Trying to find the perfect lens can be a complex task at times. There are so many variables that contribute to selecting the best lens for your Panasonic Lumix GH4. Therefore, it is important to understand the “what” and the “why” behind making the choice.
Hello camera enthusiasts! My name is Lavelle and I am a professional photographer with nearly 15 years of experience under my belt. During this time, I have helped thousands of clients across the country with photography needs.
In this article, I’ll go over some of the qualities of the best lens for the Lumix GH4. Additionally, I will share with you my list of the best lenses that work with your Panasonic camera.
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Key Takeaways
- The best lens for your camera is situational. Consider your intended use and pair that with the lens’ best quality.
- Choose a lens that works with your camera and captures your image with the best possible overall quality.
- Avoid the urge to buy “cheap” lenses. While there are certainly budget lenses that are quite capable options, it is always best to choose quality before price.
The price for a lens for the Panasonic Lumix GH4 varies depending on the quality of the lens and its purpose. Generally speaking, you can find a good lens for as little as $300 and for upwards of $1000.
What other lenses are compatible with the Panasonic Lumix GH4?
There are several other lenses that when used with the appropriate adapter, are compatible with the Panasonic Lumix GH4. Some of the most commonly used lens brands include Olympus, Sigma, and Tamron.
Are generic lenses okay to use with the Panasonic Lumix GH4?
Generic lenses are possible to use with the Panasonic Lumix GH4. However, consideration should be given to lens quality and lens use. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish with the lens, determines if a generic lens will meet your intended quality standard.
What Makes the Best Lens for Panasonic Lumix GH4
Below are some things you should consider when looking for a good lens for your camera.
- Focal Length: Depending on what you’re shooting, the focal length is crucial to capturing the subject the right way. The angle of view and how much of the scene that you capture, combine to create an unforgettable shot. Look for lenses that have appropriate focal lengths for the specific shot you’re taking with your Panasonic Lumix GH4.
- Compatibility: If you’re looking to take your photography to another level and deliver quality, professional images every time, then it is critical that you select lenses that are fully compatible with Panasonic Lumix GH4 and that you understand which lens is best for the shot that you are taking.
- Lens Construction: The quality of the lens design separates you and your work from other photographers. Customers with an “eye” can immediately tell a shot taken with a well-constructed lens from one with a cheaper design. While it may cost a bit more, the better your lens construction is, the better your chances of delivering exceptional photos are.
- Lens Versatility: Budget is often a consideration for photographers, especially when starting. Look for lenses that work well in different scenarios and that work well in both regular and low-light conditions.
The Best Lenses for Panasonic Lumix GH4 Reviewed
Here are my choices for the best lenses to fit your Panasonic Lumix GH4 camera.
1. Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron (Best Overall)
- Minimum Focal Length: 43mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 43mm
- Compatible Mountings: Micro 4/3rds
- Camera Lens Description: 14 elements in 11 groups
The top choice is the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron lens which is excellent for prime portraits. It is well constructed and provides optimal quality output. It is designed to avert distortion issues and delivers exceptional all-around image quality.
With a 43mm focal length and micro 4/3rds mounting compatibility, this lens works exceptionally well with the Lumix GH4. Additionally, it is equipped with an f-stop of 1.2 and a powerful OIS system.
The top quality is nano surface coating which protects the lens from scratching and gives it an ultra-fine nano-level structure with a very low refractive index. This quality allows the lens to operate and be used for optimal performance.
The only drawback is the cost. It is an expensive lens and should be considered an investment in your professional inventory. While it is a costly lens, the value is evident in the high-quality design and performance of this lens.
My Verdict: This is your best choice for prime portrait needs. This lens can also be used effectively for other types of scene shots, given the correct settings.
2. Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 Asph (Best Zoom)
- Minimum Focal Length: 12mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 35mm
- Compatible Mountings: Micro 4/3rds
- Camera Lens Description: 14 elements in 9 groups
The Panasonic Lumix GX Vario is a powerful aspherical lens offers the user many great options and is easily the best zoom lens for the Lumix GH4. Equipped with 4 aspherical lenses and several other great lens options, the GX Vario is designed to impress.
Whether you are working in a well-lit studio or with multiple landscape backgrounds, this lens delivers well. The focal length, ranging from 12 mm to 35mm is great for maintaining resolution while zooming in closely to subjects.
The best thing about Lumix G X Vario is the Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion (UED) feature. This quality allows you to minimize chromatic aberrations while the lens delivers high descriptive performance from all angles.
However, with a maximum aperture setting of -2.8, the depth of field is not strong enough to create the shallowness I like to capture in many shots.
My Verdict: This is a great lens that can be used for several purposes. It works well with the Lumix GH4 and gives you excellent image quality under multiple lighting conditions.
3. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 (Best Telephoto Prime)
- Minimum Focal Length: 75mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 75mm
- Compatible Mountings: 50mm diameter glass front; 10 lens elements in nine groups
- Camera Lens Description: Micro 4/3rds
The Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED is a dynamic telephoto prime lens that delivers exceptional quality and outperforms most other zoom options for the GH4. It gives you excellent bokeh and has a fast aperture to help create memorable moments.
The metallic construction and lightweight design of this lens make it easy to use and handle. The high-speed autofocus function also makes this lens an excellent choice for many sport photography needs.
With 10 lens elements in 9 groups, metallic construction, and weighing less than 11 ounces, this lens is engineered to perfection. Additionally, the extra-low dispersion and high refractivity are qualities that help the lens avoid most aberrations.
The only area of concern is the lack of an Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system. This lens delivers nice quality images, however, under certain conditions and without the OIS system, the lens becomes suspect for image clarity.
My Verdict: This is a great lens to use with the GH4, however, it is best used with a tripod or monopod since there is no OIS system.
4. Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH (Best Wide Angle)
- Minimum Focal Length: 7mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 14mm
- Compatible Mountings: Micro 4/3rds
- Camera Lens Description: 16 elements in 12 groups
The last choice is the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm lens. While it comes in at the last spot on my list, it is certainly not last in quality. This wide-angle lens delivers exceptional quality and captures amazingly detailed wide-angle images.
With a 114-degree angle of view, the Lumix G Vario 7-14mm easily fits subjects into its frame, even when there isn’t much background distance to work with. The lens delivers exceptional compactness with its 16 elements in 12 groups which include 2 aspherical and 4 ED lenses.
The best thing about this lens is that it maintains high resolution from corner to corner of each image even at its widest angle setting. The ability of this lens to deliver bright, crisp images across its entire zoom range is remarkable.
The main issue is that there is some falloff of illumination towards the corners of the frame at maximum aperture. Also, the zoom ring tends to collect a lot of dust causing the ring to need to be cleaned regularly.
My Verdict: This is a great lens for wide-angle shots. It works very well with the GH4 and delivers excellent image quality. It’s a great lens for landscape shots as well.
Final Thoughts
When pairing a lens with your Panasonic Lumix GH4, it is important to select a lens that enhances the performance of your camera body. The options listed here all provide that capability.
Figuring out the best lens to use for each shot is made a lot easier when you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each lens that you consider.
Have you used any of these lenses? Share your thoughts and feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below.
As always, go out and create lasting memories!
