panasonic 42.5 1.7 to warrant the price for professional portrait work? This is my first digital set-up and would like to restart some portrait work again with the flexibility for living in a city. The one thing i am self-conscious about is the size of my panasonic lens. Coming from a background of Hasselblad work it feels a bit unprofessional. I chose the G7 for the portability also.
+Scott Shumski I think the f/1.2 is really only worth it if it is going to be used at f/1.2. Personally, I used to shoot portraits on my Hasselblad with 150mm lens at f/5.6/8 to get enough leeway and f/4 on my Nikons with the 85mm. That would equate to f/2 for similar depth of field on the MFT lenses. For general portraiture, I wouldn't use f/1.2, too shallow focus - I use my Olympus 45mm at f/2. I agree over the look when being used professionally, though, That would be my main reason for buying such a big lens. Otherwise, the f/1.7. No difference in performance and the DoF difference is there but marginal. But since the G7 is quite a small camera, probably the smaller lens suits it better. Difficult!
+David Thorpe Thanks David. I really think it's an esthetic thing for me. Although i do like to shoot wide open in low light, i can't see the value. I will have to wait until i have the chance to buy a decently priced used one to warrant the $$. I really appreciate the feedback & what you contribute with your vids!
+Scott Shumski Thanks for that Scott. I think used is probably the best way to go with lenses like these. Takes the edge of the price bit not the performance!
+David Thorpe That's for sure! I used to buy/sell/trade them in Philly when I was younger. I learned then but even more so now with the changing electronic technology. Actually just picked up the 45mm macro for $400. And the 7-14 a month ago for $950. :)
David Thorpe Yes I gonna ask Sinterklaas for the lens! :) Something offtopic but maybe you know something about it. I have 2 GH3 camera's now both are firmware 1.2 . the old GH3 is from nov2012 and the new GH3 from nov2013. Both are set identically. But on the old version the ISO dial is on top and on the new version the ISO dial is on the back. The dial settings are the same in the menu. What is wrong and do I miss a setting? I prefer the ISO dial on top.
It'll do them but the macro lens is designed for low distortion (without software assistance)and flatness of field at close distances. It's a lens much more suitable for technical or exacting work, documents, buildings, landscapes. For portraits the 42.5 is better in low light and will give shallower depth of field and that's what it is designed for. Both will do the same job if you wish but both are better then the other for their intended purpose. For myself, given the choice, I'd go for the 60mm simply because I do a lot more of what it does best.
+David Thorpe I have nicholas goodden the principal photographer of olympus in the uk use 6 0mm for shootouts and the images looked sharp from a professional view of point, thanks for the advice
Jon Hermannsson Both lenses will very shallow DoF for MFT cameras but, as you say, the 75mm is less of an all rounder. Good case for having both of them. It's only money :-)
when it comes to the size i think m43 is taking the appeal to all approach...it was never meant to be targeted just to travellers and hikers (though that's what i am) but also the mainstream photography community...that being said, many might just as happily invest in another system...its supposed to have everything for all!
I think you're right and it largely succeeds. There is a wide variation in body sizes and especially lens sizes. An Olympus E-M10 is a different animal from a Panasonic GH5 but fit the 12-32mm and the GH5 doesn't feels so big. Fit an Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 to the E-M10 and it feels quite big. One of the reasons I went to Micro Four Thirds was so that i could use the same lenses and accessories on my go-walkies body and my work body. Micro Four Thirds will always suffer in some photographer's eyes from a smaller sensor but if that sensor will give razor sharp 24 inch prints or more than fill a 4k monitor, what is the purpose of more?
That's certainly how i use it. My camera is for my travelling and hiking mostly, but i just took it out in the snow...and it barely feels like i had it on me! But if i wanted to do photography for its own sake, like still-life, wildlife, portraits, street and just play around with perspectives...i also have a good enough set-up for it...it might not be top of the class, but i'm not a Pro. I'm an enthusiast who likes to make photos.
I have to say the Zuiko 75mm F1.8 trumps it, mainly because of the extra background compression the 75mm provides. Obviously, you have to step back a lot farther than you would with 42mm. It's the reason I stick with Lumix Leica 25mm F1.4 or the 45mm 1.8 for walkabout shooting, you get some isolation and working distances aren't too big. I liked the sound of the Lumix Leica 15mm F1.7 but the lack of compression and bokeh isn't going to make the photos look like the Zuiko 35mm F2, my fav lens...
One of the clearest delineations, luckily! The Nocticron is among the best lenses ever made for Micro Four Thirds, very fast, very sharp, fast focusing and a quality feel. But very expensive. The f/1.7 is smaller, cheaper, half a stop slower but still sharp and fast focusing. Less of a metal, quality feel. The Nocticron is for those who want the very best. The f/1.7 is for those who simply want a good 42.5mm lens, for whom a half stop is neither here not there at an already fast f/1.7. In normal shooting for normal viewing you'd be pushed to see any difference between them. The DoF difference isn't great and for 99% of shooting you'd stop with lens stopped down to f/2 for best performance. So, as I say, the Nocticron of you want the very best but for myself I'd recommend and buy the f/1.7 simply because it would be always in my bag and so get much more use than the Nocticron.
I'm assuming this lens is focus by wire? Makes me so sad that manufacturers are moving further and further away from lenses with distance scales these days.
Yes, focus by wire. The Olympus 17mm f1.8 has 'proper' focusing. It doesn't bother me that much but given a choice I definitely prefer end stops and a distance scale.
For me it's mostly that I do music videos with the occasional photography on the side, so distance markers and the ability to use a follow focus are essential. Still, gorgeous images from this lens regardless.
Rest in peace David. Thanks for all your great reviews 😢
Amen
You are a treat David. I like your reviews the best!
Nice of you to say so, Conrad and I appreciate it.
This is a dream lens.
It has it all:
- fast and exact autofocus
- SHARP
- in-lens stabilization
- aperture ring
- big aperture
- designed by Leica
The size is the only drawback. I wish there was exact copy of this but smaller (and maybe f/1.4 to lower the price and size).
Once again: excellent review, David Thorpe!
Thanks Ilja! Yes, I'd thought the same thing re 1.4 and size myself. Maybe a similar price to the Olympus 75mm.
Es gibt das Lumix 42,5 mm f1,4 es kostet sehr viel weniger und ist fast so gut, natürlich ist f1.2 noch etwas anderes, aber 1300€ 😮😊
@@winheiMR, by the time this lens was introduced and this this video produced, the F/1.4 lens wasn't a reality yet.
Sometimes I revisit David's wonderful reviews just to relax
:-)
Completely agree about this lens being a necessity for pros stubbornly shooting m43. This lens has given me so much. When competing alongside photographers using pro Canon and Nikon gear, the Nocticron has helped level the playing field and win me contracts. I am fond of the 45 1.8 too, but the Nocticron lets your sensor sing with some magic tones and colours that seem to be dormant with the 45mm.
It was and remains one of the best lenses I've ever used.
I bought this lens when it first came out. It is hands down one of the best lenses I've owned for portraits and wedding photography. It look and sharpness has helped me earned double the income because of the rendering results.
Sukhi Rai I think that is probably one of the reasons Panasonic came out with this lens. It's on the road to making MFT a truly viable professional system. Some way to go with high speed teles and a specialist lenses but it's getting there.
Sam, 5 years later, are you still shooting weddings? Are you still using MFT? Did you upgrade to the S1R?
Do you still use this lens?
Love ya Brother RIP 🙏🏾
Absolutely enjoyed the simplicity of this review. Kudos
Thank you, Juan, much appreciated!
As usual a great well thought out video, especially on this lens because i haven't seen people compare it to the little Oly 45, i guess they don't think the Oly is even in the same ballpark. But it is when u consider, like u so strongly did, everything, size, weight, price, pic quality, u didn't let the greatness of this lens take u away, & that my friend makes this & all of your reviews just a treat to watch.
sski66 Thank you very much! Yes, It's very easy to get carried away by a lens like the Nocticron but the advantage it has over the Olympus lies purely in that extra stop of speed. Other than that the Olympus competes on even terms. I've said it over and over but the 45mm f/1.8 is a bargain even at full retail price.
Your reviews are worth every second of watching over and over again, because you`re really an expert and a reliable, responsible and most of all independent reviewer - this gives RUclips more sense than many others could ever do - thanks for that and for sharing your excellent knowledge with us, David !!
+MrJueKa Thank you - I love doing it.
I actually purchased this lens after I bought the G85. I am stunned by its IQ. I'm a novice just getting into photography but this lens is like an addiction that makes me pick up the camera and shoot anything in my sight. I'm also equally impressed with the Panasonic 12mm/1.4. It delivers stunning night low light images with a wide field of view. I would love to see your review of that lens as well. I subbed.
It#s hard getting hold pf Panasonic lenses. I buy most of my stuff for review but the lenses are getting so expensive now! The Nocticron - fantastic lens!
Far East Survival you are a novice and you bought the nocticron? How is the video?
Great review David. Having just picked a Panasonic G7 for walk around and video camera I'm glad I found your channel; I appreciate your quick, honest reviews. I'm sure they'll prove helpful as I build out my kit for this body.
+Michael Paz I hope they do prove useful - thanks Michael.
Great lens and a very fair professional review, your conclusion matches perfectly with mine. Fantastic lens, but for me it defeats the reason I choose to take my M4/3 system on hikes or travel, over my full frame Nikon system.
Keep up the good work David, best M4/3 reviewer on here, actually probably the best reviewer full stop!
Thanks! Yes, a fantastic lens but if you try to emulate what a FF system will do, you do end up with something approaching FF sizes. You chose Micro Four Thirds for the very reasons it exists and that involves accepting the limitations. I'm entirely happy with the Olympus 45mm or the Panasonic f/1.7 42.5mm both of which are much more in keeping with the Micro Four Thirds ethos. Best of all worlds to have the choice,though!
You had me at Nigel Tufnel. Solid review
Thanks Dan!
All your videos are very cool and witty, really like your style!
That's very nice of you to say so, Vitaly. Thanks you.
We miss him!
I am glad that Leica name remains a synonym for high build quality, high image quality and high price.
Thank your for showing us stellar performance of that lens, but also for retaining common sense and giving us good reasons for (not) buying it.
Great review, David.
As is your habbit.
MrVoayer Thank you!
Brilliant review David! I will never own this lens ( I own the four thirds summilux) so I understand your concerns about the size. Yes, if you gave it to me I would take it but I shoot landscapes, some street photography when on vacation and never portraits (my daughters don't like that!). Still I enjoyed your review immensely!
Mark Seawell Glad you enjoyed the review. Yes, it's a lens that is defined by its image quality at wide aperture. Stopped down to f4 or 5.6 or more it's sharpness is all anyone could hope for but so are quite a few other MFT lenses like the Summilux.
Thanks David, I really enjoy your formative reviews with comparisons etc
sosmannz Thank you!
Another wonderful review, David. The out of focus elements look so very nice... Would love to have this lens in my kit.
John Ioannou Yes, that background blur is very, very attractive and can just make a picture.
Hello David. I've recently discovered your videos and I really like the style, production quality and simplicity of them. I recently got this lens and I am so impressed by it. I can't say the same for my Tamron 85mm 1.8 on my Canon 6D, due to focusing problems. Its either just off a slight bit, spot on, or completely off. I roll through 100 photos and its just one of the three every other frame. This Leica 1.2 is impressive. I really like your video! Excellent work!
Glad you like them, Justin, thank you. The phase detection focusing of DSLRs can give off focus results sometimes because it is not seeing what the camera is seeing. The contrast system on Micro Four Thirds is foolproof since it is reading directly off the sensor so sees what the camera does. PDAF is better for continuous autofocus still, though with Olympus's hybrid PDAF and Panasonic's Depth from Defocus they are fast improving.
Thanks for sample images, it was what I was looking for
Glad to hear it- thanks for letting me know!
Solid review, I have been using the 42.5 for over a year now for video interviews and now the GH5 coming soon I can't wait to see what the result will be!
+Let's Go Outdoors It is a very effective lens so whatever the GH5 it will use it to its advantage.
David that is a very good and balanced review, more to the point , compulsive viewing. Many thanks.
+Bruce Hammersley Thanks, Bruce and thanks for taking the trouble to say so!
This is a very nice review. I have both lenses and I confirm all that you've said about them. I have bought the Nocticron because I shoot at weddings that present the most difficult lighting conditions. That lens focuses so fast on a Panasonic GX7 (a lot less so on a Olympus E-M1) that it even surpasses a Canon 5D mk III + 85mm f1.8 in low but still useable light.
lesdeth12 Interesting comment. Shooting in the conditions you describe is the reason a lens like this exists and as more 'specialist' lenses like this are introduced more professionals like you will see the MFT system as a practical - even better - alternative to DSLRs under many circumstances.
Solid honest review. I'm a big fan of that you take into consideration m43s biggest (smallest) advantage compared to other systems, it's size and weight
Thanks - it's easy to take it for granted that faster is better for lenses -just as it is with cars - but nothing is for nothing and I feel strongly that other considerations can weigh against it. I think that comes from my professional view that equipment serves a purpose and sometimes that purpose is better served by smaller things.
In my office we had a range of high speed Nikon tele lenses in the cupboard. The fact is that 99% of the 300mmm pictures were taken on an f/4.5 Nikkor because the fast one was just too unwieldy while the f/4.5 was always in the bag and just easier to use.
Nice review... I agree, such a great lens. I just compared the Lumix 42.5 1.7 vs the Leica 42.5 1.2... In a lot of ways they are very similar, but there are some pretty amazing differences as well.
Another clear, honest and helpful review. This is why I subscribed to your channel and forward your reviews to people who ask me for camera purchasing advice. Thank you David!
+John Packard It's great to hear that and thank you, John.
A lens like this has to be appreciated no matter where you fall in the "brand wars". ;)
It's just such a nice bit of engineering.
Yes, an example of deciding the specs and then building the lens, charging what is necessary.
I think adding lens hoods to little oly lenses might give an added richness of contrast?
Great Review David...a beautiful and very tempting lens.
Thanks, Pete. Yes, lovely lens.
Another pro review, David.
Been wondering about this jaw-dropping f1.2 lens for a while. After seeing your review - all points considered - I'll stick with my Olympus 45mm f1.8. If I didn't already have the 45mm...maybe but the price/quality combination of the 45mm can't be beat. In my humble opinion.
Frederick Hagan The contrast between the two lenses is highlighted by the fact that one is value for your money whereas the other is a bargain. If Olympus had brought the 45mm in at a 30% higher price, I doubt it would have dented the sales at all. Like you, if I hadn't already had the 45mm I might have thought about the Panasonic, though I think I would have bought the 45mm anyway.
Thank you so much..... you just solved my headache, indecisiveness, worries, confusion, etc.... I have Olympus 42.mm f1.8 and been loving it WITHOUT any doubt until Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f1.2 Nocticron came along..... Now, I can sleep at night peaceful without having too much desire for f1.2 Nocticron... (^_^)
Tobeon2 Sleep well while you can. Do you have a 17mm lens you are happy with? The new 17mm f0.7 Polympasonic is the sharpest and fastest lens the world has ever seen and only £2,700. I'be bought two of them in case one gets broken. You _know_ you want one :-)
Onky 2,700 euros?, yikes !! Lol
Yet another excellent video by David Thorpe - always informative full of user information, succinct and polished in production/editing. I feel as if I have this lens already - I am sold on its capabilities and creative flair, however, the cost is far too rich for my pocket.. Perhaps, RUclips should censor Dave for making videos; that IMHO, are too good.
Thanks! However, to avoid censorship I will start my videos in future with a shot of me wearing a back to front baseball cap and a cry of "Hi Guys"!!! . I will follow it with shots of me at a desk waving the review item about and regurgitating the spec sheet :-)
gahhh i want this lens! at 6:50 for the cat and the laser pointer, what auto focus mode do you use? and for something like sports where you wanted shallow depth of field, what auto focus would you use?
The cat is single shot single focus. For most sports I use the same because it is so fast you don't need continous focus. If something is approaching or receding fast at an acute angle continous works best.
Great review David it sure is a my favorite lens the Leica 42.5mm and then Lumix 12mm 35mm are my most used lenses in my kit.
***** Yes, I found it hard to put down. Just gazing through the finder and seeing your subject standing out like 3D is a real pleasure.
Lovely review once again, thank you David.
***** Thansk, John
David.. you are the best reviewer, no doubt..
Nocticron vs Oly45.. Beside difference in weight/size/f-stop, I found a big difference in color rendering and skin tone too..
Thank you, Ekasak! Yes, it's surprising how different tones can be between different lenses. The less radical lenses usually have fewer lens elements and that makes a big difference. The Oly 30mm that I reviewed recently renders beautiful clean, natural images and that was what i most liked about it. Some of the older film lenses have a pleasing rendering too.
Great video as always. Your input has been invaluable as I've built up my GH-3 kit. If I were shooting two or three headshots a week I'd invest in this lens. As my application is more street, sport and video I think I'm going to wait to spend the big money on the 150 2.8 rumored to be coming out sometime in the next year or so.
Ws6er97 Thanks, glad it's been helpful. I'm doing the same as you, waiting for the 150mm f2,8, such a useful focal length. I'd like it if they did a high quality1.4x converter for it, too.
Thanks for the awesome review, David. Was very tempted to get this gorgeous lens for my GX7, but I am going to stick to Olympus 45mm instead due to the weight factor that you mentioned.
bajigurwedangronde The little Olympus fits in my jacket pocket so it's usually around for me to use.. The Panasonic I'd have to plan for, take a bag. I'd love to have one but I wouldn't take it out unless I was pretty sure I was going to use it.
I don't think I have ever seen a lens/camera combination autofocus so fast. I still use a 5 year old Olympus system (which I still love) and which I've always thought was very fast but that was some incredibly quick focusing.
I was very impressed myself. Essentially you press the button and it is focused. In many cases it means you don't need CAF at all. On the other hand, Olympus's PDAF aided focusing on its high end cameras remains that bit better for the most trying of sports subjects, especially in low light. Panasonic's SAF has long been quicker than Olympus's though I find the difference academic in normal photography.
Once again, excellent and informative review. Thx !
Bart Nelis Thank you, Bart.
You haven't mentioned about the power O.I.S, that is another big advantage in low light performance over the Olympus if you are using Panasonic cameras like gx80, gh5, g85 etc, Also the direct comparison would be Olympus and Panasonic H-HS043E-K Lumix G Lens 42.5 , F1.7 Aperture wouldnt it?
Thanks for the video btw.
Yes, I did this review before the onset of Dual IS and top notch IBIS on Panasonic bodies, Now that both makers have excellent IBIS lens stabilisation is icing on the cake, really.
Your reviews are amazing.
***** I don't know about that but it's mazing to hear it said - thanks!
Great review David
I'm off to buy an Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 AF ED Lens for my GH5
Nice!
This gentleman’s review allow me to understand lenses and practice my understanding of English with very strong British accent.
Glad it was useful to you!
Really enjoy the slideshow type of video with stills only! The voice over is just excellent too because the content covers a lot of things we need to consider before buying and those are really helpful! Just a question though, does the lens hood scratch the metal casing of the lens if you screw it on too hard?
It wouldn't unless you screwed it really, really hard as it doesn't bear directly on the lens barrel. Glad you like the videos. thanks!
Hey David... Following up from your very helpful purching advise on your other video... I went on and watched THIS video and ultimately decided that THIS lens is the ideal "Batman" to my little 15mm Pana-Leica "Robin"... So I said no to the 35-100mm f/2.8 (aka Captain Gordon) and chose this instead... I am truly happy and with the "Dynamic Duo" - I feel that my needs are well met... (Of course there is the 100-400mm Leica (aka Superman) for the future 🤣... but for now I am very happy indeed)... Thank you once again...
It's a good combo, 15 and 42.5. With those and a little leg work, there's not much you can't cover. The 100-400mm, it's a good job that it's an Micro Four Thirds lens. If it was built to do a simialr job on FF, it wouldn't be called Superman, you'd need him to carry it :-)
Have you ever reviewed any of the voigtlanders?
No, never had the chance. I'd like to, though.
Love your reviews, David. Keep up the good work. :)
Shaka Thanks Shaka! I shall keep my nose to the grindstone :-)
:)
When this lens first came out, I lusted for this lens, but wondered if I could ever afford it. Since then, Panasonic released the 42.5 mm. F1.7 lens. It may not be absolutely quite as sharp or have such perfect bokeh, but I find that I am very happy with the results and the minimum focus distance is better than the Leica. The size of the lens fits in with the MFT system and the price fit my budget with no problems.
The differences between the Nocticron and your lens are marginal in IQ. You pay a heavy price for around a stop difference in speed.
Hi David, how does this compares with the new Olympus 45mm F1.2 pro? I think the Panasonic Leica 42.5mm doesn't have weather sealing, do it? Other than that does the 2.5mm less make a difference in terms of portrait photography? Would like to hear from you again once you get the chance of testing the Olympus 45mm F1.2 pro. Just like you did in this video, I also own the Olympus 45mm F1.8, light weight with superb performance which I like using a lot.
Interesting review of fantastic lens. Probably THE best prime lens for Micro Four Thirds users.
I hope that EPhotoZine loan you the Fuji X-T1 camera and some of the great Fuji prime lenses. I would be very interested to see you review this camera and lenses.
freedriv082000 Thansk! And yes, certainly a gold standard lens in terms of performance. I stick pretty much to MFT cameras, simply because my reviews depend on me knowing the equipment very well and using it daily myself. If I extended my reach. Nonetheless, if a Fuji came my way I'd be very interested to try it.
>>> Thanks for a balanced and comprehensive review of this hefty lens. I’ve watched many of your reviews and found them most informative and helpful. I wish you could present your reviews without sounding as tho you were reading a script. I’ve done product voice-overs myself and I was lousy at it. Much worse than you, anyway. Guess we can’t all be David Attenboroughs
It's funny, because I frequently get comments saying how pleasant and relaxing my voice-overs are. For myself, I started out not long ago never having even recorded my voice, let alone written and recorded a voice-over. Ditto video, I'd never pressed a video button until I started my Micro Four Thirds channel. So my videos are not how they are from my choice but because that's the best I can do.
I tried talking to camera like all the 'hi guys' people with their baseball caps and who just talk extempore but it wasn't for me because I make my videos for information rather than my ego. I just finished up not saying half the things I thought were important. So, there it is. Balanced and comprehensive, you have expressed, in a nutshell, exactly what I aim to be - thanks!.
That Attenborough, overrated, you know. Doesn't know what he's talking about. All that stuff about animals and the planet, it'll never catch on😆
nice review, interesting and well informed. thanks for sharing!
attentionaddicts Glad you liked it - thanks!
Leica CL with 18 and 11-23 or Lumix GX9 with multiple lenses Or A7 III? For daily, street, light travel setup. If price not main concern but feeling and it really inspiring you to go out to shoot is important.
I specialise in Micro Four Thirds so that would be my choice. It's a great size and weight for street work. Olympus 17mm f/1.8 and 45mm f/1.8 make a classic street outfit. Panasonic's 12-32mm and 35-100mm mini lenses give away nothing in optical quality but give you an amazingly versatile travel outfit that doesn't even need its own bag.
It's when you read my lens choices and realise there are so many alternatives that you see the great advantage of the Micro Four Thirds system. Want a 17mm - choose from f/1.8, f/2.8 or f/1.2? Standard zooms? - any number of them from cheap and cheerful to expensive and razor sharp.
Hi David, how does this Panasonic 1.2 measure up against the Olympus 1.2 pro lens?
Both are superb. In terms of performance, nothing in it. I'd buy the cheapest or possibly depending which make camera body I had.
I think it's Nocti(c)ron, but I might be wrong. This video really shows how great the Olympus 45mm is. Thanks for the review. I was just planning to sell the 45mm for the 75mm Olympus, but this video makes me rethink that plan as well. What do you think about this trade David?
hi David,
I see a lot of scratches at the end of the lens barrel. Is that caused by the screw that holds the lens hood in place ? looks quite nasty !
Cheers !
Oh, too bad. No Panasonic 150mm 2.8 prime at Photokina. Sad.
Yes, the scratches are a bit ugly. This lens was lent to me by ePHOTOzine so it's been sent around all the magazines and bloggers and seen a very hard life. I don't think you'd see the damage in a lens that was used by an individual. Why hood screws rather than bayonets on I don't know. Yes, I was hoping for that 150 f2.8.
thank you it's a great video and very useful
Thanks, Ferita!
An excellent review, as always.
studioviper Thank you!
David Thorpe very interesting lens, does this make it the fastest lens (aperture), that also has image stabilization, super-quick auto-focus and is below 100mm focal length (85mm equivalent on full frame)? The best of all worlds?
The best of all worlds except one.....money :-)
Thanks again for a great review david! Was just wondering, if you wanted the absolute best portrait lens in m43, would you go for the nocticron of the 75mm 1.8? Have you happened to use the 75? Which has more pleasing bokeh?
I haven't used a 75mm, though I would like to. For me, it is a little too long for general portraiture indoors so a bit less versatile than the Nocticron which is fine in or out of doors. The out of focus areas of both are very pleasantly rendered but the 75mm will appear to blur the background more in spite of its slightly smaller aperture. That's due to background objects being rendered bigger due to the more compressed perspective compared to the 42.5mm. So, if I wanted portraiture mainly indoors, the Panasonic it would be. Outdoors, I'd go for the Olympus. Another way of looking at this - if you have the budget for the Nocticron, you could buy the Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.7 or Olympus 45mm f/1.8 PLUS the 75mm and still have a couple of hundred over.
Thanks for putting it that way! I didn't realize how much more expensive than the 75 the noctocron was! Since I already have the 42.5mm 1.7 I might just save up for the 75mm down the line! Thanks for your insight!
Nice a new video! let's get some popcorn and watch it :)
:-)
I am saving for the 150mm 2.8 that Panasonic promised for the end of 2014. If that lens is out of reach for me, budget-wise, i'll get this lens. hopefully they'll send one to review to you first, David ;-)
powermichiel I hope so too! That would be a lens that I would definitely like to have. If they made a 1.4x converter for it as well, that would be ideal.
fantastic
nef li Lots of fun trying this lens.
Fab review as always David. :)
PrometheusDrago What can I say? Thanks!
Looks an awesome lens ,great review ,but I agree having handled one today far to large for my pen lite .
Sounds like you rate the 45 mm Olympus lens ,one for future purchase list me thinks !
malcolm russell Yes, in my view the one must have lens in the MFT system. Classic portrait angle of view, small, light, very sharp and ideal for any situation where you want to limit DoF - and currently less than £200 in the UK.
Which lense would follow up this one? Which one is the 2nd best for portraits?
The Panasonic f/1.7 42.5mm or Olympus 45mm f/18 would do the same job pretty much as well. The Nocticron is a lens where no expense has been spared. That makes it the best lens, especially considering I used it wide open most of the time, something you can't expect of many f/1.2 lenses. But in terms of a portrait, either of the alternatives will make portraits practically indistinguishable. The difference in depth of field is not great (though it does exist) but DoF can become a fetish. I personally use the Olympus 45mm which I've had for a long time and it suits me just fine. The Nocticron is worth the money, it's just that value for money becomes a different equation at that level since you pay more for progressively less gain. That applies to cars and most technology, of course.
David Thorpe what about 75mm 1.8
I really like your reviews, they are simply one of the best for the micro 4/3 system. Do you think that the panasonic 42.5mm 1.7 is comparable to the olympus 45mm 1.8 ?
Yes, it is. The much more expensive Panasonic probably has the edge in sharpness but it's not something you'd notice in everyday work. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.
Thanks for your review. Interesting take on its size and weight. It does seem counter intuitive. BTW, what is your take on the Oly 12-40 f2.8 pro? I took it travelling and had major problems with acquiring pinpoint accurate focus with subjects across the street against busy background. After seeing your review here, I realize the potential pitfalls of a fast lens AND the need to have face recognition on! D'oh!
+batterista I think the 12-40 is fabulous, if a little large. If someone had told me that they would be producing an f/2.8 zoom with virtually no practical sharpness hit compared to 3 primes covering the same range, I'd have said pull the other one. Focusing, ultimately it is the camera body doing the work of saying where focus should be, the lens's job to carry out the body's instructions. That's mostly a mechanical consideration, weight of lens elements being moved, quality and design of motor. I'm surprised if the 12-40 let you down in that respect - a consistently out of focus result would be most likely the fault of the camera itself. For busy scenes, the smallest possible focus area needs to be set. Busy scenes are usefully coped with by back button focusing too - actually the 12-40 has that great function buitton on the d=side purpose designed for such difficult situations.
+David Thorpe I'm lost. :) I've been photographing for years and don't know what back button focusing is! Do you have a section on that?
+David Thorpe hey, I just figured it out, back button focusing that is...it's a GAME CHANGER!!!!
+batterista That's great - it's a very, very useful technique. Takes a bit of practise to get the feel of it. For anyone who doesn't know it, essentially you set the camera's AE/AE lock button so that pressing it actuates focusing, letting it go stops focusing. Then set the camera to continuous auto focus. Now, when you press the button it follows focus but if the subject stops, taking your finger off the button leaves focus on the subject. So, if you are following a player who looks likely to score a goal, you can move focus point to the goalkeeper and release the button. Thus, anyone player who momentarily gets between you and the goalkeeper will not divert focus. It's useful for more than just that, of course. Some Olympus lenses have a function button on the lens which is an AF lock by default.
While I'm at it, another useful little attribute of Olympus lenses with the focusing clutch, where you pull it back and it engages manual focus. If you manually focus on something and then push the ring back to resume autofocus, when you next pull the ring back to manual, focus will return to where you previously set it. Very useful!
+David Thorpe yeah, I tried the continuous focus thing on my EM5 and it still performed poorly. :( Was using the Panny 100-300...I think there's something wrong with my camera. I've heard there's a way to troubleshoot or test your cameras autofocus. Mine tends to see through the target to back focus with subjects at distance. It's an infuriating issue which has cost me a lot of shots.
That cute cat lol. Great review. I'm using the Voigtlander 42.5mm F/0.95 lens on my Panasonic GH5s
Thanks! Yes, he's a handsome beast isn't he? Knows it, too. I really must try one of the Voigtlanders one of these days.
@@AdrianVenturaMusic Sounds like an artistic effect to me 😀 That sort of thing doesn't bother me very much as I only use such a thing - or an EVF - for framing. I gauge the scene by eye and then just photograph it. For street work with a 54° angle of view lens it's sometimes best just to watch the scene by eye and raise the camera somewhere near the face or neck and shoot blind with focus at around 2.5m and f/4 or 5.6.
this review was most excellent.
Alex Martin Thank you, Alex!
Great review, as always. Thanks! I'm keeping my superb 45 1.8, until I win the lottey :D
Jean V Thanks. And good luck with the lottery :-)
Just purchased gh3 just waiting for it to arrive, any suggestions for my first two lenses to purchase? Will be doing real estate and documentary interview type shooting
David Madrid The first two lenses I'd buy - given I had the money - would be given by the 12-35 and 35-100 f/2.8 zooms but they are expensive. The 14-140 sacrifices a bit of speed but covers most things and could be the only lens that many people ever need. For shooting tight interiors the 7-14 would be best. All in all, I'd get either the 12-35 and 35-100 combo or, if I need to shoot in tight spaces, the 7-14 with 14-140. The 14-140 is excellent for video due to its wide zoom range meaning you can cover a lot in one sequence.
I've decided to go with 25mm f1.4 for my first lens cause got a really good deal, but think going with the 7-14 mm for real estate shoots. Any good online companies to buy lenses you recommend?
David Madrid I don't have a particular source for any of my stuff, I tend to just hunt around among the companies I know I can trust like Amazon, SRS at Watford and Wex. Loyalty I don't have, price and availability is all!
You never explained is that compaired next to the Newer Smaller 14-14mm f/3.5? ****** or the much bigger 14-140mm f/4.0? Thank You David and great Review as Always :),
chevypowertogo Thanks!
thanks for super nice review as always - I do have the Oly 45mm and love it - just wandering about the low light advantage - would love to see side by side low light comparison - I think the shallow DOF on the Oly is fine but one always can improve on low light ability with smaller sensor - what do you estimate difference - 10% better or more
igetsmart The f1.2 is a bit more than 2x the brightness of the Olympus, so 100th @ f1.8 on the Olympus would translate to 150th @ f1.2 with the Panasonic.That's in mathematical terms, of course. Is that what you meant? In reality the different glasses and contruction would have an influence so it wouldn't be that exact. Glad you liked the review!
Another information loaded review. I've purchased and not-purchased based on your feedback. Thanks much.
Wile-E45 I'm far from always right(!) but it's the use of things that interests me, much more than actual technical information. I read one report on this lens talking about uneven exposure across the field. I looked for it but couldn't see it in any of my pix. But, If you photograph a test chart, I suppose it must be there. Most of us don't, though, do we?
I've come back for another go at your review Dave. "It's a superstar, but it's just a slightly overweight one" - lol. Anyway, I got my drooling lens fix vicariously. That's a lot less expensive than buying them.
Haha! I knew my videos would come in useful for something!
If I am going to start macro photography of Ceramics, flowers, other still images (not insects) Will this lens do a good job of that. I think I saw a comment in your video "not for macro" My other option is the 45mm or 60mm Olympus. I would probably be using a tripod due to my personal camera issues. IF I were to take photos of flowers outside, I would need to use AF. I have Lumix equipment, so in that case I would be concerned about "shake" with an Olympus lens on a Lumix body. I'm appreciate your opinion. I can live with the price of the leica.
Hi Richard - everything you say points to buying a 'proper' macro lens. The Nocticron is at best 'close focusing' at about 0.5m - about 1:10. My personal favourite and one of my most used lenses (for product shots on my videos among other things) is the 60mm Olympus. That will give you up to life size 1:1 and the lens is formulated for that close focusing, less distortion and a greater focus movement for more accrate focusing. Autofocus is fine, too. Finally, if you will be using a tripod, the speed of the Noctilux will be superfluous. I'd look at the 45 and 60mm macros but generally, 60mm is a more useful focal length, giving you a little more breathing room between you and subject for lighting and shadow avoidance.
had the Lumix 42.5 and liked and used it regularly and was very happy with the images ,I don't think I'd find the Pana Leica the extra £ better value optically
No, a lens can only be so sharp. You really are paying the extra for the extra aperture. If you like to shoot at f/2, a practical aperture for portraiture to get adequate depth of field, it really doesn't matter you are using this or the Panasonic or Olympus slightly slower lenses. But, if there are occasions when you really want the extra speed, you can't open an f/.7 to f/1.2!
Hi Dave ! What are your thoughts on the new Olympus 40-150 f2.8 lens??
Lack of Image Stabilisation on this lens makes me really sad. And i own a GH4.
Love your reviews BTW.
Thanks !!!
It's an Olympus so sadly was never going to have stabilisation. It's too big for my taste but plainly a superb lens. Panasonic is getting a bit left behind now in the lens stakes and will be more so when Olympus's 300mm f4 comes out..
I think that Panasonic sales to stills photographers will suffer if they don't respond. The GH4 is a superb stills camera but so is the EM1 and if Olympus have the lensesmore stills shooteers will turn to them. Who wants an unstabilised 300 or 600mm equivalent.
Glad you like the reviews. I love dojng them.
Great review, David! I need your advice. I shoot with an em5. Met someone online that's willing to trade in his Pana-leica 42.5 in exchange of: An olympus 75mm f/1.8 and a fuji x100s.....your thoughts please
Career Purveyors Co. It sounds like a fair enough deal if you don't use the Fuji and 75mm any more. If you still use the Olympus 75mm and would like to keep it, I'd sell the Fuji and buy an Olympus 45mm f1.8. The Panasonic is a fabulous lens but unless you really, really need the f1.2, it doesn't offer optically anything that the 45mm doesn't and it is very bulky. If you are going to shoot at f2.8, the two lenses are pretty much the same optically. The 42.5 needs to be opened up to f1.2 most of the time to justify its weight and cost. Having said that, every picture in my review was shot at f1.2 - it's quite a lens.
If you had an olympus ep-5 it would be obvious to choose the zuiko 45mm f1.2 pro over this,do you agree?
Its newer,slightly cheaper and would surely focus quicker on an olympus body.
Or am i missing something?
Focusing speeds are no different on Olympus or Panasonic bodies with either marque of lens. Even so, it might seem tidier to match Olympus with Olympus or there may be aspects of either lens that you prefer. I'd probably prefer the f/1.8 45mm Olympus as a match for the EP-5 since it is so much smaller. You pay an awful lot in extra money and weight and size for for an extra stop or a bit less of speed. In practical use, the f/1.8 is just as sharp.
In one of your closeups of the lens, I could see the goopy glue residue left over from the lens hood. What a shame that Panasonic screwed up on the least technical aspect of this amazing lens!
Advice please... I need to rent a lens for a friend's wedding. Would this be your choice or the Olympus 45 mm 1.2? The body will be a G9.
I'g go for the Panasonic lens. There won't be any difference in the performance of the two lenses but if you are making pictures in a dim church or reception and don't want to use flash, you might as well have the benefit of the Dual Stabilization.
Thanks so much David!! Will do that.
I will have that day an OM10 body with an oly 12-40 f/2.8, will also have a Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8 so will rent an updated body (G9) for it and a good prime, so I thought of this prime lens to put on my gm1 (I know, disproportionate but wanted a prime for quality) if you have any other advice or think I'd do better with a different lens or body, will be much appreciated!!! I've seen a 75 mm oly 1.8 too. Anyway, thanks a lot!
@@Songwirer You are pretty well covered for all bases with the E-M10 and G9 and the two zooms. The 42.5 isn't really necessary but nice to have and will certainly add some zest to your pictures and be fun to use too. The question will be whether you can stop yourself from using the Nocticron on the G9 some of the time. They really are a great combination.
Yep ... no chance I'm ever going to be buying this but I need pana/oly to keep producing lens just so I can watch your fab reviews David ;-)
Thanks so much, Richard - I'm flattered!
Just a small correction to what the author is saying - this is indeed an 85mm lens on a m43 system, but crop factors also need to be applied to the aperture and the ISO (the formula for the latter being ISOxCF^2).
So this is, in fact, an 85mm f2.4 lens, on a 35mm equivalent.
Jerubei When photographers talk about equivalence, they mean angle of view. This 42.5mm gives the angle angle of view of an 85mm on a 36x24mm sensor and that is what the photographer will see. However, if the exposure is 100th@f/1.2 on a FF camera, the exposure will the 100th@f/1.2 on an MFT camera. The actual quantity of light matters only to a scientist, it has no bearing on practical photography and serves only to confuse what is an already confusing subject.
David Thorpe I couldn't disagree more and I'm surprised to see someone separating science from photography, as if photography is not subject to the laws of physics.
You state that we should apply the crop factor to the angle of view (although the correct term here should be "focal length"), but not the aperture or the ISO. You are aware that a crop sensor receives much less light than a full frame sensor, simply because it has a smaller surface area. The difference between the total light hitting each sensor is exactly the difference between their sizes - 1.5 times less light for APS-C and 2 times less light for m43 systems.
If you don't believe me, ask yourself this question - why do m43 systems don't offer the same depth of field as full frame cameras? In other words, why does an f1.8 photo on an full frame system has a much shallower depth of field as compared to an f1.8 photo on an m43 system?
The answer is that people forget to multiply their aperture by 2 (on an m43 system). Using the above example, a photographer, who would like to achieve the same depth of field on both systems, would have two options:
- On the full frame camera, he would have to shoot at f1.8 x 2 = f3.6, to have the same amount of depth of field, as that on the m43 system.
- On the m43 system, he would have to find a lens with aperture of f1.8 / 2 = f0.9, which will compare to the depth of field on the full frame camera, shooting at f1.8.
The above example assumes that both the focal length and the distance to the subject are equivalent (e.g. a 70mm f1.8 on the full frame vs 35mm f0.9 on the m43 system).
If you don't believe me, take a full frame and a cropped body, with equivalent lenses, and compare the depth of field of the test shots.
All of this confusion comes from marketing gimmicks, which many people fall for - after all, imagine how photographers would feel like, if they realized that they've spent thousands of dollars for glass, which they believed was f1.8, but it is in fact f3.6. There will be many people throwing their m43 cameras in the garbage, when they realize there aren't any low light lenses for their system - at least until recently, before the arrival of the f0.95 Voigtlanders and the Panasonic f1.2 lens in your review.
I can point you to several sources, including RUclips videos, explaining what I've just written, if you so wish.
Jerubei Honestly, I am just a bloke who has earned his living from photography all his working life. I never found it necessary to apply mathematical formulae to sell pictures and technical matters are only about 5% of using a camera professionally anyway.
As far as I am concerned a camera is a machine for making pictures and that's it. It's not that I don't believe you it's that I don't think that what you say has any relevance to me. I think of a picture and go out and take it. That's it.
David Thorpe I understand your point, especially if your shooting style doesn't include low light photography. But you should agree that by stating that this is a 85mm f1.2 lens to 24,000 people, you help spread misinformation. That's why I suggested you investigate this further, maybe create a video about it, and continue with your otherwise excellent reviews.
Jerubei You say that I state this is an 85mm f1.2 lens and that my style may not include low light photography. I've just realised that you haven't watched the video! First of all there are many, many low light shots in it. But mainly, at _no time_ in this video do I say that this lens is equivalent to an 85mm f1.2. I describe it equivalent to a full frame 85mm _portrait_ lens. I think you may be so keen to make your point that you are nor hearing what I say correctly.
I was really hoping you'd review this lens and say: "It's expensive, you don't need it, save your money". This would make it easier for me not buy it. So my struggle goes on, I am desperately trying not to splash out on it :-)
Btw, photo at 3:58, from Sheldon square. Where you there maybe three weeks ago taking pictures from the highest ring of the amphitheatre while eating you lunch by any chance?
Marek Kolesar No, I was there a couple of weeks ago, mostly in the Union Bar with some Associated Press photographer mates. You can be sure it is me if there are crowds of beautiful women vying for my attention and my pink Lamborghini parked on the concourse :-)
I was hoping I'd hate the lens, too and I admit to starting out with a prejudice on account of its size. I've written a bit more about it on my blog. I'm struggling just as much as you, I hate to say!
David Thorpe
David Thorpe
Can this lens be mounted on a Sony A7 with an adaptor?
crazyRyoga Unfortunately not. The A7 has a 36X24mm sensor and this Micro four Thirds lens is designed for a 17mmx13mm sensor. That means that it would only cover the centre part of the A7's sensor. You can adapt a FF lens to MFT but not vice-versa, therefore.
David Thorpe Oh, for some reasons I thought this lens was FF. Thank you for the explanation ;)
crazyRyoga You're welcome!
Dave I'm hovering over buy for this lens, anything better or is this the daddy, I've looked at voightlander but the manual puts me off.. Please advise
+MrTobamory If you are looking for a fast short tele this is the best there is. Don't hesitate. As I said in the video, it's not a bargain, such specialized glass never could be. But it is worth every penny.
+David Thorpe thanks Dave I bought the 45mm 1.8 to start with and try get used the focal range and prime, I'll get one then thanks..
David, I love your reviews. Quite honestly, i'm not sure if it's the knowledge you share or your delivery. It's probably both i suppose. :) I would just like to know if you feel there is enough difference from the Panasonic 42.5 1.7 to warrant the price for professional portrait work? This is my first digital set-up and would like to restart some portrait work again with the flexibility for living in a city. The one thing i am self-conscious about is the size of my panasonic lens. Coming from a background of Hasselblad work it feels a bit unprofessional. I chose the G7 for the portability also.
+Scott Shumski I think the f/1.2 is really only worth it if it is going to be used at f/1.2. Personally, I used to shoot portraits on my Hasselblad with 150mm lens at f/5.6/8 to get enough leeway and f/4 on my Nikons with the 85mm. That would equate to f/2 for similar depth of field on the MFT lenses. For general portraiture, I wouldn't use f/1.2, too shallow focus - I use my Olympus 45mm at f/2.
I agree over the look when being used professionally, though, That would be my main reason for buying such a big lens. Otherwise, the f/1.7. No difference in performance and the DoF difference is there but marginal. But since the G7 is quite a small camera, probably the smaller lens suits it better. Difficult!
+David Thorpe Thanks David. I really think it's an esthetic thing for me. Although i do like to shoot wide open in low light, i can't see the value. I will have to wait until i have the chance to buy a decently priced used one to warrant the $$. I really appreciate the feedback & what you contribute with your vids!
+Scott Shumski Thanks for that Scott. I think used is probably the best way to go with lenses like these. Takes the edge of the price bit not the performance!
+David Thorpe That's for sure! I used to buy/sell/trade them in Philly when I was younger. I learned then but even more so now with the changing electronic technology. Actually just picked up the 45mm macro for $400. And the 7-14 a month ago for $950. :)
+Scott Shumski You sound like a happy man!
I love putting this lens in my bag one day! Yes one day far far away. :)
If you are very, very good and and ask Father Christmas, who knows :-)
David Thorpe
Yes I gonna ask Sinterklaas for the lens! :)
Something offtopic but maybe you know something about it.
I have 2 GH3 camera's now both are firmware 1.2 . the old GH3 is from nov2012 and the new GH3 from nov2013. Both are set identically. But on the old version the ISO dial is on top and on the new version the ISO dial is on the back. The dial settings are the same in the menu. What is wrong and do I miss a setting? I prefer the ISO dial on top.
how good is this lens for product photography like food and etc and portraits compared to olympus 60mm 2.8
It'll do them but the macro lens is designed for low distortion (without software assistance)and flatness of field at close distances. It's a lens much more suitable for technical or exacting work, documents, buildings, landscapes.
For portraits the 42.5 is better in low light and will give shallower depth of field and that's what it is designed for. Both will do the same job if you wish but both are better then the other for their intended purpose. For myself, given the choice, I'd go for the 60mm simply because I do a lot more of what it does best.
+David Thorpe ok for shootouts and food photography you wld recommend the 60mm
Yes, I would.
+David Thorpe I have nicholas goodden the principal photographer of olympus in the uk use 6
0mm for shootouts and the images looked sharp from a professional view of point, thanks for the advice
Bravo!
How about the Olympus 75mm f1.8 would it not give greater shallow DOF but of course not as practical due to 150mm
Jon Hermannsson Both lenses will very shallow DoF for MFT cameras but, as you say, the 75mm is less of an all rounder. Good case for having both of them. It's only money :-)
when it comes to the size i think m43 is taking the appeal to all approach...it was never meant to be targeted just to travellers and hikers (though that's what i am) but also the mainstream photography community...that being said, many might just as happily invest in another system...its supposed to have everything for all!
I think you're right and it largely succeeds. There is a wide variation in body sizes and especially lens sizes. An Olympus E-M10 is a different animal from a Panasonic GH5 but fit the 12-32mm and the GH5 doesn't feels so big. Fit an Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 to the E-M10 and it feels quite big. One of the reasons I went to Micro Four Thirds was so that i could use the same lenses and accessories on my go-walkies body and my work body.
Micro Four Thirds will always suffer in some photographer's eyes from a smaller sensor but if that sensor will give razor sharp 24 inch prints or more than fill a 4k monitor, what is the purpose of more?
That's certainly how i use it. My camera is for my travelling and hiking mostly, but i just took it out in the snow...and it barely feels like i had it on me! But if i wanted to do photography for its own sake, like still-life, wildlife, portraits, street and just play around with perspectives...i also have a good enough set-up for it...it might not be top of the class, but i'm not a Pro. I'm an enthusiast who likes to make photos.
I have to say the Zuiko 75mm F1.8 trumps it, mainly because of the extra background compression the 75mm provides. Obviously, you have to step back a lot farther than you would with 42mm. It's the reason I stick with Lumix Leica 25mm F1.4 or the 45mm 1.8 for walkabout shooting, you get some isolation and working distances aren't too big. I liked the sound of the Lumix Leica 15mm F1.7 but the lack of compression and bokeh isn't going to make the photos look like the Zuiko 35mm F2, my fav lens...
So now with the Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. lens available,what do you recommend of the 2 pany lenses?
One of the clearest delineations, luckily! The Nocticron is among the best lenses ever made for Micro Four Thirds, very fast, very sharp, fast focusing and a quality feel. But very expensive. The f/1.7 is smaller, cheaper, half a stop slower but still sharp and fast focusing. Less of a metal, quality feel. The Nocticron is for those who want the very best.
The f/1.7 is for those who simply want a good 42.5mm lens, for whom a half stop is neither here not there at an already fast f/1.7. In normal shooting for normal viewing you'd be pushed to see any difference between them. The DoF difference isn't great and for 99% of shooting you'd stop with lens stopped down to f/2 for best performance.
So, as I say, the Nocticron of you want the very best but for myself I'd recommend and buy the f/1.7 simply because it would be always in my bag and so get much more use than the Nocticron.
I'm assuming this lens is focus by wire? Makes me so sad that manufacturers are moving further and further away from lenses with distance scales these days.
Yes, focus by wire. The Olympus 17mm f1.8 has 'proper' focusing. It doesn't bother me that much but given a choice I definitely prefer end stops and a distance scale.
For me it's mostly that I do music videos with the occasional photography on the side, so distance markers and the ability to use a follow focus are essential. Still, gorgeous images from this lens regardless.