Panasonic lumix g 42 5mm f 1 7 vs panasonic leica dg 42 5mm f 1 2?

Both are 42.5mm primes for Micro Four Thirds, so they frame the same, roughly like an 85mm on full frame. Both are stabilised, both autofocus, and both fit the same long list of bodies, from the OM-1 to the GH6.

The difference is aperture. The Panasonic Leica DG 42.5mm f/1.2 gives about the depth of field of f/2.4 on Micro Four Thirds, so you get much more background softness and better low-light performance. The Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 gives about the depth of field of f/3.4, which is still a pleasing portrait lens but with more in focus.

My pick: if you shoot portraits in dim rooms or want the creamiest backgrounds, get the f/1.2. If you want a sharp, dependable portrait lens and a little less to carry, the f/1.7 does the job well. For the crop maths behind these numbers, see Sensor sizes.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.