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The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 has horrific flare characteristics

Started May 4, 2014 | Discussions thread
texinwien Veteran Member • Posts: 3,326
Re: Comparison image

berni29 wrote:

Hi

I have had banding with my 20mm at 6400 iso and EM-5, just once or twice. I use it in low light a lot and for me it is a non issue. It is such a great lens. If I had to have one lens only it would be the 20mm.

Berni

I'm very happy for you. On the other hand, as you can see, some of us have experienced banding with the 20mm / E-M5 combination in ISO 1600 images. I don't know whether there's any sample variation involved.

The 20mm was my favorite lens (despite the banding issues) until I purchased my 12-40 f/2.8 in January. It was one of the reasons I got into m43 - compact with outstanding IQ. I've taken far more photos with my 20mm than with any of my other lenses, and it's still one of my favorites, although I'd be even more pleased with it if the banding issue was addressed.

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal on a GM1. I'd love to have a camera that I can use the 20mm on in low light without having to worry about banding, and the GM1 plus 20mm seems like an awesome carry everywhere, low-light combination.

I plan to keep my E-M5, as well, for now - I've been extremely pleased with it, again, despite the banding issues in combination with the 20mm. If and when I buy a GM1, it'll be in addition to my E-M5.

 texinwien's gear list:texinwien's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 Olympus E-M5 II Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 Pro OnePlus One Canon EOS 300D +20 more
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