Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 (II): The fair lens with or without flare!

One of the nicest focal fixed lenses produced by the Panasonic Compact System is the Lumix G 20mm F1.7 referred as « Pancake » by many users. Although it is not part of the usual kit proposed for the Panasonic m4/3 cameras like many standard zoom lens such as the 14-42mm the Lumix 20mm F1.7 has been combined with the Lumix GX7 for example as a standard lens.

Everybody knows that the picture quality results are most of the time better if you select a focal fixed lens. This Panasonic lens is no exception and you should appreciate the picture outputs obtained. The Lumix 20mm F1.7 is compact, well built and has a very smooth manual focusing ring effect. The color rendition of the lens is respecting the Panasonic own bias of the others lens models of the series (Thanks possibly to the in-board camera image post treatment).

Foreground/Background In-Out Focus

The angle of view of the Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 is similar to the one you got for your own vision if you concentrate on the detailed part (in focus) area. So it is a very predictable lens that will allow you to anticipate your composition without constantly using to the viewfinder or the screen of the camera.

Typical Lens Flare

I have read from one respected reviewer that the lens is very sensitive to lens flare phenomena when it is exposed to direct source of light like the sun. Every lenses will present some kind of lens flare over different contexts and because of the very compact (flat) optical design of the Lumix G 20mm F1.7 it is a normal to get lens flare. Since I am somewhat more experimented with optical physic I recommend using your hand as a “flag” (like we use to do during studio photo sessions) to counteract this effect. 

A good lens hood will give you the same
 service for most of the time. 

No more lens flare by using your hand as a flag.

At the end and considering the photographic value of the Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 it is really a good opportunity at a small sales price to get access to a very good photographic tool.

A great street lens!