Panasonic H-F007014E

Author: sproggit

Rating: 5

Review: In comparison with some of the other Micro Four-Thirds lenses on the market [well, most of them], this Ultra-Wide Angle [UWA] from Panasonic shares the expensive end of the spectrum, in company with the likes of the Voigtlander 25mm f0.95. Can in stand the comparison? Well yes, it can. Simple to use, well balanced in terms of weight, this lens is something of a delight. It's 7-14mm range yields 14-28mm in 35mm equivalent focal lengths, but is surprisingly accommodating... Try it with architecture and use the image-distorting power of the optics to artistic effect, or venture outdoors for a wide sky or dramatic landscape. Either way, this lens will not disappoint. An offering of f4.0 throughout the range makes this it relatively fast for this class of lens, but in practice you will find it works best stopped down a bit further, since you need a little more depth of field to get the best results from the superbly wide and wacky focal lengths. Obviously you're going to get image distortion [it's what you're paying for], but you will also find impressive edge-to-edge sharpness, great tonal and contrast, along with crisp, clear colour reproduction. My previous foray into such optics came courtesy of a Sigma 12-24mm Canon-mount lens for my digital SLR, and it's fair to say that the Panasonic trounces it in every respect: size, weight, optical quality, auto-focus precision, speed of use, the works. I've yet to give mine the workout it deserves, but am already looking forward to a hiking trip to the Sierra Nevada range, with a GX1, a tripod and this little masterpiece... If you enjoy your photography and are looking for something that will challenge you to find new angles, new perspectives, new ways of looking at your subject, then this lens will not disappoint. There is only one point to be careful of - the primary lens element has such an intense outer curve that you won't find a traditional filter for it - so keep a close eye out for dust, dirt and contamination. But, if you've not experienced ultra-wide angle before, give it a go... You won't regret it.

Author: Louis Dobson

Rating: 4

Review: This is the lens I bought a Micro Four Thirds camera for. I already have equivalent lenses for my Nikon D3 and Oly E3 systems, but they are huge, and this is tiny (because it can extend backwards into where the mirror box would be on a normal SLR). The quality is good, though not quite as good as the other two, and the only winge is that it ought to be not only smaller but also cheaper to make. Panasonic must be making a packet on this one. Still, if you need a really compact camera system with an ultra wide field of view (and I do), here's the lens. I love it!