Which prime for the G85?

matthihk wrote:

Got a G85 a few months ago, and am super pleased with the results from my 14-140 kit lens. I am now looking to add a prime to my kit, and I am torn between the 25mm f/1.7, the Panaleica 25mm f/1.4 and the 'legendary' 20mm f/1.7.

I am looking to shoot better astrophotos (the brighter aperture would help for this) and looking to get into street and portraits. I've read that the Panaleica is the king here in terms of optics, but it is considerably more expensive than the others. Would the Panaleica suit me better due to the brighter aperture and better optics?

So the bottom line here is whether the Panaleica would be worth the investment, whether any of these lenses would not go so well for astro or portraits, and what other lenses there may be that might suit me.

Sorry if I have asked a blatant question, I'm kind of a newbie Thanks for your time!

Since you're a newbie and haven't yet developed a snobbish regard for expensive glass, I'd suggest the 25/1.7 or 20/1.7.     Neither focal length would be ideal for astrophotography (too narrow) but they're good focal lengths for street and portraiture.

I have the 25/1.4 and it's a very nice lens but honestly, I don't know if you'd notice the difference between it and the 20/1.7 in terms of image quality.  You might not even notice a diff between it and the 25/1.7 for that matter.  I mean, if you knew how to compare lenses and what to look for, then yeah, you would.  But I don't know if it'd make that much of a difference to you.

About the 20...it's a wee bit slow to focus but that hasn't been a problem for me.  But for video, it's a bit noisy.  I still have mine and will keep it because it's useful for when I want a compact lens and it produces great images.

I also have the Pana Leica 15/1.7 which is also a great lens but it's not ideal for portraiture.  And if you're just starting out in street photography, or you haven't developed the ability to photographer strangers close up, then the 25 is a better focal length, IMO.

Hi Mattthink
I have used the Lumix 20mm (=40mm) 1.7 for several years paired with a Lumix GF1 and, like you, have recently upgraded to a G80 a.k.a. G85. I find it an ideal size, weight and quality for my street  photography and random documentary photography.

I am more than happy using this lens on both bodies. 
Robert

matthihk wrote:

Got a G85 a few months ago, and am super pleased with the results from my 14-140 kit lens. I am now looking to add a prime to my kit, and I am torn between the 25mm f/1.7, the Panaleica 25mm f/1.4 and the 'legendary' 20mm f/1.7.

I am looking to shoot better astrophotos (the brighter aperture would help for this) and looking to get into street and portraits. I've read that the Panaleica is the king here in terms of optics, but it is considerably more expensive than the others. Would the Panaleica suit me better due to the brighter aperture and better optics?

So the bottom line here is whether the Panaleica would be worth the investment, whether any of these lenses would not go so well for astro or portraits, and what other lenses there may be that might suit me.

Sorry if I have asked a blatant question, I'm kind of a newbie Thanks for your time!

Get the PL15 F1.7.  I got mine for around $400 on ebay imported from Japan.  Though not sure where you are from.

The 25mm f/1.7 is now about £150.

The 25mm f/1.4 is only half a stop faster.  That will (almost) never make any difference.

The difference in angle of view between the 20mm and the 25mm is a matter of individual personal preference.  Unless you have a clear preference, that matters not.

The 25mm f/1.7 is outstanding value for money.  I suggest that's the one for you.

matthihk wrote:

Got a G85 a few months ago, and am super pleased with the results from my 14-140 kit lens. I am now looking to add a prime to my kit, and I am torn between the 25mm f/1.7, the Panaleica 25mm f/1.4 and the 'legendary' 20mm f/1.7.

I am looking to shoot better astrophotos (the brighter aperture would help for this) and looking to get into street and portraits. I've read that the Panaleica is the king here in terms of optics, but it is considerably more expensive than the others. Would the Panaleica suit me better due to the brighter aperture and better optics?

So the bottom line here is whether the Panaleica would be worth the investment, whether any of these lenses would not go so well for astro or portraits, and what other lenses there may be that might suit me.

Sorry if I have asked a blatant question, I'm kind of a newbie Thanks for your time!

The best way to approach this is to

1) go on Flickr and browse samples from these cameras. If you find you keep likening one of these it's a sign

2) buy it used. You have little outlay. Worst case you sell it on and lose 20-30 bucks

For whhat it's worth, my first M43 lens was the PL25mm. Based on the above approach. Epic lens. But after some use I found towards 20mm was more the field of view I'd like. Really happy with it.

Choose with your own eyes. Then just get out there and use the stuff. Much better than listening to folks on forums

matthihk wrote:

Hey there,

I'm also pretty convinced on the 15mm 1.7, it looks ideal for landscapes and astro. It's around 350 USD here in Hong Kong on the gray market

Really!?!?!?!  Dang I would love to get another one, esp for that price!

matthihk wrote:

Got a G85 a few months ago, and am super pleased with the results from my 14-140 kit lens. I am now looking to add a prime to my kit, and I am torn between the 25mm f/1.7, the Panaleica 25mm f/1.4 and the 'legendary' 20mm f/1.7.

I am looking to shoot better astrophotos (the brighter aperture would help for this) and looking to get into street and portraits. I've read that the Panaleica is the king here in terms of optics, but it is considerably more expensive than the others. Would the Panaleica suit me better due to the brighter aperture and better optics?

So the bottom line here is whether the Panaleica would be worth the investment, whether any of these lenses would not go so well for astro or portraits, and what other lenses there may be that might suit me.

Sorry if I have asked a blatant question, I'm kind of a newbie Thanks for your time!

I just got the Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 and Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 as my first non-kit lenses (I have the G85 w/ 12-60mm kit lens), which seems like a good combination. I think 25mm is just not wide enough for most walk around "street photography." This is especially true with 4k video on the G85 because of the crop. You can set your kit lens to 25mm and walk around taking photos and 4k video to see what you think. I got the 25mm f/1.7 because of the amazing price and the fact that it has autofocus and will electronically connect to the G85 body. I plan to use it to take photos of my dog and other portrait shots. The Rokinon 12mm f/2 will be my nighttime walk around lens. The 12-60mm f/3.5 kit lens will continue to be my daytime walk around lens.