"Panasonic G series" Owners Thread

[stickytape]

Was halfway through your post thinking “he needs one of the Canon’s) and then you said it! They’re on my list when the used market grows a bit. I agree with you on the G9; it will be very similar overall and seems like you need a change, so IMO I’d hold out for the RP or hope some early adopters will get rid of there’s in the next few months or so. Maybe the R / Persia only I prefer the R overall

 

[Cagey75]

Was halfway through your post thinking “he needs one of the Canon’s) and then you said it! They’re on my list when the used market grows a bit. I agree with you on the G9; it will be very similar overall and seems like you need a change, so IMO I’d hold out for the RP or hope some early adopters will get rid of there’s in the next few months or so. Maybe the R / Persia only I prefer the R overall

It is down to between an A7RII [for the juicy higher res and IBIS] or the RP - brand new, nicer camera to handle, touch screen [that I have gotten so used to hard to go without] can adapt some cheap EF glass
I could probably find an A7RII cheaper and another reason for it is I really like the look of the Sony 85 1.8.

Either choice will produce the goods for me I think, but the choice will have to be made soon or knowing me, i'll spend the money on something else and regret it

 

[SsSsSsSsSnake]

Nothing wrong with that, the D700 it was a great camera, I almost bought one years back but was lucky to get a bonus from work at the time and was able to buy the D800E when it had just come out. I had some nice lenses to boot too and was happy with that for about 4 years. The weight was killing me though, I had back surgery around the time too and often my camera bag was hitting 10kg - I know this because anytime I flew I would weigh it to make sure I could carry one. Had some hefty lenses like the 24-70, 70-200 VR and 300mm F4 and I think my bag alone was about 3Kg. If you are getting the D700 seriously consider the Sigma 35mm 1.4, that was my favorite lens for Nikon, so, so good ... though you may need the dock to go with to calibrate, one thing I hate about dslr! The other obvious choice IMO is the excellent 85 1.8G, just get it used, very good value and an extremely sharp lens.

I am seriously considering a Canon EOS RP along with keeping the G80. It makes sense, because I have a couple of Canon lenses that I adopt to the G80 as is, with an AF adapter. So any lenses I buy can be used for both [I would be using EF lenses for the RP mostly, [though may go for that juicy RF 35mm 1.8 macro at some stage] I put it off for ages because of all the bashing the RP gets online - but that's all from videographers, I don't care about video, and I don't care that the DR doesn't match a Sony! It will be very good at higher ISO, just as the 6DmkII is.

My other fancy is a Sony A7RII, but the lenses I would want for a Sony are pricier and though that camera would be like a D800E in mirrorless form + on steroids, the RP has touch screen as good as the G80, it has the flip out screen also and comes with an EF adapter from the off for about the price of the Sony A7RII body only. Tough decision, and no doubt I'll watch another 100 reviews before fully deciding, it's a bank holiday weekend so have the time to do so

But TL;DR, yup, I will be keeping the G80 for now. I also considered upgrading to the G9 and getting a new lens but tbh, when you really look into it, the G80 isn't missing all that much that the G9 offers. Sure it's a much nicer body and has the newer sensor, but I've watched dozens of side by side comparisons and there's very little in it

Bloody hell

Nothing wrong with that, the D700 it was a great camera, I almost bought one years back but was lucky to get a bonus from work at the time and was able to buy the D800E when it had just come out. I had some nice lenses to boot too and was happy with that for about 4 years. The weight was killing me though, I had back surgery around the time too and often my camera bag was hitting 10kg - I know this because anytime I flew I would weigh it to make sure I could carry one. Had some hefty lenses like the 24-70, 70-200 VR and 300mm F4 and I think my bag alone was about 3Kg. If you are getting the D700 seriously consider the Sigma 35mm 1.4, that was my favorite lens for Nikon, so, so good ... though you may need the dock to go with to calibrate, one thing I hate about dslr! The other obvious choice IMO is the excellent 85 1.8G, just get it used, very good value and an extremely sharp lens.

I am seriously considering a Canon EOS RP along with keeping the G80. It makes sense, because I have a couple of Canon lenses that I adopt to the G80 as is, with an AF adapter. So any lenses I buy can be used for both [I would be using EF lenses for the RP mostly, [though may go for that juicy RF 35mm 1.8 macro at some stage] I put it off for ages because of all the bashing the RP gets online - but that's all from videographers, I don't care about video, and I don't care that the DR doesn't match a Sony! It will be very good at higher ISO, just as the 6DmkII is.

My other fancy is a Sony A7RII, but the lenses I would want for a Sony are pricier and though that camera would be like a D800E in mirrorless form + on steroids, the RP has touch screen as good as the G80, it has the flip out screen also and comes with an EF adapter from the off for about the price of the Sony A7RII body only. Tough decision, and no doubt I'll watch another 100 reviews before fully deciding, it's a bank holiday weekend so have the time to do so

But TL;DR, yup, I will be keeping the G80 for now. I also considered upgrading to the G9 and getting a new lens but tbh, when you really look into it, the G80 isn't missing all that much that the G9 offers. Sure it's a much nicer body and has the newer sensor, but I've watched dozens of side by side comparisons and there's very little in it

Bloody hell.thought I was indecisive lol

 

[Cagey75]

Bloody hell

Bloody hell.thought I was indecisive lol

Mate, you've no idea! I'm like this about everything though, deciding on a film to watch can take me hours, longer than the film itself anyway, it's boring to just pick something and go with it, that's for normies

 

[mikew]

Had a quick session with the G80.

 

[the black fox]

one from me the other day , g80 and 100-400

 

[Cagey75]

Meanwhile I can't get a blue tit to land where I want in the garden

 

[woof woof]

Just on things landing in the garden.

We're about 20 minutes drive from the coast and although we get a lot of seagulls landing in the nearby fields before this year I'd never seen one land in the garden but we've had several this year. Previously I'd thought they didn't land in the garden because it's too enclosed for them so I'm baffled as to what's changed this year.

 

[Cagey75]

Just on things landing in the garden.

We're about 20 minutes drive from the coast and although we get a lot of seagulls landing in the nearby fields before this year I'd never seen one land in the garden but we've had several this year. Previously I'd thought they didn't land in the garden because it's too enclosed for them so I'm baffled as to what's changed this year.

Every other year I've had all types of Finch, Tits, Sparrow, Starling, Robin, Blackbird etc and no shortage of them soon as I'd put out a feeder. This has been easily the most quiet year for them - we are in an enclosed area with a small-ish garden but it never stopped them before. Actually I haven't seen one Goldfinch, no long tail tits either and the rest were very occasional. The seed I put out today is still there, I had a log set up as a perch for them so I could get some photos when they land on it, but nadda ...

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

"campanilla española" ole! (G9/100-400)

 

[the black fox]

another from the week female stonechat g80 +100-400

 

[mikew]

A couple from the G80 and 100-400

P1000393 by electric.mike, on Flickr

P1000286 by electric.mike, on Flickr

 

[FishyFish]

A couple from my GX7 on a walk out today. Not too bad for the 14-42 kit lens. I've taken the 20mm f/1.7 off for a while to give the kit 14-42 a bit of exercise, mainly because I'm going to take it on holiday and want to see if it's worth me spending some money on a 12-35 / 12-40 f/2.8, or just keep the cash and use the kit.

1

All Saints chapel, Steetley by fishyfish_arcade, on Flickr

2

All Saints chapel, Steetley by fishyfish_arcade, on Flickr

 

[Cagey75]

A couple from my GX7 on a walk out today. Not too bad for the 14-42 kit lens. I've taken the 20mm f/1.7 off for a while to give the kit 14-42 a bit of exercise, mainly because I'm going to take it on holiday and want to see if it's worth me spending some money on a 12-35 / 12-40 f/2.8, or just keep the cash and use the kit.

1

All Saints chapel, Steetley by fishyfish_arcade, on Flickr

2

All Saints chapel, Steetley by fishyfish_arcade, on Flickr

The kit lens is perfectly fine for good light situations, where the pro versions trump them is in low light obviously. And you get better build quality, weather sealing and more responsive AF. the likes of the 12-40 also have nice features like close focus capability and a true manual focus clutch. But as you're using the Gx7 with the older IBIS the Panasonic 12-35 2.8 would be better as it's got OIS in the lens itself, the 12-40 doesn't. If these things don't interest you and you rarely shoot in low light then there's probably better you could do with the money but I doubt you'd regret investing in one.

 

[stickytape]

I echo this - 12-35 2.8 is unbelievable sharp; not used much nowadays, but it’s on that I know I’ll always have in my micro 4/3 kit bag! If you find one, keep it!

 

[FishyFish]

Thanks. I might try renting one for the trip.

Any recommendations on lens hire companies?

 

[woof woof]

I liked the original 14-42mm kit lens but I like the newer 14-42mm mega ois even more as it's tiny and the only real problem is the risk of shutter shock when used with affected bodies but this can be avoided in good light with the use of the electronic shutter.

I'm a fan of the 12-35mm f2.8 as for me it allows a very FF sort of look as with FF I'd probably be in the f5.6-11 sort of range most of the time and the f2.8 of the 12-35mm makes the use of an equivalent aperture range possible.

 

[CSB]

I've got both the 12-32 & the 12-35. They both have their uses. I love how compact and sharp the 12-32 is, it works really well with the GX80. The 12-35 is much bigger in comparison but balances acceptably on the GX80. On the GH4 & GH5 the 12-35 is really nice to use and gives great looking images with really nice background blur when you want it.

I'll try to post some examples when I get home tonight if it helps.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

I like the 12-32 so much I have 2 of them! (Actually I bought 2 GM5s and each had one fitted.) I think it's an excellent little lens and very much in the M43 tradition.

 

[Cagey75]

Sold on my 12-40 this morning, I had it up for sale with the G80 as a package but got the right offer on lens only. I got what I paid for it basically. Opens me up to considering other systems though I still have the G80 for now, it is still my wildlife and macro kit

 

[tijuana taxi]

I thought about getting the 12-35 f/2.8, but got a good deal on a 12-40 and to be honest can't imagine it could be any better than that.
No fan of the 12-32, too small and disliked the whole action and feel of it.
I do have an old 14-45 that is surprisingly good given its relatively cheap cost, ois is very effective too

 

[Cagey75]

I thought about getting the 12-35 f/2.8, but got a good deal on a 12-40 and to be honest can't imagine it could be any better than that.
No fan of the 12-32, too small and disliked the whole action and feel of it.
I do have an old 14-45 that is surprisingly good given its relatively cheap cost, ois is very effective too

The 12-40 is so good, it was a hard sell for me tbh but I've not used it near as much lately as I've been faffing about with adapted lenses - mostly a 55-250, using it for both macro and the birds and it's been fun I lost nothing, and won't rule out buying another 12-40 but will explore other options for now. I get these GAS urges every so often and they need feeding But I would most definitely recommend the lens to anyone using M43, Oly or Panasonic! It is the kind of lens that you lock onto your camera and it'll stay there unless you are into wildlife and/or macro [though it's good enough for decent close ups on it's own] or maybe ultra-wide scenarios. But for general use you don't need anything else.

 

[d00d]

No fan of the 12-32, too small and disliked the whole action and feel of it.

Me too. I'm supposed to be getting a 12-60 but keep putting it off.

 

[Cagey75]

Still rocking the G80, but have just bought a Fuji XH1, also bought a Fringer pro adapter for that to allow me use the Canon lenses I'm already adapting to the G80. Should be interesting to compare directly bit of fun. I'd expect very little difference tbh, apart from DOF differences and a larger image overall from the Fuji

I really do like to mix it up, Panasonic and Fuji cameras with Canon lenses

 

[Cagey75]

Me too. I'm supposed to be getting a 12-60 but keep putting it off.

What are you using atm? the 12-60 can be got for £160-ish now on MPB, well worth it I would say. Might even get one myself as I sold my 12-40 and have nothing wide right now

 

[stickytape]

So I've now got the GX9; Keen to see if this will make me push the G80 out the door. Handling seems okay, and no complaints with the viewfinder either despite the reviews stating its this different type. We shall see!

 

[Cagey75]

So I've now got the GX9; Keen to see if this will make me push the G80 out the door. Handling seems okay, and no complaints with the viewfinder either despite the reviews stating its this different type. We shall see!

Be interesting to directly compare them using the same lens in various scenarios

 

[tijuana taxi]

So I've now got the GX9; Keen to see if this will make me push the G80 out the door. Handling seems okay, and no complaints with the viewfinder either despite the reviews stating its this different type. We shall see!

Great camera, use mine most of the time, biggest minus for me is the Exp Comp dial.
Need a superstrong thumb to shift that dial, I moved it to the rear wheel.
Also found the optional extended eyecup to be a good buy, helps loads in strong light.
Apart from and the usual caveat of carrying one or more spare batteries its great
Can charge from a powerbank, but can't be used that way, still handy it can charged in a bag if needed

 

[d00d]

What are you using atm? the 12-60 can be got for £160-ish now on MPB, well worth it I would say. Might even get one myself as I sold my 12-40 and have nothing wide right now

I'm really enjoying my 45-150 with the occasional use of my 25mm prime.

I was sooo close to getting a 12-60 from MPB. Bought it, but then they wanted to text a code, my wife's mobile No. came up but she was out with it so couldn't/wouldn't/didn't go through with the purchase. Then I started thinking about the 14-140 Mk2 which is not even out yet, and will cost £600+, could be next year before they're going for £300 used. And I still love my 45-150.

Perhaps I should try harder with the 12-32. I'm sure it's great for big subjects and/or the kinda wide angle distortion, but I so like zooming in on things and blowing out the BG.


GX80+45-150
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vD_Tp-87j_qZdG3-_48b4kvOigInHUPbe0Wzbh52Q-SAZAZ1Xx6A0BM3jnRhUNDe2i8H9EuWk6Pwl4ZU-Db1VeS-Z6ISv5BjOx2GFsaQi9WXmYW6480TaUQN8iqUC3iUHN8g1uRql1Irk2EKp5KsSPAMgJTDtG7tijFqWWNw3iqMit1Hj13O0-Zod9cbY9vhG5iKv2xp8Cbz3mkv-EX--OY90bv0yXdX0KUdLEU_YV48g6Necp161211jSH7V4ryWeGU7JH5kKl2U1kU_2cdGUMvEChmhxOk86PzyeiZziB4FFKPsfRBTfpcts8C7-zznb1LjDhjF3BwNGIB_n1FxGEqcQVzOHEc0jPpgS7Jf4Yu4aIaiUaNvidkLuYoyJRFhuAOfzt8Gab0dL6h-zSGGFufvE3qSFZvYAmOYD6OPNTp2Q9xUXSX9SQXv0dTHAI2PvsNIHi1ZxQ99-Qq6PmIonISSxndN4t4TmTGROG1KBqiicG4C1sm_pTqjS0tk7cZE21FDd4OKbsY-XTp0YBUIqwH2Sg1CGBmWdNxq3iQuVUwuRYIZz394dRd44XtzdnOm3zZvMUAROp4kHHedIlbgxXgbKExsjdGIhkFHKnwb0bQ1FreHGgGRWomf9uOlkLbDuOoe4RdZqSyPxKXMYWsz2msjWcx8J46HHJA74RzUBYGOcekWHBlGO0KyYBv-_st_51VyJ452MWtpTU9wYnQb3O-Z8w=w1157-h867-no


GX80+45-150

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

I'm really enjoying my 45-150 with the occasional use of my 25mm prime.

I was sooo close to getting a 12-60 from MPB. Bought it, but then they wanted to text a code, my wife's mobile No. came up but she was out with it so couldn't/wouldn't/didn't go through with the purchase. Then I started thinking about the 14-140 Mk2 which is not even out yet, and will cost £600+, could be next year before they're going for £300 used. And I still love my 45-150.

Perhaps I should try harder with the 12-32. I'm sure it's great for big subjects and/or the kinda wide angle distortion, but I so like zooming in on things and blowing out the BG.


GX80+45-150
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vD_Tp-87j_qZdG3-_48b4kvOigInHUPbe0Wzbh52Q-SAZAZ1Xx6A0BM3jnRhUNDe2i8H9EuWk6Pwl4ZU-Db1VeS-Z6ISv5BjOx2GFsaQi9WXmYW6480TaUQN8iqUC3iUHN8g1uRql1Irk2EKp5KsSPAMgJTDtG7tijFqWWNw3iqMit1Hj13O0-Zod9cbY9vhG5iKv2xp8Cbz3mkv-EX--OY90bv0yXdX0KUdLEU_YV48g6Necp161211jSH7V4ryWeGU7JH5kKl2U1kU_2cdGUMvEChmhxOk86PzyeiZziB4FFKPsfRBTfpcts8C7-zznb1LjDhjF3BwNGIB_n1FxGEqcQVzOHEc0jPpgS7Jf4Yu4aIaiUaNvidkLuYoyJRFhuAOfzt8Gab0dL6h-zSGGFufvE3qSFZvYAmOYD6OPNTp2Q9xUXSX9SQXv0dTHAI2PvsNIHi1ZxQ99-Qq6PmIonISSxndN4t4TmTGROG1KBqiicG4C1sm_pTqjS0tk7cZE21FDd4OKbsY-XTp0YBUIqwH2Sg1CGBmWdNxq3iQuVUwuRYIZz394dRd44XtzdnOm3zZvMUAROp4kHHedIlbgxXgbKExsjdGIhkFHKnwb0bQ1FreHGgGRWomf9uOlkLbDuOoe4RdZqSyPxKXMYWsz2msjWcx8J46HHJA74RzUBYGOcekWHBlGO0KyYBv-_st_51VyJ452MWtpTU9wYnQb3O-Z8w=w1157-h867-no


GX80+45-150

Good shots.

 

[Cagey75]

I'm really enjoying my 45-150 with the occasional use of my 25mm prime.

I was sooo close to getting a 12-60 from MPB. Bought it, but then they wanted to text a code, my wife's mobile No. came up but she was out with it so couldn't/wouldn't/didn't go through with the purchase. Then I started thinking about the 14-140 Mk2 which is not even out yet, and will cost £600+, could be 1 or 2 years before they're going for £300 used. And I still love my 45-150.

Perhaps I should try harder with the 12-32. I'm sure it's great for big subjects and/or the kinda wide angle distortion, but I so like zooming in on things and blowing out the BG.


GX80+45-150
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vD_Tp-87j_qZdG3-_48b4kvOigInHUPbe0Wzbh52Q-SAZAZ1Xx6A0BM3jnRhUNDe2i8H9EuWk6Pwl4ZU-Db1VeS-Z6ISv5BjOx2GFsaQi9WXmYW6480TaUQN8iqUC3iUHN8g1uRql1Irk2EKp5KsSPAMgJTDtG7tijFqWWNw3iqMit1Hj13O0-Zod9cbY9vhG5iKv2xp8Cbz3mkv-EX--OY90bv0yXdX0KUdLEU_YV48g6Necp161211jSH7V4ryWeGU7JH5kKl2U1kU_2cdGUMvEChmhxOk86PzyeiZziB4FFKPsfRBTfpcts8C7-zznb1LjDhjF3BwNGIB_n1FxGEqcQVzOHEc0jPpgS7Jf4Yu4aIaiUaNvidkLuYoyJRFhuAOfzt8Gab0dL6h-zSGGFufvE3qSFZvYAmOYD6OPNTp2Q9xUXSX9SQXv0dTHAI2PvsNIHi1ZxQ99-Qq6PmIonISSxndN4t4TmTGROG1KBqiicG4C1sm_pTqjS0tk7cZE21FDd4OKbsY-XTp0YBUIqwH2Sg1CGBmWdNxq3iQuVUwuRYIZz394dRd44XtzdnOm3zZvMUAROp4kHHedIlbgxXgbKExsjdGIhkFHKnwb0bQ1FreHGgGRWomf9uOlkLbDuOoe4RdZqSyPxKXMYWsz2msjWcx8J46HHJA74RzUBYGOcekWHBlGO0KyYBv-_st_51VyJ452MWtpTU9wYnQb3O-Z8w=w1157-h867-no


GX80+45-150

I like shooting with longer focal lengths mostly too. I wasn't making full use of the 12-40 outside of close ups, but I can do that with the 55-250 I have too with the same magnification but better working distance.

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

Is the original 14-140 any good?

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

Is the original 14-140 any good?

I'd like to know that as well.

 

[Cagey75]

Is the original 14-140 any good?

I imagine it'll be the same optics as the new one, but slower to focus and not weather sealed - the new one is unofficially mkIII, as there has been 2 14-140 lenses from Pany already. Just make sure you're looking at the one with 3.5-5.6 aperture, the oldest version was f4-5.8 I believe

 

[FishyFish]

A couple more 14-42mm kit lens shots from my walk last weekend.

1

Hewett Arms by fishyfish_arcade, on Flickr

2

Meadow by fishyfish_arcade, on Flickr

 

[d00d]

I am frequently impressed by how the 100-400 can make something different out of everyday sights...

View attachment 242567

I really like this image Andrew

I have the lesser 100-300, but gonna have a go at this kind of compression.

 

[Cagey75]

I really like this image Andrew

I have the lesser 100-300, but gonna have a go at this kind of compression.

The 100-300 is a fine lens in it's own right. It doesn't quite have the magnification of the 100-400 but it gives it a run for it's money considering the price difference. I enjoyed my time with the mk1, the II will be much quicker

 

[stickytape]

Great camera, use mine most of the time, biggest minus for me is the Exp Comp dial.
Need a superstrong thumb to shift that dial, I moved it to the rear wheel.
Also found the optional extended eyecup to be a good buy, helps loads in strong light.
Apart from and the usual caveat of carrying one or more spare batteries its great
Can charge from a powerbank, but can't be used that way, still handy it can charged in a bag if needed

Yes! I'm liking it already and not had chance to try it popertl yet! Just hankering after this to improve the grip, but it seems quite rare almost, and vey overprices! Any grips that you like for its apart from the Megagear options?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasoni...136048&hash=item2877145c20:g:-awAAOSwUvVcZ6-T

 

[d00d]

The 100-300 is a fine lens in it's own right. It doesn't quite have the magnification of the 100-400 but it gives it a run for it's money considering the price difference. I enjoyed my time with the mk1, the II will be much quicker

...... shows how much fun can be had with a lens most associate with wildlife.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Yes! I'm liking it already and not had chance to try it popertl yet! Just hankering after this to improve the grip, but it seems quite rare almost, and vey overprices! Any grips that you like for its apart from the Megagear options?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasoni...136048&hash=item2877145c20:g:-awAAOSwUvVcZ6-T

I tried the Panasonic grip like this https://www.ukdigital.co.uk/panasonic-dmw-hgr2-hand-grip-gx9.html
Not impressed, no access to the battery/card compartment and unlike the Fuji grips no Arca rails either.
Sent it back and not really missed it once I got used to the handling