The best Panasonic lenses

In need of a new lens for your Panasonic camera but unsure which one to invest in? Our resident camera expert has shortlisted the best lenses to consider.

The best Panasonic lenses

by Kirk Schwarz |
Updated on

A legend of Micro Four Thirds, Panasonic has some of the best lenses and cameras around. Not only are they a staple of innovation, but they are at the forefront of hybrid technology.

Crafting cameras that are both solid stills champions, and advanced video masters, they come with some of the most exciting features in the game. You’ll find options like 4K and 6K photo, which let you choose a still from a movie, or take multiple shots and refocus after the fact. Bodies like the GH5 and G9 give you the all-important 4K 60p for slow-mo ultra-high def footage, and let’s not forget the fact they’re more compact than my wallet – a truly hard feat…

Related: Everything you need to know about camera lenses

Of course, seasoned photographers like you and me know that a camera is nothing without some high-quality glass, and Panasonic has you covered. Not only do they have a wide range of optics to cover most focal lengths, but, thanks to the 2x crop of the sensor, you’re able to get lenses that offer a huge focal length in a lightweight and compact body – a massive boon.

So, sit back, grab yourself an espresso – the most compact of all the coffees – and set your credit card to standby, these are our favourite picks for Panasonic lenses.

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The best Panasonic lenses

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH1 of 7

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH

Let's kick this off with one of the better wide angle all-rounders you can find. This optic gives you an unconventional 35mm equivalent of 20-50mm and ultra-wide f/1.7 aperture. You'll be thankful for the weather-resistant construction, manual aperture ring - a personal favourite – and central sharpness that roars out of the gate. It's a bit pricey, but if you want a great travel companion, you could do a lot worse.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8 -4 ASPH2 of 7

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8 -4 ASPH

Another wide angle for your consideration, this lens gives you a jaw-dropping landscape-friendly 16-36mm effective focal length and wide f/2.8-4 aperture through the range. It comes with a weather-resistant build, and a series of well-honed optics means you'll have razor sharp results throughout, while the 315g weight won't cause penalties to your kit bag. This may even be the best landscape zoom on the system.

Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH3 of 7

Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH

What list would be complete without a nifty fifty? This one, that's which one. This 25mm gives a classic 50mm equivalent focal length on Micro Four Third bodies, and comes with a wide f/1.7 aperture – ideal for blurring out backgrounds or making the best of low-light conditions. There's a minimum focus distance of only 25cm, so it's more than happy working up close for tight portraits, and at only 125g, it's great to keep to hand. If you're worried about a 'cheap' lens, don't be. It's impressively sharp, even wide open, and despite a slight susceptibility when shooting against the sun – honestly, own the flare - it does a great job.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH4 of 7

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH

This isn't just any telephoto; this is a Micro Four Thirds telephoto. What does that mean exactly? Well, for a start it gives an effective focal length of 200-800mm… that's pretty impressive. Of course, it's lighter than your average superzoom and still benefits from weather-sealing. It's designed for quiet and rapid focusing using the Panasonic DFD system, and is a paragon of sharpness. Whether you're into wildlife or sports, or even want to pair it with a star tracker and shoot distant galaxies, this is a relative bargain.

Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH5 of 7

Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH

What do landscape, astro and environmental portraits all have in common? This lens. Giving you a 24mm equivalent focal length, it's the ultra-wide f/1.4 aperture that will draw you in. It's a demon in low-light, meaning it will capture the stars or documentary shots with ease. It's not a cheap lens by any means, but given the impressive central sharpness and optical quality, it's a great investment for any Panasonic shooter.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH6 of 7

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH

Looking for one lens to rule them all? Well, you're in luck. This go anywhere do anything optic gives an effective focal range of 24-120mm, meaning it's great for close up shots, epic vistas and capturing those distant subjects. Although it's not the sharpest on this list, it's more than capable of great shots, at over half the price no less. It's compatible with the Dual IS stabilisation system, covers a 5x zoom range and handles distortion like I handle breakfast – easily. If you want a compact travel zoom, this is well worth checking out.

Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH7 of 7

Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH

You can't talk Panasonic without mentioning this brilliant Leica designed optic. Boasting an 85mm equivalent focal length and ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture, this lens is the go-to portrait glass for anyone in the know. It comes with optical stabilisation, a manual aperture ring and scarily sharp image quality, especially when stopped down to f/2 and beyond. In fact, if you shoot portraits and own a Micro Four Thirds, stop reading right now, click the link and buy, buy, buy...

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What to read next:

Reviewed: Panasonic 42.5mm F/1.7 ASPH POWER O.I.S

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Kirk Schwarz is one of our resident tech experts. A tech-addicted photographer with more than a decade's experience, Kirk's used to putting new gear through extreme field-testing.

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