Panasonic micro four thirds- which lens?

[ElsieH]

Hi,
I have a Panasonic GF6 with the kit lenses and I have the 45mm Panasonic Leica macro lens. For my upcoming Disney trip I am looking at adding a lens that would be good for low light and action. I've narrowed it down to 2 but can't decide. Ultimately I would like the Panasonic Leica 25mm f1.4 but it in the UK it costs £150 more than the Panasonic 20mm f1.7. As I am still very much an amateur I'm not sure whether it is worth paying the extra money. Low light and action are my weak points but I have a course booked in a few weeks that I am hoping will help. I do like my Leica macro lens though and have had some really nice shots when using it as a standard lens. I really can't make my mind up.

Which would you choose?

 

[boBQuincy]

If you really want the little extra resolution (I did) and if you really want the little extra aperture (I did) then the f/1.4 is probably the one to get. If you don't need those attributes then the f/1.7 is reported to be almost as good and a lot less $$$. Also smaller and lighter.
I have not tried the f 1.7, results from the f/1.4 have been excellent and I am happy with it.

 

[ElsieH]

I have not tried the f 1.7, results from the f/1.4 have been excellent and I am happy with it.

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Well if this photo is using that lens, that's pretty impressive. Do you use the lens much out of Disney?

 

[boBQuincy]

Yep, that was taken with the 25 mm f/1.4, Panasonic GX7, 1/50 s, ISO 12800. I use the lens (besides theme parks )for minimum depth of field, it has smooth bokeh. It is not a bad portrait lens although a bit short.

 

[ElsieH]

Thanks for that. I guess the 25mm works better on the portrait front than the 20mm so another point in its favour!
Thanks for your help.

 

[jec6613]

I'm not a m4/3 shooter, but if I were, I'd take the 25 f/1.4. It's the, "Normal," lens for that system, good for street and environmental photos. Bresson used pretty much the equivalent of that lens on a Leica for his entire career.

The 20 mm isn't really wide, but isn't really normal, it's kind of a no-mans-land lens. I suppose for some it'd work well, but for most work it's not wide enough to be a wide angle nor long enough to be a normal lens.

As for the price, I've yet to regret spending money on glass (and I'm more than a few thousand in already), only on bodies. You should spend to get the lens you want the first time, and don't try to get close to what you want, because eventually you're going to end up buying the second lens anyway, and you end up paying more.

 

[ElsieH]

You should spend to get the lens you want the first time, and don't try to get close to what you want, because eventually you're going to end up buying the second lens anyway, and you end up paying more.

I think you're right. It is the lens I really want, so probably would end up with at some point. Just trying to justify the extra cost on top of an expensive holiday.

 

[jec6613]

I think you're right. It is the lens I really want, so probably would end up with at some point. Just trying to justify the extra cost on top of an expensive holiday.

A vacation or holiday is a poor reason to get a new lens, IME. Either I need it for more reasons than that, or I get by with what I have. That's just IMHO though.

 

[ElsieH]

A vacation or holiday is a poor reason to get a new lens, IME. Either I need it for more reasons than that, or I get by with what I have. That's just IMHO though.

For most holidays I would agree, but for the 'haven't been in ten years, first time for the kids, numerous character meals and meet & greets and meeting Winter' sort of holiday I think it's a great reason. I plan on taking LOTS of photo's.

 

[jec6613]

For most holidays I would agree, but for the 'haven't been in ten years, first time for the kids, numerous character meals and meet & greets and meeting Winter' sort of holiday I think it's a great reason. I plan on taking LOTS of photo's.

A 25 mm lens for m43 is really easy to justify anyway, not just for a vacation. Pretty much everybody should have a fast normal lens for their camera. I do suggest you get it sooner rather than later, too, so you can have some time using it before you arrive.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think you're right. It is the lens I really want, so probably would end up with at some point. Just trying to justify the extra cost on top of an expensive holiday.

The most expensive lens is the one you end up buying twice.