I just got this lens used for a steal, and it's awesome. It's also rated as one of the sharpest m43 lenses, and the price to build/image quality ratio is really top notch!
The 20mm 1.7 lense has going for it the form factor and price, along with it's touted sharpness. Although it has some focusing issues in low light, I utilize manual focusing and peaking in my GX85 to accommodate the low light quirks, along with a tripod for those long exposure stills. Again, the sharpness and the money saved will keep you from having any buyers regrets, with this pancake lense.
This is my favourite lens too. I have five other native 4/3 lenses: Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8, 35-100mm f2.8, 14-140mm f3.5-5.6, 42.5 f1.7, and the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8.
Gerald Prost I have the 12-35mm 2.8 too, do you find the 15mm gets a lot of use over the 12-35? Not sure whether it's an upgrade at the wide end or not. Thanks!
For those who don't know,there is a rebranded version by dji of this same lens for about half the price!! They got the same design,both optical and housing. And they got the same quality also. Only noticable difference is the dji version got a different lens coating sinse its essentially built for drones and they are more likely to get harsh zunflares when they are in sky. Some has noticed that dji one got better flare control. But the pana Leica one holds up the resale value.
Great video! Thanks for the informative review, I've been on the fence about buying this lens for my G7 and I'm getting it now because your review convinced me!
I have this lens but, I don't think its the best anymore. The 16mm from Sigma is a better result. Would you update your opinion in 2021 to another lens or maintain the same feeling about this Lens? (Landscape-photography) specifically!
I also have the Sigma 16, as well as the 30 and 56. Of them the 56 is the only one that offers something truly unique in MFT (speed at that focal length, the speed difference between to Leica 15 1.7 and the Sigma 16 1.4 is fairly minor). I have the Sigma's because I have a JVC LS300 which has a super35 sensor with MFT mount and the Sigma lenses cover APS-C. However if I didn't have the LS300, I would much prefer the Panasonic-Leica 15mm f1.7. The biggest reason is size and weight. The Sigma is a great lens, but it is too large and too heavy.
@@artistjohI hear this quite a bit but, if you've shot FF with those lenses for years, the Sigma 16 is definitely not heavy or large. That said, I liked the color and the sharper pics of the Sigma. Using it on both a G9 and the Em1Mkii it still carries the day for me. But we all see a pic differently, so that's the beauty of this!
@@MrFirstdance2000 I was a Canon pro for years lugging around a 400 2.8 or an 800 5.6 on sticks over my shoulder at events, so I know all about cameras and lenses way heavier than a G9 with a Sigma 16. When I sold most of my Canon gear a year and a half ago I was not sorry to see it go. However I do like that, unlike Canon, I can backpack my full MFT gear with me, from ultra wide and macro to the wonderful Oly 100-400. Thus I am hyper-aware of differences such as the tiny Laowa's that can fit anywhere, and the much less friendly Sigma size. I bought the Sigma's for filmmaking, and I love what they do, but I am also confronted by the facts that if the Sigma's are in the bag, there are other lenses that have to come out. It also annoys me that their large filter and front element size means they are not very useful when shooting anamorphic and require larger filters than most of the other lenses. I love the MFT defaults of mostly smaller size and mostly 46mm filter threads. It has many practical advantages. The Sigma trinity, for all their goodness that I take advantage of regularly, just does not play so well with the rest of the 'team.'
Looks like a great lens David. Just subscribed! How about silence when zooming and focusing. Does it make any noise? Waiting for my GH5 and still looking into what lenses to add. Sunny regards from Spain
My favorite lens? It depends 12-35mm/f2.8 for versatility, i guess 70% of my photos were taken with it and I use it almost exclusively for trips 20mm/f1.7 - i use it a lot for indoor photos when I need to keep time and ISO down, and occasionaly I'm taking it with GF1 for smaller size 45mm/f1.8 - nice for portraits and indoor photos from greater distance
Philippe Orlando I had the same debate, Leica 15mm or Olympus 17mm, I went for Leica since I found a deal for a used one and for the same price as brand new oly. Its much more sharper and has better build quality.
This lens tempts me as I don't have an AF prime in my lineup shorter than my 42.5mm. What's holding me back? It reminds me too much of what I already have on my LX100. I think at this focal length it is around f/2.0 or so. Fantastic lens and I've seen this for under $450 new gray market. I haven't ruled it out yet!
I picked it up for $310 Like New from ebay. Just get the DJI branded versions that are identical optically. Only difference is the hood is plastic, it says dji instead of lumix/leica, and doesn't include the ornamental ring that goes on when your not using the hood. Just Search 15mm 1.7 on ebay no other lens show up besides the dji/lumix. They are almost all like new cause people get them with a dji drone or gimbal and never end up useing them.
Also I dont know if you care for dxomark scores but they list as the third sharpest lens on the system behind the 75mm f1.8 and the 42.5mm f1.2 They still need to test alot of recent lenses like the 25mm 1.2 and 300mm f4 though.
I have a Panasonic G7 that I find amazing for the price. I'm using the kit lens 14-42, mainly at 14 mm as a wide angle to shoot landscapes and old villages in Europe. Here are my questions: 1-Considering that I shoot mainly outside in bright daylight 2-Considering that in my landscape and building pics I want everything in focus I always use f8-11 on the kit lens at 14mm. 3-Considering that I'm not after the light gathering capability of the 15 mm Summilux, what would be the real advantage of the Summilux used at f8 compared to the 14-42 then? Is there such a drastic difference in image quality at those apertures between the 15mm and the kit lens at 14mm. I find the kit lens remarkable, for its price, at the wide angle end.
I really enjoy the photos I get from my Lumix g 25mm, but this lens is very appealing, even more so now I've watched your review :-) Great review, thankyou :-)
