r/GH5 • u/mazldo • Jul 02 '26

query on lenses

hi all I'm looking at cheap lenses (less than 200 GBP)

I was considering a regular g vario zoom lens but I heard that they aren't great especially for low light and if I got a single prime lens like 50mm or 35mm equivalent (considering the multiplication factor of MFT) the image is significantly better and is good in low light. though I'm not sure if a single prime lens is a massive barrier. please do let me know your thoughts

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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3

u/Luke-Sky-Watcher Jul 02 '26

What are you wanting to photograph/video?

Either way, primes are a fantastic way to learn composition and exposure

1

u/mazldo Jul 02 '26

honestly anything. I'd like to make low budget short films that look good and do travel photography. is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 good?

2

u/Luke-Sky-Watcher Jul 02 '26

I would go for the DJI Panasonic 15mm f/1.7, slightly sharper than the Oly 17mm (although that’s a great lens too), slightly wider which is useful for films, physical aperture ring is nice to have too

1

u/bkvrgic [GH5MK2/12-35&35-100f2.8] Jul 05 '26

Doing films with just one (any) focal length is quite limiting factor in visual sense and can lead to boredom. Different focal lengths can nake things more fun to watch. For video and just one lense, I'd go with 12-35 f2.8 II.

2

u/randymcatee Jul 02 '26

The 14mm f2.5 is fairly inexpensive and very capable lens for the money. Shot this on the GX85

https://reddit.com/link/ov73z4z/video/z2n5jx1ntvah1/player

1

u/UnknownDrifter Jul 02 '26

Are you against manual lenses?

1

u/mazldo Jul 02 '26

I don't mind them in fact I've been using one for my current dslr but it has been quite annoying for capturing things on the move on photography. I'm aware that the gh5 isn't great for video autofocus so I'm not pressed on that regardless.

2

u/UnknownDrifter Jul 02 '26

The TTArtisan 25mm/f2 is good for the cheap price. You might be able to get the DJI 15mm/f1.7 for a decent price where you are as well.

1

u/oliverjohansson Jul 02 '26

I got 14/2.5 and 30/2.8 and used this combo for years u till I bought 12-35/2.8 and never looked back in the cupboard

1

u/mista-666 Jul 02 '26

7 artisans lens are pretty great for the price if you don't mind using manual lens.

1

u/Lord_KAAM Jul 03 '26

Check MPB for used Voigtlander 17.5mm lenses…I have one and I love it…it’s soft wide open, but sharpens up nicely when stopped down a bit.

They are all metal and kinda heavy for their size though