Thoughts on 1st lens with a G9

I am thinking of downsizing from my D500 to a G9. I can put off birding for now until the spring, 100-400, but I want a good all around zoom. The choices are many and there are just as many price choices. I am leaning towards the Panasonic 14 - 140 simply because I think its weight and range make for a good all purpose lens. But would like feedback from those with experience with the system.

One more thing I want to do with this first lens is to be able to shoot video. I have really never used video but since this is a big feature, I do want to learn. So being good with video and parfocal is something I would like.

My range is under 1000.00 for this lens. Thanks in advance and I am looking forward to any advice.

JDC1958 wrote:

I am leaning towards the Panasonic 14 - 140 simply because I think its weight and range make for a good all purpose lens.

I had the 14-140 f/3.5-5.6 Mk I (there is now a weather-resistant MK II version out) and liked it a lot. I sold it for the Olympus 12-100 f/4, which is an amazing lens, though bigger and heavier. New it exceeds your budget a bit. I bought a very nice used one, with a couple of high quality filters, for $900. It works great on my G9. You might want to consider it. But you won't go wrong with the 14-140, either.  Or the PL 12-60 f/2.8-4 if that range is sufficient for you.

I have the second version of that lens, have used it on many trips, and LOVE it!  It is an excellent all-purpose lens.

<<I am leaning towards the Panasonic 14 - 140 simply because I think its weight and range make for a good all purpose lens.>>

If you're serious about video then you'll want to consider a constant aperture if you plan on zooming while making clips. Aperture changes can make the footage look a little jarring. My recommendation is the Olympus 12-40 2.8 and or the panasonic 35-100ii 2.8. Both will give you a weather sealed combo with the G9 as a bonus. The 12-40 has a manual focus clutch with hard stops that works a treat for video if you plan to learn manual focus techniques while filming.

JDC1958 wrote:

I am thinking of downsizing from my D500 to a G9. I can put off birding for now until the spring, 100-400, but I want a good all around zoom.

Both kit 12-60 lenses are quite decent. The Leica one is often discounted, while the regular Panasonic is just very cheap (as part of the kit) anyway.

All good recommendations. If I spend most of the 1000.00 lens budget, I am leaning towards the 35-100 2.8. I shot close to a year with my first full frame lens which was a 2.8 100mm macro, so I know how to compose with a limited view when need be.

I like more reach for critters and flowers though. I have a few weeks to decide, thanks for the input.

I just recently migrated from a D7200 to a G9. It came with a Panasonic 25mm, f1.7 "normal lens".

I too like all sorts of subjects so I've added the following lenses to hit all ranges. 1st lens add was the Panasonic 14-140 f3.5 (mod 1, not weather sealed) that stays on my G9 body, for an walk-around lens when on trips/travel/grab shots.

Next addition was a Olympus 9-18 Wide Angle for architecture, interiors, and other WA stuff. I couldn't justify the Panasonic-Leica 8-18 ($$$) and didn't want the challenges of the Panasonic 7-14 with its front element filter killer.

The "final" addition is a Panasonic 100-300 for birding, wildlife and distant objects that I can't get closer to.

All of these were purchased pre-owned from Keh Cameras (great folks) and I'm very happy with their performance and condition. They also handled my D7200 and its lens collection.

S.

JDC1958 wrote:

All good recommendations. If I spend most of the 1000.00 lens budget, I am leaning towards the 35-100 2.8. I shot close to a year with my first full frame lens which was a 2.8 100mm macro, so I know how to compose with a limited view when need be.

I like more reach for critters and flowers though. I have a few weeks to decide, thanks for the input.

More reach at a wide aperture starts to cost money. But you could be in luck with the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm f2.8-f4.0. It's normally over your £1000 budget, but can  be found at below that if you keep your eyes out for it.
But for day to day shooting the 14-140mm f3.5 is ideal.

One thing to keep in mind if you are considering "cross pollination" (Olympus lenses for the G9) is that Olympus & Panasonic zoom rings turn in opposite directions. Olympus turns in the Canon direction, Panasonic follows the Nikon path.

If having zooms that turn in opposite directions bothers you it's best to go 100% with one maker.

Steve

evetsf wrote:

One thing to keep in mind if you are considering "cross pollination" (Olympus lenses for the G9) is that Olympus & Panasonic zoom rings turn in opposite directions. Olympus turns in the Canon direction, Panasonic follows the Nikon path.

If having zooms that turn in opposite directions bothers you it's best to go 100% with one maker.

Steve

I never knew that, and - as a potential G9/G95 user who currently occasionally uses my other half's Nikon DSLR -  it is good to know.  Thanks Steve.

evetsf wrote:

One thing to keep in mind if you are considering "cross pollination" (Olympus lenses for the G9) is that Olympus & Panasonic zoom rings turn in opposite directions. Olympus turns in the Canon direction, Panasonic follows the Nikon path.

If having zooms that turn in opposite directions bothers you it's best to go 100% with one maker.

Steve

Thanks for the info. I will stick with OEM to start out with. I want the G9 and will make sure I get Panasonic lenses to take full advantage of the stabilization.

sticking to panasonic lens with the G9 will also mean you have DFD working for you!

Good question.

I'm sure you're aware that Panasonic lenses have lens profiles built into the lens, and lens firmware is updated via camera body.  Thus, it's somewhat different than DSLR.

Anyway when I made the switch to the G9 from DSLR, I also got the fastest zooms that would be ideal for 4K video and photo. The 12-35 and the 35-100 both f/2.8 version II, also have the AF motors that would be needed for the long telephoto shots. These will get you into low light shooting like indoors at night. But for the low light video you'll need primes like f/1.7 or faster for the best low light 4K video.

Good luck on your quest.