Fergus Loc: Westfield,IN

Does anyone have this combination? On Amazon it gets rave reviews for landscapes and portraits. I'm particularly interested its use for portraits.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

It's the budget version of, say, the GH4 and Panasonic Leica Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2.

I do NOT think you will be disappointed. Have you seen the reviews on dpreview.com and amazon.com?

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g7

http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/lenses/panasonic_42p5_1p7

The lens gets five stars on Amazon. DPReview gives the camera an 80%/silver rating.

42.5mm on m43 provides about the same angle of view as 85mm on full frame dSLR. That's about the minimum focal length for a portrait lens in my world, but long enough for use on most people.

This is the budget combination of, say, the LUMIX GH4 and the Panasonic Leica Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 lens.

G7 $600 1.7 lens $350 vs GH4 $1300 and 1.2 lens $1350...

$950 vs. $2650...

Pro1

I don't think this exits.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

See links in my post above.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've been enjoying the Panasonic GX7 for a couple years. There is no doubt in my mind that the "Micro 4/3" system is lacking for the ability to get good image quality. The reason it tends to appear as a bargain against full frame gear is the fact that the inch and a third sensor allows everything to be smaller, including lenses.

If you are trying to create 30x40 prints, the limitations of the smaller than full frame sensor MAY become noticeable. I've compared prints with a Nikon owning friend using similar Canon printers at 13x19 and neither of us can find legitimate flaws or failure.

If you are a full frame photographer, their will be a noticeable difference in depth of focus. To get the same "bokeh" effects in a M43 camera you need the lens more open. I forget the exact difference, but I recall it is about 2 stops. In other words, you may see that the f/1.7 shots might compare with similar shots at f/4 on a full frame.

The Panasonics, including the G7, have shutter speeds fast enough to open the lens when you want the background blur. If not, a simple ND filter will fix it.

My GX7 came with a 14-42 that is not nearly as fast as the 42.5. I found I wanted a little longer reach and bought the slower Lumix 14-140 and it stays on the camera much more often. Even though though it has nowhere near the f/1.7 capability, I seem to do OK with higher ISOs to compensate.

If you are looking for a fast prime lens on a image quality capable camera, the combination you've picked may be about as high as you can get on cost/benefit scale. You can spend a lot more, yet I don't think you will see a proportionate increase in image or print quality unless you are shooting for very large prints.

Fergus Loc: Westfield,IN

Burk,
Thanks for all of your input. I had read the comments on Amazon and by your suggestion I read DPReview. I pushed the button and Amazon will have the lens to me tomorrow. I can't wait. I'm looking for a good but inexpensive telephoto.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Have fun with it!

I also like the 35-100mm f/2.8 LUMIX lens, but it costs nearly as much as the Nocticron.

Fergus Loc: Westfield,IN

That's the one I'm thinking about. Maybe after I get over playing Santa Claus I'll get Santa a treat.

Fergus Loc: Westfield,IN

Bill, thank you for your insight. The lens is on its way to me right now. The 14-140 is on my camera too. I also have tha 100-300. A lens that long has to be fast to be practical. I'm not one to drag a tripod around.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I actually bought the GX7 for the 100-300 to shoot wildlife video clips. I'm proud of my most recent attemp. It is a minute and a half of elk in Yellowstone.

Not to hijack your topic but I think the 100-300 did a pretty good job!

http://vimeo.com/146185237

I'm going to get either the G7 or GX8 to do it in 4K on the next trip to Yellowstone.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

Get it! You will NOT be disappointed. I've had mine for a few months now, along with the new GX8, and love the combo. It is very sharp and fast, and quite compact for its range.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

The GX8 is superb... very special camera.

Fergus Loc: Westfield,IN

Penny,
The lens will be at my door today!

Bkh42 Loc: N.I. UK

Superb. Must look in my piggy bank and count my pocket money😀

Bkh42

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I have used MFT since the G1 hit the market. The G1 came with a 14-45. The G2 onwards came with a 14-42.
I have both - and the 14-45 is sharper and is a generally better lens, with a metal mount. I mention this because of your interest in IQ. It is why most old G1s are sold on ebay body only. :-)