Comments on: The Panasonic Lumix G 20 1.7 Lens Review

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:32 +0000

Mr Huff….
I commend you for your objective approach in providing an excellent assessment. I stumbled upon your site when I Googled for reviews on this lens. I purchased an EP2 last December with the 17mm 2.8 and then in August the 14 – 150mm before our trip to Ireland. I took 2000 + pictures during our 2 week trip and used the latter lens exclusively & very pleased with its overall performance. But, I have been interested in the Panny prime lens 40mm 1.7 and your review has convinced me to purchase it. I agree with your comment about lugging around a DSLR & this is why I chose to go with the EP2 not to mention the excellent optics of Zuiko lenses, even though critics would not agree with my assessment of my 14 – 150mm and the 17mm 2.8. But, I know the 20mm Panny is better optically than the 17mm Zuiko. Photography has been a hobby of mine since the early 70′s & I’ve enjoyed the digital revolution even though my Nikons F2 & 8008S have provided wonderful memories of our son as well as trips we’ve taken. My first SLR was the Pentax SP500 which I still own. But, ask me the last time I’ve purchased a roll of film after being introduced to the digital world about 7 years ago with my Canon G5. I’m sharing this with you so you’ll know this reader (retired ) is serious about photography and is constantly reading reviews on cameras & lenses. Your site is now included in my list of frequently visited sites & I look forward in reading more of your reviews. If this review of the Panny is representative of your typical approach in making an assessment of a lens, again I commend you for a job being well done. Thank-you. Dan

By: Nebuezeka

Nebuezeka — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:03:12 +0000

Hi Steve,
I am reading this review long after its was originally written. Possibly the best review (fit for human consumption ) I have read while trying to understand the m4t camera and lens combination. I recently bought EP 3 after a long research but was almost questioning my decision after using it with kit lens 14-42. Somehow I was expecting bit more. I have been using Canon G9 all these years and quality from EP3 wasn’t too great. After reading your review I have made my decision to go with 20 (there is still some hope).

I was worried of using Panny on Oly assuming it would lose out on many things that only come with close integration of hardware and software. From your review it seems like a non issue.

Now I just need one answer… which lens to go for tele. I have reviewed Oly 40-150 and reviews are not exceptionally great. Should I just wait for Olympus to come up with something worthwhile or buy a panasonic (14-150).

Also which av filter would be best for PAnny 20 and Oly 14-42.

Thanks again!

By: Tomlin

Tomlin — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:55:11 +0000

Way cool. I came to read a review of the Panasonic 20mm 1.7 and came away convinced that in reality, I can dump my DSLRs and do anything they can, and most likely even better with a M43!!! Still not sure about the P20mm though.

I put a coke can on my Hasselblad and my 2000 era Olympus 3mp P&S can trump it!

By: Gear Reviewers Wanted - Micro Four Thirds User Forum

Gear Reviewers Wanted - Micro Four Thirds User Forum — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:44:02 +0000

[...] Lives in the continental United States (sorry, but this will involve a lot of shipping) We are not looking for exhaustive technical reviews. Some technical information is expected, but primarily we want hands-on user reviews with lots of sample photos that give our readers the real-world perspective of what's it's like to use the gear. Here are some examples of such reviews from other sites:The Pansonic Lumix G 20 1.7 Lens Review | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS [...]

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:09:06 +0000

Had a great deal of luck, and bought an EP1 from a dealer’s stock, and the 20mm Pany: Very very happy with the product, on which I also use some “old glass” fixed focus from my OM1: a 50mm =>100 and a 135mm=>270. I tried the EP2 with the EVF, but since an eye operation I wear continuous focus specs, and a viewfinder is just something I don’t use anymore. It’s great to have the f3,5 on a 270, stabilized in the body. Much much lighter than SLRs, and producing astounding pics.

By: Marco from Holland

Marco from Holland — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:16:17 +0000

So here you have it. I bought this combo after reading this review. Had to buy the kit E-P2 wit EFV and 14-42 and in addition the Pany 20mm. Did not unpack the 14-42 but in stead screwed the Pany on the body. First impression is great. Well I am a lucky man because I even own a Leica X1 but the slow focus starts to bother me. Even thought of trading in the Leica but it gives such great images I coudn’t do that. So the E-P2 will be my point and shoot, vacation, day out and so on and the Leica when I have time.

By: Steve Huff

Steve Huff — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:23:26 +0000

Hi Elaine, the EVF will work with ANY lens. It is an electronic viewfinder so if you use a zoom lens it will even work. Its a great EVF that works fantastic. HIghly recommend it if you shoot an Oly E-P camera.

By: Elaine from England

Elaine from England — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:22:09 +0000

Hi. Did you use the EVF2 on the E-P2 when doing this review – at all please? I ask because I wondered how compatible the panasonic lens is with the Olympus EVF2 viewfinder. Does the viewfinder go in ‘stages’ – eg 17mm, 20mm, 35mm, 50mm – or does it just do everything in between and up to what focal length please. Am assuming the EvF2 actually works with Panasonic lenses!

By: Mallory

Mallory — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:21:31 +0000

By: Mallory

Mallory — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:00:09 +0000

Ok. I’ve got the 20 1.7 and am learning to use it.
Who has an opinion about which telephoto zoom to buy for my E-P2?