"Panasonic G series" Owners Thread

Hairywan said:
I could get both and sell the one I don't like. Seems a little excessive, am I nuts (don't answer that, we all are!)
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If you can afford both and happy to lose a little on the re-sale then why not?
Try them both if you can, you may like them both in different ways and have 2 lenses you love to use.
 
Crotal Bell said:
If you can afford both and happy to lose a little on the re-sale then why not?
Try them both if you can, you may like them both in different ways and have 2 lenses you love to use.
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In reality can only afford one, so probably go for the pergear first and see how that goes.
My concern is the 600grams attached to the front and it's possible effect on the camera body, if that is a little unwieldy then lose a little on the resale.
I have just had my gx80 for just over a week so very new to this. I do love all the micro wildlife photos look forward to learning to take them.
 
Working distance could matter if your subject is likely to be frightened and fly or crawl away. Both of the lenses you ate looking at are 60mm so there may be no clear advantage either way but a longer zoom might be another option to think about as you'd be shooting from further away. Do you need a macro or could a longer non macro be an option?
 
I'm not sure what I need, as this will be my first macro lens. My thoughts have been, get a telephoto, a macro, a portrait lens and of course the kit lens plus the Meike mk320 flash, then spending end. All well reviewed, but budget friendly. I have put in an order for the pergear only because it's inexpensive and it has x2 magnification. I have a kit lens Lumix 12-32mm that came with camera. Also, another (lumix 45-200mm) on way, so early christmas presents to myself. I imagine one or more of these will be sold and or maybe replaced, when I get a better idea on their uses. I have just retired, so hopefully one of the things that can keep me busy and give me joy.

So many great photos on the forum. Gives me inspiration with what is possible. I will see if any of mine live up to these standards
 
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woof woof said:
Congratulations on your new camera Hutch.

I don't know anything about courses but maybe someone will be along with recommendations shortly.

Some holiday shots taken with my GX80 and 14mm f2.5.

Early morning jogging in Mrs WW's home village. 0.6 sec exposures, I just propped the camera up on its tilted screen.

View attachment 469284

View attachment 469285

And one last one. Trying to work out how to use a very clever drinks machine at the airport.

View attachment 469286

The drinks were very nice :D

PS.
Hutch.
I hope you get a lot of please from your GX80. This is one of my favourite pictures taken with mine. 14mm f2.5 lens again. Mrs WW on Saltburn beach.

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This is my favourite of the four (Mrs WW on beach), all excellent by the way
 
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I meant to mention earlier but forgot.

Maybe have a look at close up filters. Just in case you haven't come across these, they are basically a magnifying glass which screws on to the filter thread of a lens. They often come in sets labelled, 1, 2, 3, 4. My most uses one is a No.4. They're not as good as a macro lens but they are useful for close up shots when you're out and spot something but haven't got a macro lens with you. I have a set that cost under £30 maybe 30 years ago :D These days they start at under £10.

Another thing to possibly think about is a film era manual focus macro lens. As macro is normally done with manual focus the manual focus only nature of these lenses shouldn't be an issue. I have an old Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro which is 1:1. You use these in either manual or aperture mode via a cheap adapter. One advantage of these manual film era lenses is that they're cheap. I've taken a lot of pictures with this Sigma and other cheap film era lenses.

Good luck with this. have fun!
 
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Hairywan said:
I'm not sure what I need, as this will be my first macro lens. My thoughts have been, get a telephoto, a macro, a portrait lens and of course the kit lens plus the Meike mk320 flash, then spending end. All well reviewed, but budget friendly. I have put in an order for the pergear only because it's inexpensive and it has x2 magnification. I have a kit lens Lumix 12-32mm that came with camera. Also, another (lumix 45-200mm) on way, so early christmas presents to myself. I imagine one or more of these will be sold and or maybe replaced, when I get a better idea on their uses. I have just retired, so hopefully one of the things that can keep me busy and give me joy.

So many great photos on the forum. Gives me inspiration with what is possible. I will see if any of mine live up to these standards
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I use the 45-150 for close ups, something with a screw on close up lens, perfect for getting a bit of distance from the subject, and it is an excellent lens. I has the advantage of being able to update the firmware to enable dual stabilisation, if your camera supports it.

You may find the 45-200 is a bit of a let down, the quality isn't as good as th rest of the lenses, but many people don't notice it and like it.

One point on budget friendly lenses is that many don't have auto focus, which is a great help when something is moving.
 
Sangoma said:
I use the 45-150 for close ups, something with a screw on close up lens, perfect for getting a bit of distance from the subject, and it is an excellent lens. I has the advantage of being able to update the firmware to enable dual stabilisation, if your camera supports it.

You may find the 45-200 is a bit of a let down, the quality isn't as good as th rest of the lenses, but many people don't notice it and like it.

One point on budget friendly lenses is that many don't have auto focus, which is a great help when something is moving.
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Hi Steve, Thank you, great advice. Some close up filters are now on my christmas list, was just look on aliexpress. I may not notice the negatives of the 50-200 for a bit, but have a few lens to play with. Still hoping for a few days of dry weather, rain virtually non stop for a couple of weeks. I will try a firmware update on all my kit (if needed), alway a good idea.
 
woof woof said:
I meant to mention earlier but forgot.

Maybe have a look at close up filters. Just in case you haven't come across these, they are basically a magnifying glass which screws on to the filter thread of a lens. They often come in sets labelled, 1, 2, 3, 4. My most uses one is a No.4. They're not as good as a macro lens but they are useful for close up shots when you're out and spot something but haven't got a macro lens with you. I have a set that cost under £30 maybe 30 years ago :D These days they start at under £10.

Another thing to possibly think about is a film era manual focus macro lens. As macro is normally done with manual focus the manual focus only nature of these lenses shouldn't be an issue. I have an old Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro which is 1:1. You use these in either manual or aperture mode via a cheap adapter. One advantage of these manual film era lenses is that they're cheap. I've taken a lot of pictures with this Sigma and other cheap film era lenses.

Good luck with this. have fun!
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Hi Alan, About the beach photo. The colours are amazing, is it edited?
 
Hairywan said:
Hi Alan, About the beach photo. The colours are amazing, is it edited?
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I don't do much editing mostly because I don't know how :D so whatever editing it has had is quite basic. I was just lucky on the day, it was a bit misty as you may be able to see but despite that it worked out well.
 
woof woof said:
I don't do much editing mostly because I don't know how :D so whatever editing it has had is quite basic. I was just lucky on the day, it was a bit misty as you may be able to see but despite that it worked out well.
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Difficult to pick out one element in such a good shot, but what makes it for me is the lack of footprints. Makes it look surreal.
 
woof woof said:
I meant to mention earlier but forgot.

Maybe have a look at close up filters. Just in case you haven't come across these, they are basically a magnifying glass which screws on to the filter thread of a lens. They often come in sets labelled, 1, 2, 3, 4. My most uses one is a No.4. They're not as good as a macro lens but they are useful for close up shots when you're out and spot something but haven't got a macro lens with you. I have a set that cost under £30 maybe 30 years ago :D These days they start at under £10.

Another thing to possibly think about is a film era manual focus macro lens. As macro is normally done with manual focus the manual focus only nature of these lenses shouldn't be an issue. I have an old Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro which is 1:1. You use these in either manual or aperture mode via a cheap adapter. One advantage of these manual film era lenses is that they're cheap. I've taken a lot of pictures with this Sigma and other cheap film era lenses.

Good luck with this. have fun!
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Hi Alan, Again great advice about the film era lenses and an adapter. I have done lots of reading plus youtube vids, and like the idea of using non new kit. So, randomly ordered a Canon FD lens to M43 camera adapter( K & F concept, non electronic, under £17 Aliexp). So should the need for another lens occur. I can sip from the Canon FD cup without too much cost. Far into the future, as I need to learn how to with my currant kit.
 
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I've had fd's from 24 to 85mm and still have a couple of breech locks. Good luck if you go that way and if you do the lenses should pretty much last forever maybe with a service every 50 years or so :D
 
Wow! This is the most interesting discusion I have read so far. Recent interest in photo taking and a new camera. It sheds light on questions, I did not know to ask, but need to know. I want do macro photography, so interesting. Starting with Alan's post os 5/5/23. "Detailed images taken from some distance, with longer lenses that fill the sensor." Thank you guys

I guess the whole forum is a goldmine for learning.
 
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Hairywan said:
Wow! This is the most interesting discusion I have read so far. Recent interest in photo taking and a new camera. It sheds light on questions, I did not know to ask, but need to know. I want do macro photography, so interesting. Starting with Alan's post os 5/5/23. "Detailed images taken from some distance, with longer lenses that fill the sensor." Thank you guys

I guess the whole forum is a goldmine for learning.
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It's all on here somewhere. A veritable encyclopedia. If you have any specifics, try the search function. Enjoy.
 
It was something Alan said when he very knidly responded to my 1st or second post. I found this conversation, because I did a search with "film era lens adapters" and randomly picked this thread. Then further very helpful responses by Steve, Keith and others to my post. So informative, this is really amazing. Can not say thank you enough. I have just got my first totally manual lens, was a little daunted, but I am going to be ok.
 
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Hairywan said:
It was something Alan said when he very knidly responded to my 1st or second post. I found this conversation, because I did a search with "film era lens adapters" and randomly picked this thread. Then further very helpful responses by Steve, Keith and others to my post. So informative, this is really amazing. Can not say thank you enough. I have just got my first totally manual lens, was a little daunted, but I am going to be ok
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Replying to myself
Haven't quite got the hang of forums. I have to use the "Reply" to a thread rather than fill in the box at the bottom. Comment was suppose to be for a diffrent thread. No worries, I suppose
 
Adapting film era lenses can be addictive. I like lenses in the 24 to 85/135mm range and when I first started buying you could find a nice lens for £15 or maybe even less. I ended up with sets from Minolta, Olympus, Canon and Nikon with others from Sigma, Takumar and others. On MFT you focal length effectively doubles but even so I've taken a lot of pictures on MFT with an old 50mm lens.

Good luck with this.
 
woof woof said:
Adapting film era lenses can be addictive. I like lenses in the 24 to 85/135mm range and when I first started buying you could find a nice lens for £15 or maybe even less. I ended up with sets from Minolta, Olympus, Canon and Nikon with others from Sigma, Takumar and others. On MFT you focal length effectively doubles but even so I've taken a lot of pictures on MFT with an old 50mm lens.

Good luck with this.
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I do have an addictive streak in me, so better be careful. You are so right, so many older lens out there for next to no cost. Great place to experiment.
 
I think it is getting harder to find lenses in good condition at reasonable prices as since mirrored came in more people have been in the market for them. Lenses that were £12 or £15 years ago might be £40 or £50 now if you can find ones in good condition.
 
So here's an interesting thing ( I think it is anyway )
I bought the G9 after first buying the G80, primarily to improve wildlife photography with the stronger camera to pair with the 100-400mm lens.
The G80 usually hosts the 12-60mm for general use in all other aspects, while the G9 hosts the big lens for wildlife trips........however.

Swapping them over has proved beneficial on a number of occasions for several reasons.
The G80 is on a wrist strap, it's significantly lighter than the G9, and when paired with the 100=400mm I can walk it around in the hands for quite a while before fatigue means a break. Also, the 100-400mm Power OIS really brings out the best in the G80, the shutter speeds are good and the focus on moving animals is very respectable for such a camera. Less pixels and features are traded off for comfort and handling on the wrist strap.

Now the G9. This is on a neck strap, and this is great with then little lens because I can let it hang hands free, no risky weight pulling on the body and lens attachment. So when I am using two cameras, I can just release the G9 and grab the G80 from the bag if wildlife presents an opportunity. The great thing here is that the G80 can stay in the hands for longer periods if Wildlife is taking the lead, and the wrist strap is so much more flexible.

So there we are, the G80 + 100-400mm is a lighter alternative that I like on the wrist strap, surprisingly capable for wildlife and really nice to use. If it's a dedicated wildlife day in favourite places, then the G9 + 100-400mm on the neck strap is the rig and only camera on the day. When I'm going all out for wildlife in good places I want the best gear I own, for obvious reasons. But the lighter G80 does a pretty darn good job on mixed general days.

Two approaches for different days, both with their advantages.
 
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woof woof said:
I think it is getting harder to find lenses in good condition at reasonable prices as since mirrored came in more people have been in the market for them. Lenses that were £12 or £15 years ago might be £40 or £50 now if you can find ones in good condition
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How to decide a lens is a good one?
What sort of things does one to look out for. Obviously optics to be crisp and clear, no dust or fungus (or very very little), shutter working as it should and the image created.
Have been going by the seller's feedback and description, gone for "Mint" as condition and private sellers and only bought 1 lens used. Seems to take excellent pictures, no obvious defects on computer screen.

So far only on ebay
 
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Crotal Bell said:
So here's an interesting thing ( I think it is anyway )
I bought the G9 after first buying the G80, primarily to improve wildlife photography with the stronger camera to pair with the 100-400mm lens.
The G80 usually hosts the 12-60mm for general use in all other aspects, while the G9 hosts the big lens for wildlife trips........however.

Swapping them over has proved beneficial on a number of occasions for several reasons.
The G80 is on a wrist strap, it's significantly lighter than the G9, and when paired with the 100=400mm I can walk it around in the hands for quite a while before fatigue means a break. Also, the 100-400mm Power OIS really brings out the best in the G80, the shutter speeds are good and the focus on moving animals is very respectable for such a camera. Less pixels and features are traded off for comfort and handling on the wrist strap.

Now the G9. This is on a neck strap, and this is great with then little lens because I can let it hang hands free, no risky weight pulling on the body and lens attachment. So when I am using two cameras, I can just release the G9 and grab the G80 from the bag if wildlife presents an opportunity. The great thing here is that the G80 can stay in the hands for longer periods if Wildlife is taking the lead, and the wrist strap is so much more flexible.

So there we are, the G80 + 100-400mm is a lighter alternative that I like on the wrist strap, surprisingly capable for wildlife and really nice to use. If it's a dedicated wildlife day in favourite places, then the G9 + 100-400mm on the neck strap is the rig and only camera on the day. When I'm going all out for wildlife in good places I want the best gear I own, for obvious reasons. But the lighter G80 does a pretty darn good job on mixed general days.

Two approaches for different days, both with their advantages.
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Very logical. I miss my G80 (gave it to my son), the GX9 has taken its place though, and I find that either the 12-60 or the 14-140 is on the GX9 and a longer lens on a G9. Quite often that is the 100-300.

I don't use a wrist strap, I wrap the neck strap round my wrist so that it can not slide off, and when I will be walking with a long lens, I have a elastic (very firm) strap round me that clips onto the camera to stop it swinging around.
Then I usually carry a TZ60 in my shirt pocket for any "ordinary" shots, never been disappointed with the results.

I agree, the focus on the G80 is surprisingly good, and as good as instant in all but very trying conditions.

My most useful addition has been the red dot sight when using the 100-400 at 400, you do get used to finding the subject quickly, but the sight makes is surer and quicker.
 
Sangoma said:
Very logical. I miss my G80 (gave it to my son), the GX9 has taken its place though, and I find that either the 12-60 or the 14-140 is on the GX9 and a longer lens on a G9. Quite often that is the 100-300.

I don't use a wrist strap, I wrap the neck strap round my wrist so that it can not slide off, and when I will be walking with a long lens, I have a elastic (very firm) strap round me that clips onto the camera to stop it swinging around.
Then I usually carry a TZ60 in my shirt pocket for any "ordinary" shots, never been disappointed with the results.

I agree, the focus on the G80 is surprisingly good, and as good as instant in all but very trying conditions.

My most useful addition has been the red dot sight when using the 100-400 at 400, you do get used to finding the subject quickly, but the sight makes is surer and quicker.
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The 14-140mm has been top of my wish list for a long time.
 
Today I switched on i Dynamic and put it in auto, does anyone use it? Never used it before, and don't know what difference it made.
G80 + 100-400mm. I used one notch down of expo comp for the white on the Gulls, a bit more would have helped on some shots.
The light was poor and these are heavily cropped JPEGs but the rig did well for a fun session trying to get flying Gulls.
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Back on the Panasonic came with a G9 ii and Leica 100-400… few photos from the last couple weeks.
 

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Been away from the forum for a couple of years mainly due to ill health and not being able to get around easily. My circumstances have changed somewhat, no more car to carry camera gear around in, license revoked through illness. Not prepared to use a motability scooter I am now using an E Bike. All of this means that I am looking for something smaller, lighter and cheaper than my Minolta lenses. Was very happy with both four thirds and micro four thirds in the past so looking at whats available.

Requirements.
Small, light and cheap body. (no more lockable motorbike panniers.)
Must have viewfinder.
Must have fully articulated rear screen, so useful when getting down for those low POV shots or awkward to reach places.
Must have WiFi for same reason.

My first thoughts are a G6, can be had for between £100-160 quid and has all the above.
Thinking of pairing it initialy with a 14-42 G X PZ zoom OIS to compensate for lack of IS in camera body.

Any thoughts on either lens or camera? Coments from owners or ex owners?
 
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Baloo said:
Been away from the forum for a couple of years mainly due to ill health and not being able to get around easily. My circumstances have changed somewhat, no more car to carry camera gear around in, license revoked through illness. Not prepared to use a motability scooter I am now using an E Bike. All of this means that I am looking for something smaller, lighter and cheaper than my Minolta lenses. Was very happy with both four thirds and micro four thirds in the past so looking at whats available.

Requirements.
Small, light and cheap body. (no more lockable motorbike panniers.)
Must have viewfinder.
Must have fully articulated rear screen, so useful when getting down for those low POV shots or awkward to reach places.
Must have WiFi for same reason.

My first thoughts are a G6, can be had for between £100-160 quid and has all the above.
Thinking of pairing it initialy with a 14-42 G X PZ zoom OIS to compensate for lack of IS in camera body.

Any thoughts on either lens or camera? Coments from owners or ex owners?
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What about G80 and 12-60mm lens. Used models are getting pretty cheap now and I love mine.
Solid weatherproof build, not very bulky, superb in-body IS which works with the Power OIS lenses.
I never use a tripod and it's amazing how low you can get the SS with all the stabilisation.
 
I'm not a big zoom user but on MFT I did prefer the Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 for the constant aperture rather than the variable aperture of some zooms plus it focuses quite close. You may not see one in your price range though.

Just on back screens. I much prefer a tilting screen to a fully articulating one as I like the screen to be in line with the camera. Looking at a screen to the side of a camera feels awkward to me.
 
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Crotal Bell said:
What about G80 and 12-60mm lens. Used models are getting pretty cheap now and I love mine.
Solid weatherproof build, not very bulky, superb in-body IS which works with the Power OIS lenses.
I never use a tripod and it's amazing how low you can get the SS with all the stabilisation.
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Must admit I am tempted by the G80 but worried that it s an increase in size, held a g6 and very small and light weight.
 
vintageman said:
I moved from a G6 to a G7 and found it well worth the upgrade. Its quite a lot lighter than a G9 if weight is important to you.

The 12-60 kit lens has good zoom range and performs well for its price
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Had the G7 and liked it very much, what did you find about it better than the G6? Strangly g7 looks like they are going for around the same as G80, there is a G80 at Park Cameras for £239
 
IMO... Avoid the G7. It has the old shutter with the potential for shutter shock. Avoid unless you know and accept the issue.
 
woof woof said:
IMO... Avoid the G7. It has the old shutter with the potential for shutter shock. Avoid unless you know and accept the issue.
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Didnt you have shutter shock issues on a couple of Panasonics back in the day, I never had any issues with either G7or GX 7 guess I was just lucky.
 
vintageman said:
Both the image quality and the handling of the G7 suited me better,
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Yes image quality on my g7 was very good, puts me off G6 a bit if there is a noticable difference.
 
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