The Panasonic GH4 is a solid, well-rounded camera. However, as with so many top models, the right lenses can make it even better. Unfortunately, choosing one camera lens for your photography is not always easy. That is where this guide comes in.
Throughout the following paragraphs, we will break down some of the best lenses for the GH4. Each device brings something new to the camera and allows it to shoot in a unique way. We’ll look at what those are below.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Few zoom lenses give you the quality of the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12. This model is perfect for people who take their Panasonic GH4 outdoors thanks to the dust, splash, and freezeproof construction.
- The Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 is a solid option for those who want a telephoto lens. This works in different environments and comes with a nine-blade circular aperture unit.
- The Panasonic Lumix G is a high-quality lens jam-packed with features. It focuses quickly and comes with a nano coating. Perfect for portrait photographers who want more options.
Who Should Get This?
First and foremost, these lenses are for owners of the Panasonic GH4. One of the camera’s main features is its versatility, and the items outlined here all take full advantage of that. It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who likes to shoot a little or a lot, you’ll get good results from the options here.
It’s also worth noting that these lenses are not only for the GH4. If you have other cameras and want to branch out, don’t be afraid to give them a try there too.
Best Lenses for Panasonic GH4: What to Consider?
Shooting Style
Every camera lens excels in one or more areas. You should always know what those areas are before making your final purchase and then match them up to the type of photography you like to do. For instance, if you like to shoot outside you may want a lens that works for wide landscapes. If you prefer shooting up close and personal, a macro might be the way to go. As long as everything’s cohesive, you’ll come away happy.
Aperture
With any lens, aperture is important. That refers to the opening in a lens where light passes through. Some models have large apertures, while others have small ones. As with shooting style, you want to get a range that works best for you. The general rule here is that larger apertures provide more foreground and background blur to create a shallow depth of field, while smaller ones do the exact opposite.
Focal Length
Focal length (the number before mm on your lens) also matters. That is because the higher your focal length is, the more zoomed-in your shot will be. Lower numbers (14mm-24mm) will give you ultra-wide angles, medium numbers (35mm-70mm) will give you standard angles, and high ranges (105-300) are classified as telephoto. Each one has a unique effect that you should know about before getting your lens.
Best Lenses for Panasonic GH4: Our Picks
1. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12
When it comes to durability, few Panasonic GH4 lenses can match the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12. Where many models will quickly break or become damaged when you bring them into wild locations, this can stand up to any environment. While not fully waterproof, it is splashproof and also able to withstand cold and dust. The best choice for nature photographers or those who like to hike.
The Digital ED 12 is more than just a strong shell. It has great specs as well. This model comes with a fast zoom and is able to focus in as close as 7.87 inches. The focus ring also makes it easy to switch from auto to manual focus as you see fit. Once you add on the function button, lens hood, and included pouch, you get a full package that provides you excellent results time and time again.
What We Like:
- Splash, dust, and freeze proof
- Included lens hood
- Comes with a pouch
- Constant f2.8 maximum aperture
- Versatile
- Switch between auto and manual focus
- Zuiko Extra-Low Reflective Optical Coating
- Image stabilization
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavy
- Zoom range could be longer
2. Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8
If quality matters to you, it’s hard to go beyond what the Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 offers. This multi-purpose device is extremely well-made, which means it’s durable enough to hold up in multiple situations, and it takes great pictures time and time again thanks to the sharp resolution and excellent color. The nine-blade aperture unit is fantastic, giving you extreme clarity even when it’s wide open.
Other bonuses of this device include the MSC autofocusing mechanism, which makes the lens much easier to operate, as well as the fact that it shoots great in both high and low light. In fact, this is the best model for photographers who constantly find themselves trying to capture pictures in shifting environments.
What We Like:
- High-grade construction
- Quick and efficient
- Versatile, works in different environments
- Nine-blade circular aperture unit
- MSC autofocusing mechanism
- Works in different lighting conditions
- Great for portraits
What We Don’t Like:
- Noisy barrel
3. Panasonic Lumix G
If you don’t mind paying a bit more, the Panasonic Lumix G is a great lens for the GH4. This high-quality choice is not only sharp, it has a fast focus and some of the best image stabilization on the market. In that way, it gives all of your photos top-notch color, contrast, and background blur. This is one of the best choices for those who take their shooting seriously.
The other main reason the Lumix G makes our list is the Advanced Nano Surface Coating. That unique material completely prevents unwanted ghosting and flaring by reducing reflections at all parts of the light spectrum. It also comes with a strong Optical Image Stabilizer, which is able to compensate for both fast and slow movement. That ensures all of your shots come out exactly as intended and makes this of the best portrait lenses for the Panasonic GH4.
What We Like:
- Fast aperture
- Great for portraits
- Good in multiple lighting conditions
- Top-notch optical quality and performance
- Minimal distortions
- Power O.I.S
- Metal lens hood
- Advanced nano surface coating
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
Useful Tips and Information
These lenses are geared for people who already understand the Panasonic GH4. However, if you’re new to the camera or you want to get it with some fun accessories, the tips outlined here are a good way to get started.
Once you’re familiar with your camera, you next need to learn about the different lenses in today’s market. There are many types and understanding what’s listed in this video will give you a much better understanding of which ones to get.
Final Words
When shooting photos or video, you always need to think about your lens options. The Panasonic GH4 is a fine camera on its own, but there are many exceptional lenses if you know where to look. Every option in this article is durable, reliable, and comes with premium features you won’t find in similar choices.
What lens do you use with your Panasonic GH4? Are there any great models we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
