This is an inexpensive mass market lens targeting casual photographers looking for something more versatile than a P&S but less expensive than a 1st tier major manufacture's medium to long telephoto zoom. Judged as such it is a pretty nice lens capable of producing some very nice photographs as evidenced by user contributions. It is conveniently small, focuses fast and does a pretty good job focusing in low light situations. It's basic design is attractive but its general build quality belies its modest pricing. It has only modest close up capabilities and is not suitable for macro work. As I recall there is about a 3 or 3.5ft minimum focusing distance which is fine for blossoms, insects or other relatively large "small items" but using it for close up work can be a bit frustrating especially at maximum zoom and stopped down a little. To Panasonic's credit they do not promote it as a macro lens.
Despite some reviewers questioning the efficiency of the OIS capabilities, my personal experience is that it works very well *with the potential* of producing sharp hand held shots down to 1/10th of a second at full zoom, a feat that I would not have believed was possible but have meta-data to confirm. (Photo w/notes attached to lens main page)
It's small size and general competency make it an ideal component of an *relatively* inexpensive but capable travel or walk around kit when paired with a 14-45mm Lumix zoom and a Panasonic G Series M4/3 camera. It seems to me that the Panasonic "kit lenses" represent some of the better performing budget minded lenses available and it would appear that most photographers in its target market would be very pleased with a non-defective copy of this lens. Why some enthusiast, purist or pro wannabes would be first attracted to buy and subsequently apply unrealistic performance expectations to an under $300 zoom, (I got mine for $250) and dismiss the lens as a poor performer puzzles me. Those individuals would be better advised to look at some of the remainder of the Lumix lens line bearing the Leica badge. As it stands, The 45-200 appears to be a bargain when price/performance is a determining factor.
PANASONIC LUMIX G VARIO LENS, 12-60MM, F3.5-5.6 ASPH., MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, POWER OPTICAL I.S., H-FS12060 (USA BLACK
4.7 | 2,996 ratings
Price: 497.99
Last update: 06-29-2024
About this item
Experience significant reduction in size and weight vs. a bulky traditional DSLR lens with this Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera lens design
The 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 range covers an impressive variety of daily shooting situations (24-120mm 35mm camera lens equivalent)
Durable splash and dustproof-sealed body is ideally suited for all-weather travel, when combined with splash and dustproof LUMIX G Mirrorless camera models
Amazing image stability with integrated LUMIX Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) and LUMIX Dual I.S. camera compatibility
Fast, accurate focus and salient operation make this LUMIX lens the perfect choice for exceptional photo and video capture
Lens Type: Fisheye
The 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 range covers an impressive variety of daily shooting situations (24-120mm 35mm camera lens equivalent)
Durable splash and dustproof-sealed body is ideally suited for all-weather travel, when combined with splash and dustproof LUMIX G Mirrorless camera models
Amazing image stability with integrated LUMIX Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) and LUMIX Dual I.S. camera compatibility
Fast, accurate focus and salient operation make this LUMIX lens the perfect choice for exceptional photo and video capture
Lens Type: Fisheye
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PANASONIC LUMIX G VARIO LENS, 12-60MM, F3.5-5.6 ASPH., MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, POWER OPTICAL I.S., H-FS12060 (USA BLACK)
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Top reviews from the United States
RobsFolly
An Inexpensive Convenient Lens
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2011
RobsFolly
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2011
Despite some reviewers questioning the efficiency of the OIS capabilities, my personal experience is that it works very well *with the potential* of producing sharp hand held shots down to 1/10th of a second at full zoom, a feat that I would not have believed was possible but have meta-data to confirm. (Photo w/notes attached to lens main page)
It's small size and general competency make it an ideal component of an *relatively* inexpensive but capable travel or walk around kit when paired with a 14-45mm Lumix zoom and a Panasonic G Series M4/3 camera. It seems to me that the Panasonic "kit lenses" represent some of the better performing budget minded lenses available and it would appear that most photographers in its target market would be very pleased with a non-defective copy of this lens. Why some enthusiast, purist or pro wannabes would be first attracted to buy and subsequently apply unrealistic performance expectations to an under $300 zoom, (I got mine for $250) and dismiss the lens as a poor performer puzzles me. Those individuals would be better advised to look at some of the remainder of the Lumix lens line bearing the Leica badge. As it stands, The 45-200 appears to be a bargain when price/performance is a determining factor.
Images in this review
Shun
Finally an affordable nifty fifty for Micro Four Thirds!
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2015
Shun
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2015
- This is an initial review after using the lens for about 3 hours. The camera body used was Olympus OM-D E-M10.
- I do not have a copy of 25mm f/1.4 lens to compare this one against
- I will keep my written review on optical to minimal as it can be very subjective and I am not the most qualified individual to do so by any means
- Instead I will focus on highlighting product design, constructions, and features
- For those of you who wants to see some actual photos taken with the lens, I have uploaded full resolution shots to the link below
[...]
=== Pros ===
- Excellent price point : ~$150 brand new
- Light weight : measured 152 grams with both the hood and the lens cap on
- Silky wide focus ring : the focus ring is very wide and well dampened with no wiggling. It makes no noise when turning. In my opinion better than Olympus 45mm f/1.8
- Lens hood included : the hood can be mounted backwards when not in use. It is made of solid plastic with inner coatings and threads.
- Good flare control : no noticeable flaring even without the lens hood on although I have only tested indoors
- Good edge-to-edge sharpness : this lens in my view is sharp across the frame even at wide open
=== Cons ===
- Long minimum focus distance : measured to be approximately 16cm
- Some chromatic aberration seen at lower f stops : stepping down approximately 3 stops makes it reasonably controlled. This may be a non-issue with Panasonic bodies.
- AF overshoots sometimes : this is nothing major but I find the lens to be overshooting a little bit during AF when paired with my OM-D E-M10. This may be a non-issue with Panasonic bodies.
=== Summary ===
This 25mm f/1.8 lens is very well designed and put together - striking a good balance between solid construction and light weight portability. Even though minimum focus distance is a bit disappointing, it's bright aperture of f/1.7 can deliver good subject isolation. This lens is a solid buy at the current price point of ~$150.
Personally, this would make an excellent companion lens to heavier and much bulkier zooms such as Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 or Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8. I have sold Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 and Olympus 17mm f/2.8 when I got my 12-40mm f/2.8. However, this one will have keep its own spot in my bag as a cheap but solid "nifty fifty" along with Olympus 45mm f/1.8.
I can also see this lens performing well for videography in manual focus - primarily due to it's wide and silky focus ring.
Images in this review
