Excellent, fast all purpose lens for GH5?

A zoom lens that is wider than 12 and longer than 35 while being faster than 2.8 does not exist. The closest is probably Panasonic's upcoming 10-25 f/1.7. But that lens will be very expensive and relatively heavy.

Other options are the Oly 12-40 f/2.8, and the Oly 12-100 f/4.0. Both are a bit longer, but the 12-100 is slower than the Pana 12-35.

There are also several kit zooms starting at 14. And then there are 4 superzooms in the system: the Panasonic 14-140, the Oly 14-150, the Tamron 14-150, and the Oly 12-200. All are slower than 2.8. There are also two 12-60 lenses from Panasonic.

livingoverseas wrote:

Hi,

This is sort of follow on to a post I just made about replacing a camera and lens (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/62716595).

That post has some great comments about camera body replacement, but I was wondering what people might suggest for a great all purpose lens, something similar to Panasonic's Vario 12-35mm f2.8, but ideally going a bit wider and closer, and maybe even lower than 2.8 at certain focal lengths? Or is the 12-35mm still considered fantastic among current offerings?

Anyway, I had my Gh4 and this lens stolen and need to tell insurance company what camera and lens are suitable as replacements. I have almost settled on the Gh5 for replacement, but just not sure about lens.

It seems you want a zoom. You cannot go lower than f/2.8 with a zoom, unless you are eyeing the new Leica 10-25mm f/1.7. It’s not yet available and is being rumored to cost $2500; I think it will be more.

Two “fast” choices for a Panasonic body:

1. Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8. It’s still a great lens.
2. Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4. Also a great lens.

You could also consider the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8, but for starting over with a GH5, I’d stick with lenses from the Panasonic realm.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Living above life in the Rocky Mountains

Thanks. Looks like Gh5 + 12-35mm (version 2) will be good combo.

That 10-25/1.7 is going to be a game-changer. Never thought we'd see something like the 4/3 14-35/2.0 for m4/3 and here they are, topping it.

Best standard zoom is presently the Oly 12-40, which the large GH will handle with ease. I'd go that route among the available options.

Cheers,

Rick