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Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/40, F1.7, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

Panasonic LUMIX G 42.5mm F1.7 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

This is a long-awaited prime short telephoto lens for Panasonic users because nothing beats genuine lenses in terms of the connection with the body. Of course, there's the NOCTICRON from LEICA brand, but it's more expensive. Even though the four-thirds format has more depth of field than larger formats, the F1.7 speed and the short minimum focus distance generate good amount of bokeh. If you want to shoot pictures different from what F2.8 or F4 zoom lenses, shoot portraits with 85mm equivalent angle of view in 35mm format, or shoot some table photography, but don't want to spend a lot of money, this lens is the best choice.

( Photography : T.Nakanishi / Text : KIMURAX )

Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/500, F1.7, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

Usually, we may choose normal or wide angle lenses to shot in a location where we cannot step back. The desks and chairs seem to be arranged in line, but they were not. I shot utilizing the moderate compression effect to make this shot look more interesting. The rendering is natural and the big bokeh wide open adds to the tranquility of the classroom.

Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/100, F1.7, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

The bokeh becomes big wide open, but it doesn't dissolve. In other words, the amount of bokeh lets us feel the shape of the defocused objects. The focal peak is sharp and clear enough to show that the letters of the names carefully written in resin-based ink on the plates.

Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/500, F1.7, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

The tonal gradation made by the soft light through the window glasses is smooth and wide. It even lets me feel the dry cold air of the corridor in the Japanese house.

Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/640, F1.7, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

The coexistence of the sharpness of the focal plane and the softness of the defocused areas is unique to a high-speed prime lens. And, even though I shot wide open, it even captured the air of the location. The tonal expression also contributes to this sweet depiction of the air. And, I believe it's impossible without the combination of the body's high performance and the lens's optical performance including the tonal gradation.

Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/60, F1.7, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

The coexistence of the sharpness of the focal plane and the softness of the defocused areas is unique to a high-speed prime lens. And, even though I shot wide open, it even captured the air of the location. The tonal expression also contributes to this sweet depiction of the air. And, I believe it's impossible without the combination of the body's high performance and the lens's optical performance including the tonal gradation.

Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/400, F2.2, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

Another indoor shot. I was glad to have a room to stop down.


Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/5000, F1.7, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

Although this isn't a macro lens, it can get as close as 31cm. The focal plane is sharp wide open, while the soft bokeh of the foreground and the background is beautiful. And, the round bokeh works to humbly emphasize the subject by smoothing the ridgelines of the defocused objects. The OIS is so powerful that I could keep shooting handheld without worry.

Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/125, F2.8, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

I stopped down to F2.8 to capture the thin branches in the evening. It's very sharp that each branch looks very sharp. A fast lens allows us to use faster shutter speed, which is always helpful.

Panasonic DMC-GX7, LUMIX G 42.5mm / F1.7 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., 1/1000, F1.7, ISO 200, Photo by T.Nakanishi

This focal length has moderate compression effect and good 3D quality. And, you can get sharpness and soft bokeh at the same time. Without a doubt, this lens will enhance the variation of your expression.


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I kept shooting wide open because I did enjoy the coexistence of the bokeh and the sharpness. This is the first prime short telephoto lens from LUMIX brand. Unlike standard or wide angle lenses that captures more subjects, the angle of view equivalent to 85mm in 35mm format lets you crop the essence. Yet, the focal length is not too long and easy to handle. And, the advantage of the speed is undeniable. So, if you want to step up from zoom lenses, or if you are interested in the clear rendering of a prime lens, consider this lens seriously.

( 21.04.2015 )