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The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 has horrific flare characteristics

Started May 4, 2014 | Discussions thread
Anders W
Anders W Forum Pro • Posts: 22,144
Re: no banding here... yet

jf_tea wrote:

Henry Richardson wrote:

I like, or would like, this lens a lot too if it didn't cause banding with my E-M5 (also on several other m4/3 bodies). Did all those reviews mention that? If not then I suppose one must take *everyone's* review with a bit of salt since all reviews miss some things or choose not to mention them.

There is variance when equipment is produced in large series. Therefore, this reply is not to deny your observations.

I have used the 20/1.7 on the following cameras without observing "banding" : GF1, GX1, E-PL2, and, E-M5. But, honestly, though I take low light pictures, I have not yet used it on the E-M5 purposefully to test it in very low light, at ISO 3200+.

Of the bodies you mention, banding problems are to be expected only with the E-M5 (due to the particular sensor it uses). And even with the E-M5, all sorts of variations are to be expected, not only because there might be sample variation between same-model bodies and sensors but also because the phenomenon varies from one shot to another. I can reproduce the issue with my E-M5 but it can be far worse in one particular shot than another although all seemingly relevant circumstances are the same.

 Anders W's gear list:Anders W's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Olympus PEN-F Olympus E-M1 II Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH +20 more
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