Panasonic Lumix 20mm lens

The Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 lens is a pancake-style prime lens for Micro Four Thirds system cameras. In the Micro Four Thirds format, it is slightly wider than normal. It was the prime-lens option available with the GF1.

Lumix 20mm
MakerPanasonic
Lens mount(s)Micro Four Thirds
Part numberH-H020
Technical data
Focal length20mm
Focal length (35mm equiv.)40mm
Aperture (max/min)f/1.7 - f/16
Close focus distance0.2 m (7.87 in)
Max. magnification0.13
Construction7 elements in 5 groups
Features
Lens-based stabilization No
Macro capable No
Physical
Max. length25.5 mm (1.0 in)
Diameter63 mm (2.48 in)
Weight100g (3.53 oz)
Filter diameter46mm
History
Introduction2009

The lens is "focus by wire"- the focusing ring sends commands, while the actual actuation is via a motor, even for manual focus. The front element does not rotate, allowing the consistent use of polarized filters. The 46mm thread lets a Micro Four Thirds user share filters between it, the Panasonic 14mm, Panasonic Leica 25mm, and Panasonic Leica 45mm lenses.

Focusing shifts all lens elements by the same amount, increasing the length of the lens slightly at close focus distances.

The lens is very favorably reviewed[1] [2] , including descriptions as a "must have"[3] [4] [5] [6] or "must own"[2] lens. Praise centres on its small size and excellent sharpness. Criticisms include the use of software correction of distortion, and that the focusing motor is slower and noisier than lenses intended for video ("MSC"- movie and stills compatible).

Issues

The Panasonic 20mm F1.7 produces noticeable banding in photos, when used in high ISO, in conjunction with many but not all bodies. This effect is accentuated when the aperture is closed. It is believed that this is due to interaction between the aperture stepper motor on the lens and the Sony 16MP sensor used on many Micro 4/3 cameras.

References

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