Review on 📷 Panasonic LUMIX G II 20mm F1.7 ASPH Lens: MIRRORLESS Micro Four Thirds, H-H020AS (USA Silver)- Ultimate Photography Precision by Jason Childs

Well, this lens. I had an earlier version of this lens and gave it three stars because the auto focus speed was almost terrible. That was some years ago. Something changed? Yes actually. Camera bodies have gotten better, with better interfaces, better focusing systems, better touchscreens, etc. Although this lens is the same as it's always been, it's better now because it's part of a better system and I feel great. It's convenient to say that it's now a 5 star lens for 90% of situations, when perhaps before I felt it didn't deserve 5 stars. This is a very compact and affordable Prime with SUPERIOR image quality. I think almost everyone would agree that this lens gives better image quality than any wide-angle or regular MFT lens among large ones. Not only that, 20mm is an excellent all-around focal length, useful for street photography, environmental portraits, group shots and even selfies (where light weight is useful). This might be the most versatile focal length for someone like me who mainly shoots at night. There is a real soul in this lens. I can't explain it, but the first time you take a night shot of a street with this lens, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's harsh, but flattering on people. It makes boring photos look a little more interesting, and good shots look great. The Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 does that too, of course, but this lens has the same vibe for less money in a smaller lens with a wider field of view. But you have to use it properly. You need to give him something to focus on. You cannot let him hunt because he will never stop hunting. But with a modern MFT body (especially Panasonic with DFD) it is not difficult. You can use the touchscreen or the buttons to ensure you're specifying a good AF point. If you're the kind of person who lets the camera choose the focus point all the time, don't get this lens. But then again, I'd say you need to carefully focus each frame at f/1.7. So if you're willing to give your camera something to focus on with every shot, give this lens a try. Notice that I didn't say anything about still life and action. With this lens you can capture dynamic images. But you need to choose a good AF area for every single shot, and if you get a little off and the lens starts to yaw, choose a better AF area and try again. Yes, with this lens you can miss a few shots that you wouldn't miss with a faster lens. But aside from a black cat pacing back and forth in a dark room, you should be fine as long as you pick a good AF point for every single shot. practice with him. If this is your first time recording a concert, be prepared to miss a few takes. But you get better, and the bouncer who turns his back on other "pro cameras" most likely won't even realize what a monster you have with 20mm. There are situations where this lens isn't that good, but you'll quickly learn what it is: 1) Video, where the audio on camera needs to be clear, because yes, this lens does talk a bit. Of course, in a noisy environment like a rock concert, the AF noise is pretty low compared to other noise. 2) KAF. It is impossible. But then again, what would you even do with C-AF at 20mm? shoot basketball? You can capture a burst of 20mm S-AF shots when you're so far from the action that the depth of field is so great that the burst is unlikely to need refocusing. For video, C-AF is terrible in MFT anyway, so just use manual or S-AF. 3) Trying to capture scenes with minimal contrast. The point is, though, if it's not a fight scene, you can wait for the picture to take place. But I guess some toddlers don't really wait. 4) Giving the camera to someone who abuses cameras. But lately it's less of a concern. Mount it on the touch shutter and tell them to touch the face on the LCD. Almost anyone can do that these days. 5) You need fast enough focus on an older MFT camera. If any of these points are the deciding factor, just skip this lens and go for the Olympus 17mm f/1.8. However, I think it's better to spend the same money on a cheap used body + this 20mm f/1.7 because I think the picture is better. Plus, with all these other lenses to go crazy with, I think this tiny, cheap, and superior lens is more important to a Micro Four Thirds system than ever. It's so cheap that it shouldn't be your only lens, so you can use other lenses that will hide its imperfections. That alone makes for a pretty decent set. This + whale zoom can make a good kit. This + any of the great MFT lenses (zoom or prime) can make a great kit. To sum up, only buy this lens if you have a desire to develop good photography habits. But take care of your 20mm and they will take care of you.