Another underrated gem Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 ASPH LUMIX G

Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 ASPH LUMIX G

Some people are disappointed by the aperture because of its only f2.5 which is slow for a prime lens. But the size and weight is number one (1), Japanese made product are well known in the world as reliability and quality. Although it is made mostly from plastic, but the mount is made in metal. The focus ring is smooth and easy to operate, auto focus is fast and accurate.

Panasonic 14mm f2.5

Front View

Panasonic 14mm produce relatively sharp wide open , the sharpness came from the center of the lens whereas the corner are softer. The lens can at times have heavy chromatic aberrations near the corners with back-lit objects The wide angle field of view forces you to get close to your subject and capture the context scene, once you are close enough, it produces a creamy shallow depth of field. 28mm wide angle really great for street shooting.

I'm reviewing base on real world hands on, as a tools. There will be no charts or numbers, I find them pointless.

The test shot for the Panasonic 14mm f2.5 ASPH Lumix G.

14mm @ f2.8, Picture Mode: Natural

Crop from above picture

This lens really not bad, for the price and sharpness. Really small pancake size, drop in your pocket and off you explore the world. With sharp results and only slight issues with CA, the 14mm has produced a very nice walk-around lens because it’s so small and light, you won’t feel like you are carrying a full bag marching with you when you go out shooting. Especially after a long day of walking around, everyone will appreciate the weight they carry.

 Somemore photos from the 14mm.

14mm @ f2.5, Picture Mode Natural

14mm @ f2.5, Picture Mode Natural

Bokeh, nice and round

More bokeh, creamy round

14mm @ f2.8, Picture Mode Natural

14mm @ f2.5, Picture Mode Natural

I'm very satisfy with image quality of the lens, its sharp, be it f2.5 or f2.8, the fast focus although at the max aperture of f2.5, its move fast and lock on quickly. Most importantly, its cheap. Even you lost it, drop it or spoils it, doesn't matter, get another one and replace it without having heart pain. The 14mm is always on my E-M10 Mark II wherever I bring it out. One of my always must have to bring out favorite lens.