Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens Review

The Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens is a prime lens that was meant to be flexible and is compatible with micro four-thirds cameras. Due to the fact that it has a large aperture of F1.7, it is a fantastic choice for taking photos in low light and accomplishing a narrow depth of field.

This lens is great for street photography and travel photography due to its portable nature, which is made possible by its tiny and lightweight construction.

$267.99 $297.99 3 used from $237.80 4 new from $267.99
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PANASONIC LUMIX G II Lens, 20MM, F1.7 ASPH, MIRRORLESS Micro...

Key Specs

  • Focal Length: 20mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.7
  • Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
  • Format Compatibility: Micro Four Thirds
  • Angle of View: 57 degrees
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.2m / 0.66ft
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.13x
  • Optical Design: 7 elements in 5 groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Filter Thread Size: 46mm
  • Dimensions (DxL): 63mm x 25.5mm / 2.48″ x 1.00″
  • Weight: Approx. 87g / 3.07oz
  • Special Features: Aspherical lens element, Metal lens barrel
  • Compatibility: Micro Four Thirds cameras
  • Included Accessories: Lens cap (front and rear), Lens hood, Lens bag

Performance

The remarkable performance of the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens is attributable to the high-quality optics that it possesses, as well as its broad maximum aperture. Even when shooting with the aperture wide open at F1.7, the lens creates images that are clear, detailed and have outstanding contrast.

It has low levels of both distortion and chromatic aberration, which leads to pictures that are accurate and faithful to the original. Because of its attractive bokeh and its ability to isolate the subject from the backdrop, the lens is particularly well-suited for photographing portraits and still-life scenes.

Autofocus System

The autofocus function of the lens is rapid and accurate, which enables users to achieve quick and exact focusing in a variety of shooting circumstances. It makes use of a stepping motor (STM), which delivers an autofocus performance that is both smooth and silent.

As a result, it is suited for both still photography and video recording. The autofocus technology quickly latches onto targets, guaranteeing that you will not experience any delay when taking the photographs you have planned.

Vibration Reduction

There is no optical image stabilization (OIS) or vibration reduction (VR) technology integrated into the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens. Even when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds, many micro four-thirds cameras have an in-body image stabilization (IBIS) feature that helps achieve sharper photos by compensating for camera shake and assisting in the achievement of sharper images overall.

Therefore, even if the lens does not have vibration reduction built in, it is still possible for it to benefit from the stabilization features of camera bodies that are compatible with it.

Build Quality

The lens has a sturdy build quality and a lens barrel made of metal, which gives it a feel that is both premium and long-lasting. Because it is built to survive regular usage and offers resistance to dust and moisture, it may be used for shooting in a variety of settings.

A delightful tactile feel is provided by the manual focus ring, which is both smooth and accurate, and it enables tiny adjustments whenever they are required.

Handling and Ergonomics

The Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens is extremely portable and low in weight, which makes it a pleasure to work with. For photographers who favor a lightweight setup or who place a high emphasis on portability, this product is an excellent option because of its compact size and low weight.

The lens has a good center of gravity when mounted on a micro four-thirds camera body, which makes it easy to hold for long periods of time during shooting sessions. It is an ideal lens for street photographers and documentary photographers because of its tiny form factor, which also contributes to the ability to shoot in a discrete manner.

Image Stabilization

As was previously stated, the lens itself does not come equipped with any built-in optical image stabilization. On the other hand, it is possible to make use of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), provided that it is present on the camera body.

This compensates for camera shaking, enabling you to shoot at slower shutter rates without adding blur due to hand movements that may have occurred during the exposure. Even under adverse lighting circumstances, the lens is able to produce photos that are clear and free of blur when combined with a camera that has an effective image stabilization system (IBIS).

Shooting Experience

The shooting experience provided by the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens is both satisfying and enjoyable. The maximum aperture is rather wide, which enables great low-light performance as well as creative control over the depth of focus. The lens’s diminutive proportions and feathery build make it the perfect traveling companion for photographers since it enables them to take pictures of a wide range of topics despite its portability.

The rapid and precise focusing technology means that you will be able to swiftly and consistently capture the photos you want, whether it be a casual photograph taken on the street or a portrait that has been carefully arranged.

Image Quality

In terms of the image quality, the lens performs quite well. Even when shooting at its most open aperture, it creates photos that are very crisp and have a high level of detail and clarity. Because of the lens’s optical design, aberrations are reduced to a minimum, which leads to accurate color reproduction and very little distortion.

The lens produces bokeh that is attractive to the eye, which enables you to make photographs with a backdrop that is tastefully blurred. Whether you’re photographing landscapes, portraits, or sceneries from your everyday life, the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens produces exceptional picture quality that will please both amateur photographers and photography experts.

Teleconverter Compatibility

The Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens is not compatible with teleconverters in any form. Because of its small size and constant focal length, it does not have the requisite physical space or optical design to support the connection of teleconverters.

If you need longer focal lengths, you should either look at other lenses that are compatible with teleconverters or get a zoom lens that has a wider focus range. Both of these options are good options to explore.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to similar lenses, the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens stands its own against the competition. The Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens shines in terms of both its compact size and superb image quality. While other rival lenses may provide a slightly wider aperture or different options for focal length, the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens does not.

Its exceptional low-light performance and narrow depth of field, both of which are made possible by its wide maximum aperture of F1.7, making it a popular option among photographers who place a premium on mobility and adaptability.

Specifications

Focal Length20mm
Maximum Aperturef/1.7
Minimum Aperturef/16
Lens MountMicro Four Thirds
Format CompatibilityMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View57 degrees
Minimum Focus Distance0.2m / 0.66ft
Maximum Magnification0.13x
Optical Design7 elements in 5 groups
Diaphragm Blades7
AutofocusYes
Image StabilizationNo
Filter Thread Size46mm
Dimensions (DxL)63mm x 25.5mm / 2.48″ x 1.00″
WeightApprox. 87g / 3.07oz
Special FeaturesAspherical lens element, Metal lens barrel
CompatibilityMicro Four Thirds cameras
Included AccessoriesLens cap (front and rear), Lens hood, Lens bag

Pros and Cons

There are a number of benefits offered by the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens. Because of its small size and low weight, it is extremely portable, making it an ideal camera for street photography as well as trip photography. Your photography will open up to more creative possibilities thanks to the lens’s wide maximum aperture of F1.7, which permits shooting in low-light conditions and a narrow depth of field.

It provides an image of extraordinary quality, characterized by its clarity, detail, and faithfulness to the original colors. Because the focusing technology on the lens is both quick and precise, it will be easy for you to take the photographs you want. On the other hand, it does not have an integrated optical image stabilization system and is not compatible with teleconverters. Therefore, it may be difficult to use in some shooting situations.

Price and Availability

The Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens is available at a price that is comparable to other lenses in its class, making it a good bargain when considering its performance and picture quality. It may be purchased at a large number of authorized Panasonic dealers as well as internet marketplaces.

Photographers who use micro four-thirds cameras and are looking for a prime lens that is of good quality will find it simple and convenient to obtain this lens because of its extensive availability and widespread appeal.

$267.99 $297.99 3 used from $237.80 4 new from $267.99
in stock
PANASONIC LUMIX G II Lens, 20MM, F1.7 ASPH, MIRRORLESS Micro...

Conclusion

The Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens is a prime lens that is designed for use with micro four-thirds cameras. This lens is both adaptable and high-performing. Photographers that put a premium on mobility, as well as image quality, are big fans of this camera because of its small size, large aperture, and reliable construction quality. The lens is capable of producing amazing results across a wide range of photographic subgenres because of its remarkable clarity, true color reproduction, and silky smooth bokeh.

The focusing function of the lens is quick and accurate, ensuring that you will never miss a moment of action. Additionally, the lens’s tiny form factor and lightweight construction make it a joy to take about and use. Even though it does not have an integrated image stabilization system and is not compatible with teleconverters, the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens is still a fantastic choice for amateurs and professionals alike who are eager to take their photography to the next level.

Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens FAQs

Q. Is the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens suitable for low-light photography?
A. Yes, the lens’s wide maximum aperture of f/1.7 makes it an excellent choice for low-light photography. It allows more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter and well-exposed images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Q. Does the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens have image stabilization?
A. No, the lens does not have built-in optical image stabilization (OIS). However, it can benefit from in-body image stabilization (IBIS) if your camera body supports it. IBIS compensates for camera shake, helping to achieve sharper images, mainly when shooting handheld in low-light situations.
Q. Can the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens be used for portraits?
A. Yes, the lens is well-suited for capturing portraits. With its 20mm focal length and wide maximum aperture, it can create a shallow depth of field and pleasing background blur, allowing you to isolate your subject and achieve attractive bokeh.
Q. Is the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens compact and lightweight?
A. Yes, the lens is known for its compact size and lightweight design. It weighs approximately 87g (3.07oz) and has dimensions of 63mm x 25.5mm (2.48″ x 1.00″). This makes it highly portable and suitable for photographers who prioritize mobility and travel-friendly gear.
Q. Is the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens compatible with all Micro Four Thirds cameras?
A. Yes, the lens is designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras and is compatible with a wide range of camera models from Panasonic and other brands, such as Olympus. It ensures seamless integration and full functionality with Micro Four Thirds camera systems.

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