Forums > Photography Talk > What lens should I buy for a Panasonic Lumix G2?

Wardrobe Stylist

Xela Gaerlan

Posts: 1

San Francisco, California, US

I am soo new to this and really need help! It is very difficult for me to understand the terminology of everything, I don't know exactly what I should be looking for when buying a new lens.

I just bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and it comes with the stock 14-42mm Lumix G VARIO f/3.5-5.6 MEGA OIS Lens. And I hate it! It is so hard to get a good quality sharp photo, especially at night and action shots.

I plan to do with this camera is take event nightlife photos, product shots, and fashion photography. My budget is not much, but then again I do want a lens that is quality.

Any suggestions on what I should look into? Thank you in advance

=.]

Dec 04 12 03:20 pm Link

Photographer

You Can Call Me Pierre

Posts: 800

Loma Linda, California, US

A used Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm f/4-5.6 MEGA O.I.S. or the new Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8

Dec 04 12 06:25 pm Link

Photographer

Supermodel Photographer

Posts: 3309

Oyster Bay, New York, US

SheWolves wrote:
I just bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and it comes with the stock 14-42mm Lumix G VARIO f/3.5-5.6 MEGA OIS Lens.

The kit lens that came with my DMC-G1 is better than that:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 … io_14.html

Dec 04 12 06:31 pm Link

Photographer

LANMAN

Posts: 1016

New York, New York, US

You have to spend money to get good autofocus glass for micro four thirds. Perhaps you should've gotten a regular DSLR from Canon or Nikon instead of you want cheaper quality lenses as there are more around. You shouldn't be using kit lenses from anybody if you want to shoot in dark places.

You have only one cheap choice prime and it's the Panasonic 20 f1.7 = >$300

f2.8 lenses are not fast enough but they are still better than what you have.

The only fast zoom is the Panasonic 12-35 f2.8 and it's >$1000

Some other options at $150 (for now until end of year) are the Sigma 19 f2.8 and 30 f2.8.

Dec 04 12 06:34 pm Link

Photographer

Jon Winkleman Photo

Posts: 152

Providence, Rhode Island, US

If you are doing nightlife photography there are a number of very fast primes for MFT cameras.

First off let me recommend that you budget and save up for a Panny GH3 or the Oly OMD-5 which have much better ISO than the older G1's. It will help slower lenses shoot better in low light environments.

For night clubs I use the Panny 20mm f1.7 It is one of the sharpest MFT's out there and at a great price. The Leica branded 25mm 1.4 is also great. Though is manual focus but my Voitlander 25mm f0.95 is my favorite night lens and razor sharp when stopped down (very expensive for MFT though).
The two new Panny f2.8 zooms are pro quality and worth every penny.

I don't own them but Oly makes a 17mm 1.8, a 45mm 1.4 (great for nightclubs!)

Dec 10 12 01:32 am Link

Photographer

Kevin Greggain Photography

Posts: 6769

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

The Olympus 45mm 1.8 is great.
I also own the 20mm 1.7 Panasonic - Very great
I would love the 75mm 1.8, but that's 150mm so it would not be used as often.

Dec 10 12 01:58 am Link