This is why, years later, David Thorpe reviews are still amongst the best there are, and still make a valuable contribution to photography, and the choices we still need to make. Great lens, and great review that reveals what using the lens is like.

David you are greatly missed RIP

I started photography this year and David's videos and digging voice have been a great help in the process of making sense of what lenses to buy and which to skip. Thanks David for helping the community out, you will be missed.

I love the fact with MFT that you can fit almost any lens you want. I spent most of my working life manually focusing, so I don't have a problem with that. It's also great that it gives good lenses like those you mention a new lease of life. Especially if someone is as resourceful as you!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your reviews are very informative and I look forward to any more videos you upload in the future.

Tim Javor It's quite funny, that Panasonic have made a lens more suited to Olympus than their own cameras. With such a wide aperture, such an effective stabilization system and best available MFT noise performance - what a low light performance! Glad you found the review helpful.

I just got this lens for my camera for making my food look nice and funky with blurry backgrounds - looks a good choice, great review thanks.

Great review and well summarized. Thanks David.

Thank you David for such a quick answer! I'll follow your advice! Unluckily in Italy this camera is missing from all the big retailers and often small shops don't want to open the boxes to make you try it... So your hands-on insights are highly appreciated! Many thanks!

Great review, Very informative, good examples, fast, to the point and touched various aspects. I'd love to see more,keep up the good work!

David--Great review--as usual. Thanks very much. I really look forward to each video.

Thanks.I really enjoy making the videos so it's nice to know that that comes through.

Excellent review David! Just came across your video and had to watch it. I made the same comparison (25 vs 20 vs 45) while looking for a similar prime and chose the 25mm. My application was a tad different from yours though: principally for an OMD-E-M1 for all around use and wanted superb glass. The size was perfect with the body and the on-board OIS works phenomenally. Some of the finest glass I've ever used! Keep up the good work!

I picked up one of these on eBay yesterday, for just a tad over half price, and it was adverised as "Like New". We'll see... Before bidding, I came back and watched this video to make sure it was a lens I wanted. You talked me into it! Thanks again for your help, you're the greatest!

I really enjoy all your videos on the GH3. Lots of information and some good humor too.

You have the best reviews! I just bought a Panasonic G80/85 and love it. Your reviews have proved invaluable.

As I say in the review, you won't be disappointed with it. Glad you liked the review.

Excellent review, told me everything I needed to know, thank you!

Loving your reviews; clear, extremely helpful and not in the slightest bit monotonous like most other videos of this kind. rather entertaining...I have just watched all of them :) I think i'm going to end up buying this for my GX1. Can't wait! btw are you on flickr?

Glad you liked the review. I came to M4/3 for exactly the same reasons as you and I don't feel I miss anything. You can limit DoF quite adequately with the format and with the OMD and the GHs there isn't much you can't do. I don't miss the DSLR backache, that's for sure.

A most excellent review David. You've just made my decision a lot easier.

Yes, I agree - and good to have such a choice.

Fantastic review!

I do agree. I use three GH2's with a variety of lenses, and the results (on a 60" plasma) are stunning! There are other properties of a lens that matter too of course, as I noticed when shooting trees against the sky (without saturation). I noticed a loss of contrast on the fine twigs which results from mis-focussed light from a wide area falling on the black detail. It's a problem that does not arise when you focus white detail on a predominantly black background as black cannot spill over!

tt321 made this very good point on DPReview's Micro Four Thirds Forum One advantage of this lens over a slower one with IS is that the IS does not help with subject movements. So concerts, dances, sport, even indoor pub/restaurant shots with people not posing could swing the advantage to this lens. David

Thank you Mr Thorpe, Im getting one Second hand this weekend.

great review and good use of actual examples showing blurred background. i've ordered this lens from the USA as we get severely priced gouged in australia. i guess the ethos of my switching to m4/3 is to have the creative flexibility of DSLR but reduced kit size. my GH1 was kinda a bit big but loving my new OMD EM5

Thanks much David.

Finally got around to buying this lens, can't wait to get it. I did consider the Olympus 17mm f1.8, Panasonic 20mm f1.7 but ended up getting this one instead.

Than ks you, Krishary. I'm glad it is helpful.

Great review.

Thanks very good review!

Although the content is very good as always one can see the huge improvement in your video and audio skills. Please take this as a compliment!

Hi Andrea. Given your use, I'd go for the 14-140mm zoom. It lacks speed but the 25mm will do that when you need it. I use the 14-140 a lot, it's covers all normally used focal lengths, operates silently for video and will focus close. It's not as sharp as the 12-35, naturally, but it's as sharp as you need for practical photography. If I'm going out for a walk or a cycle ride that lens is the one I put on the camera. For video it's more or less the only lens I use.

David great informative video as always! Do you think theres a tangible difference between this and the Panny 25mm 1.7? If you could explain some of the differences between the 2 besides price! Also are you looking forward to the G80?

Hi David My Panasonic Lumix and repairs experience, My 25mm f1.4 lens took a knock and started to go soft on the right side of the frame at f1.4 by f4 it was sharp again, but here's the thing when I sent it off for repair to my local shop they wouldn't touch it and no-one else would either but telling me it had to be Panasonic Specialist Repairer...so I found one and sent it in and they said it would be £950 / $1459 to repair! The lens to buy new is only £429 / $658. So I now shoot at f4, David have you or anybody heard of this problem about this lens, This was and still is (at f4) my favorite lens to date Many Thanks (and good reviews) Steve

The lenses I use most on my GH2's, which may surprise you, are a Tamron Nikon fit 17-50 zoom and Tamron 28-75, with simple cheap adapters to MFT. At around £300 they give pretty good results. The iris closes down without electronic connections to the camera, but because the Nikons use a lever to mechanically open the aperture, I insert a small wedge to hold the lever at full aperture. Hey presto - a truly constant f/2.8 zoom - everybody's dream. I can't stop down, but I mostly don't want to!

How time flies...this lens is on my GX8 and is great with the cameras IBIS....

good reviews. thanks.

Hi Frederick. I loved my 25mm but found that I hardly ever used it after I bought the 12-35mm and so eventually and with regret, sold it. That's not to say that would be right for you though. Personally, if I were you, I'd keep the the 20mm and add the 45mm f1.8 Olympus which gives lovely shallow DoF and is great for portrait. The 20mm's peformance is close to the 25mm - though nothing changes the fact that thye 25mm is a superb lens.

Glad it was useful!

I tried your suggestion and I’m not very comfortable with the 45mm indoors unless I’m photographing family/friends from a considerable distance, however it feels fairly good outdoors. The 25mm feels really good in both instances.

If you are just going to use one lens on a micro 4/3 it is this its such a lovely piece of glass. I used it on my round the world trips on my EM-5 for years as my only lens at the time.

!'m flattered (blush). Thanks!

This lens is simply awesome.

Always love your reviews. I'm feeling a bit of GAS these days, David--just wondering what your take would be on this: I've got an E-M1 and a GX85, and usually cart along the latter with the Oly 17/45/75 f1.8 lenses, however I can get the Panny 25mm f1.4 for a decent price used--is it worth saving the $100 difference and just opting for the Sigma 30mm f1.4? I've seen examples of the Panasonic lens with an inferior older body and was still impressed with the pic quality. I'm leaning towards the Panny. Thanks for any help.

Thanks!

Still learning from you... Best wishes wherever you are.

Hi! David: Thanks for the video.It is really informative. I am a newbie to Camera world. I own a GF2 and currently with kit 14-42 and 2,5mm/1.4 if I am looking for another lens that can take more depth of length picture. ( more professional-looking picture ;) , will you recommend this lens? or Panasonic 2.0/f1.7? or any other lens you recommend. Thank you for your help!

Hey David. Could really use your advise. Been looking at the 25mm f1.4 and I think it's going to be my next lens for my GH3. I have the 20mm Pancake and love it but i want a more standard view (50mm) and the faster f-stop would be wonderful. I'd love to get the new 12-35mm but it boils down to two things. 1.) 12-35mm is expensive. 2.) I already own the 14-140mm Lumix lens soooo can't really justify it. Do you still have and use your 25mm? Do you still like it? Thanks for your time. -Frederck

Those are great strings, no matter what you put them on. I expect the 25mm is as good. Hopefully my kit will get one uncompromising lense. Thanks Chris

That's the one then. The best lens is always the one you like best. If you like the 25mm focal length, there are no arguments against the 25mm Summilux part from it's (relatively) large size. I'd have thought slightly bigger size would make it feel really good on an E-M5.

Hi David Thorpe! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, i'm finding your reviews extremely useful and i hope you can keep up with them! I'd like to have your opinion on the following. I'm buying the GH3 and i can have for the same price this 2 options: GH3 + 12-35mm or GH3 + 14-140mm + 25mm f1.4 what would you suggest? I'll do a lot of run&gun video, interviews, stop motion, etc... i wil also do general photography. I also have a couple of old OM glass: 28-48mm f4 and 85-210mm f4.5 Thanks!

Yes, though the Nokton is a great deal more expensive. I wish it had stabilisation but I don't miss it too much as i work on a tripod unless there is some reason I can't. I find the 45mm at f2 has shallow enough DoF for my purposes but with a lot of what I do I'm looking for more DoF rather than l;ess and MFT is good for that especially.

Hi David! I took your advice and got the olympus OMD 5 with 12-50mm lens I am really happy with it I would love another recommendation if you don't mind for a prime lens, much appreciate it!

I've bought the panasonic leica 25mm and I am very happy with the image quality and fast focus. However, I've noticed something very strange (bad...). Even in the manual mode (Olympus EPl-3) the lens sometimes reacting to the ligth automatically. Closing and open the diafragam. Did you know any case like thise?

thanks!

Hello David, I commented on one of your videos earlier, and would appreciate your opinion. I currently only have the Olympus 12-50mm and want to make the right prime lens choice on my second lens purchase. How would this lens perform on my Olympus OM-D E-M5? What are the shortcomings, if any? Or does it practically perform the same on your GH3?

All a bit too technical for me but thanks, lindosland. All I can say is that it is very very sharp. Often my judgement on a lens is its feel as much as performance. I don't think I've come across an MFT lens with unacceptable performance, I'm glad to say.

It would perform just great on your E-M5, better than the GH3 in fact because you Olympus has the in body stabilisation. The only down side of this lens is the large size but only by MFT standards, by normal ones it is tiny! The other lens I'd look at is the Olympus 45mm f1.8. I have a review of it and I don't make any secret of the fact that I consider it one the bargains of the photographic world. It costs less and is a very useful focal length for portraits, landscapes, animals and kids too.

Since you have both of those focal lengths on your 12-50, the only difference with the 25 or 45mm is the speed. I'd stick your lens on 25mm and leave it there for a bit and see how it feels, then do the same for 45mm. But if you feel better about the 25, you'll not regret buying it. For general out and about stuff 17mm is worth a thought, too.

Hi Rizhail. The kit lens you mention gives you 28mm equivalent. If you want a bit fster, there is the tiny 14mm f2.5 Panasonic. Both the primes you mention duplicate focal lengths you already have on the zoom. The 45mm is a must, though. The 25mm, only if you really need the speed. All the cameras sold in Europe are for PAL. For lenses it's not relevant.

I'd love to see a comparison between this lens and the Olympus 25mm f1.8. I have the Panasonic and like it, but feel it's a bit slower to focus that my other Olympus primes.

The comparison should perhaps be with the Nokton 25mm, available for around £600. You might as well have that extra option down to f/1 which is what is needed to get shallow depth equivalent to an f/2 lens on a full frame camera. I have no use for autofocus which is not suitable if you are going for shallow focus, especially on video, but what I do miss is image stabilisation.

best m43 lens ever

That's my aim - thanks!

I to find my self using the 20mm 1.7 a bit more - both awesome

You're welcome, Andrea.

Hi Dave, thanks for your videos; I find them very helpful. Have you tried this lens on the GX80? Now there is good in-body stabilisation with the GX80, would this lens make a great prime with that combination for portraits and general prime photography? TIA.

Hello sir! Just wanted to ask if you've experienced the rattle noise that I've been seeing/hearing online a lot about from other users of the 25mm 1.4? Cause this is an expensive lens (well, for me), and having a noisy focus isn't too comforting haha

Does anyone know if this lens could fit the Sony Nex 6? If so, then what sort of adapters? Thanks.

Is it worth getting this lens if you already have the 12-25 2.8?

Hi David.. would you pair the 45mm 1.8. with the 20mm as shown in your video or would a better pairing be the panasonic 15mm 1.7m?

i have 2 questions: 1st question: i will be buying gh2 with kit 14-42 & 25mm 1.4 Panasonic + 45mm 1.8 Olympus lens.... but i also want a wide angle lens which equals 28mm in 35mm sensor for documentary purpose but at cheap price :( 2nd question: which website for Europe or UK sells gh2 PAL version & Camera lenses??

Whats the brand of the lense hood at 5:08 ? tnx !

Hi David, great review as always. I was considering getting the Panasonic 25mm f1.7 due to the price differential. However, a recent deal puts the Panasonic 25mm f1.4 just a $100 more. Would you recommend getting the f1.4 instead? I do photos and videos on a G85, but have heard that there may be a loud focusing sound with the 25mm f1.4. Appreciate the input. Thanks!

Hey David, Sorry to bother you again. I was going to shoot some outside family photos with this lens. What other lens do you recommend for portraits and weddings for micro 4/3 rds. Thanks

the GX7 with its IBIS should be a very good combination for this lens. :)

Are there better choices today which you could recommend for the G80? I actually HAD the f1.8 25mm Olympus, but sold it... Is this a better lens? How well does it perform in video, and stills?

The lens I'd recommend to anyone is the Olympus 45mm f1.8. It doesn't have image stabilisation when used on the Panasonic cameras but apart from that is as near perfect as a lens can be. I have a review of it on my channel.

I have a question. How do you activate the focusing ring on this lens? When I push down the shutter button halfway on my G85 with the camera on iA, the autofocus on the camera focuses the lens quite sharply and the pictures shot are in perfect focus. Turning the focus ring with the camera in the iA mode seems to do nothing. Do I have to change one of the in-camera settings in order to be able to use the manual focus ring? Can you only use the focus ring on the lens if the camera is in Manual mode? I'm rather new to this, having just purchased the G85 a few months ago, and the operating manual just doesn't explain this well enough. Any helpful advice would be most greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Is the best m4/3 fix focal lens, with an OMD it's perfect at f1.4 extremely sharp !!!

David, quick technical question. I do have the 20mm F1.7 and I really like it as it is quite sharp and so very thin and light and F1.7. I do have a Nikon 35mm F1.8 but hate using my heavy DSLR gear - I would like to get a bit better bokeh than the 20mm F1.7 can do - even though I love it for so many situations - but for those bokeh pics I was wondering if I was better of getting the Sony E-Mount 35mm F1.8 with IS or the Lumix Leica 25mm F1.4 - I do also have a NEX5n and NEX7 which I do not like using as I hate the NEX menu system and lack of dials in case of NEX5n and bad dials in case of NEX7 - So the question is will they give me about the same bokeh? I am really trying to see if I can get close to similar bokeh on the Leica 25mm F1.4 as I love using my GX7 and OMD-5 ( actually the OMD-5 is Ok but GX7 a joy to use - I am also trying to get another GX7 body in black - just now so much more than silver version ) I have a strong feeling of what the NEX 35mm F1.8 will give me and would be happy with that - ( as I have crop Nikon gear ) but just not sure if the Leica can match it given that the M43 sensor is smaller - but of course the Leica is faster at F1.4 - just do not know how to do the math. How close would you think the Leica is to the e-mount 35mm F1.8? Sony is around $398 now at B&H and Lumix Leica is at $529 - so Lumix Leica is a bit more but I would rather have it as I don't like using the NEX that much - even though IQ is very nice on NEX7 - just controls - and of course no 24-70 F2.8 or 70-200 F2.8 for NEX - NEX lens selection not that nice - especially compared to M43 - I hear Sony is to announce a NEX7 update in Jan -Feb for sale I guess around April-May - but I do not expect much other than a WIFI and a bit improved sensor and more MP (which id does not need) and maybe APPS - which is nice concept but in reality not all APPS run on all the NEX - crazy - I suppose they will finally put a Mode dial on it as the Tri Navi is OK ( way to soft today ) - they might have the viewfinder in the center like the A7/R - but I suppose they will keep the same horrible menu like they have with all the NEX5/n/r/t updates So I really hate to put more money in my NEX - but if bokeh is much better then what the M43 Leica 25mm F1.4 can give I will get the Sony lens - not a major deal - I need something in the 40-50mm actual focal length - I know the Oly 45mm F1.8 is a jewel but focal length to long -

Hello David, I have a quick question. I have a Panasonic G7 camera and I have recently gotten into night photography (shooting from a tripod). I have currently been using the kit-lens that came with the body (14-42mm / F3.5-5.6). Right now I am considering getting this Panasonic 25mm f1.4 Summilux used or the Olympus 25mm f1.8 (probably from new). The used lens will run me as much as the Olympus from new. Can you give a recommendation?

True, but 45mm on a MFT seems quite a bit limited for me. I suppose I would have to decide wether paying an extra $150 is worth the slightly wider focal length.

I have omd em10 mark ii body. I dont have any prime lens. I need a recommendations for what lens should i buy. My aim is for streetphotography, portrait can shoot in a short distance and a wide angle too.. what lens do i can buy? Zuiko 17mm f1.8, Panasonic 25mm f1.4 or Zuiko 25mm f1.8? Im looking for your honest advice. Thanks

Do you think it's essential to use the lens hood that has been provided, or can any 46mm threaded hood do?

I think this lens' Achilles heel is the new 25mm f1.7, which is pretty much as sharp, much lighter, much cheaper and a tiny bit smaller. I'm not sure the extra half stop is worth the extra cash!

I have to have this one... Might sell my 17mm 1.8, and get this instead, as I feel I probably need only one daily driver for now.

Do you think it is better than lumix 42.5mm 1.7 despite lacking of image stabilization?

There's no question that the 25mm is a great lens but after buying the 12-35 I hardly ever used it. So I actually sold it. My main reason for having the 25mm would be to get shallow depth of field but in my view my Olympus 45mm f1.8 is better for this. On the other hand, if you plan a lot of hand held photography in very low light, it is well worth having but it's a lot of money for a lens that might only get an occasional outing. Basically, if I already had the zoom, I wouldn't buy this lens.

does it come with that square lens hood ? if not where can I get the lens hood ?

Any reason why there is no depth of field scale on this lens?

The OIS can't fix motion blur on moving subjects, so I take f1.4 without OIS over f2.8 with OIS every time.

thanks for the response i live in Asia & after searching for a week i came to know Panasonic has No Retailer for Professional Photo Cameras unlike Canon, Nikon & Sony in my country... so now i can only buy PAL version from Europe, but i dont know any Europe Camera Shopping website which shows latest prices & stuff... amazon & bhphotovideo(dot)com only have NTSC versions

nice review video, would recommend this video to shoot for a documentary??

Hi. I have followed many of his videos and rewiews and I really like your comments. I have the GH3 camera with 12-35 mm 2.8. I am interested in a fixed, the summilux 25 mm. My question is: Is it worth buying the summilux having 12-35 mm? Thank you very much.

Thanks for the kind words - no I'm not on flickr.

Hey, David? Any plans to review the brand new Panasonic 25mm f/1.7? Any preliminary thoughts on how it might fare against this Leica f/1.4?

So... This lens or the pancake 20mm/f1.7..? I already have old 50mm f/1.7 Minolta lens (using adapter) and 19mm f/2.8 Sigma. I can't decide ftom the two of those and also if I need either...