Best Lens For GH4 (Crystal Clear Photography)
Though the Panasonic Lumix GH4 mirrorless camera was launched in 2014, it is still a good performer and one of the best entry-level cameras for beginners. Its 17 MP image sensor, 4k video capture resolution, weather-sealed body, and high-speed autofocus make it one of the market's finest Micro 4/3 thirds cameras.
So, if you own this GH4 and looking for the best pair for it, this article will help you. I'm Nicholas Ghilli, a cinematographer for the past 15 years. Here, I will be taking you through a list of the best lenses for GH4 cameras, along with a detailed buying guide.
But before getting into the list, let me tell you briefly how to select a Gh4 lens. An easier way for segregating the best lens for gh4 is just by dividing these lenses into two groups,
- Native lens
- Adapted lens
Wide-angle adds impact to the shot in some cases, and sometimes it is simply the most practical option for taking the pictures. That's about it. Well, let us get straight into the main content now.
REVIEW OF BEST LENSES FOR GH4
Choose your lens type here
BEST PRIME (PORTRAIT) LENSES FOR PANASONIC GH4
1. PANASONIC LUMIX 25MM, F1.7 G - BEST GH4 LENS FOR LOW LIGHT
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
An ultra small lens that is perfect for taking family portraits and group shots. It is designed for for LUMIX G DSLMs and other micro four-thirds systems.
In case of a full-frame camera you get an equivalent focal range of 50mm which is suffice for taking pictures with perfect cinematic effects.
DESIGN:
The internal optics of this lens comprises of 8 elements in 7 groups, including one ultra-high refractive index lens element and two aspherical elements. This is the reason why the lens shows only a negligible amount of chromatic aberration and distortions.
Moving on note that the lens is not weather sealed so handle the lens with care. In terms of the lens's build quality its worthy to be appreciated.
The lens is made of tough plastic and also comes with a reversible lens hood. Also, with a well-developed, high-performance stepping motor, focusing action is fast, smooth and silent, ideal for use in both photo and video recording.
PERFORMANCE:
This Panasonic GH4 lens provides high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system. If you're someone who likes to play with compression or shallow depth of field effects you can make the most out of this lens.
Yes as the lens has got a wide aperture of f/1.7 you can expect a wonderful bokeh quality. In terms of sharpness this portrait lens excels in it. It utilizes Panasonic’s unique Nano surface coating technology to reduce reflections throughout the entire visual range (380nm-780nm).
The only drawback I found with this lens is that it lacks image stabilization. As the GH4 camera also lacks an IBIS feature I recommend you use a tripod while using this lens.
What I liked about this lens:
2. OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25MM F1.8 LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
The M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 is the ideal and best lens for gh4 for shooting stunning images both day and night. It sits between wide and telephoto design with a 25mm focal length and 47-degree angle of view. The fast f1.8 circular aperture delivers beautifully soft defocused backgrounds, perfect for portraits.
It also provides superb detailed shots even when lighting is less than optimal, which means you can skip the flash in many low-light situations.
DESIGN:
This lens is pricier than the Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens, but both feel solid in terms of build quality. This could be another best portrait lens for GH4 cameras because the camera suffers from an issue that you can't adjust the focus sensitivity in the camera body.
However, with this lens on the Lumix GH4, you can vary the focal range by pulling this focus ring in one go.
The Zuiko Extra-Low Reflective Optical Coating minimizes ghosts and flares caused by in-frame light sources. This feature is essential when shooting into the sun or other back-lit situations.
The included lens hood will also protect your images from ghosting and flare.
PERFORMANCE:
The corner-to-corner sharpness of this lens is the best feature I liked about this lens. You will notice chromatic aberrations while taking photographs; however, this issue is not very prominent in shooting videos.
For a tiny lens to perform this good, it is surprising. The autofocus is comparatively fast and also smooth. So, definitely worth trying this lens!
What I liked about this lens:
BEST ANAMORPHIC LENS FOR GH4
3. SIRUI 24MM ANAMORPHIC LENS F2.8 1.33X - BEST MFT LENS FOR GH4 CAMERAS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
Are you a cinematographer looking for a perfect lens to shoot short movies or films? Then this Sirui 24mm f2.8 is the best choice.
The wide-angle focal length of 24mm helps you to cover most of the scene into the sensor while also provides the best quality of rounded bokeh.
DESIGN:
The ergonomic design of this lens makes it a good choice amongst photographers. The lens' design is pretty straight forward it's simple, compact, and not very bulky.
But that alone wouldn't justify that the product is the best anamorphic lens for Gh4, right? But wait, there's an amazing feature in this lens. It has an anamorphic squeeze ratio of 1.33x. Now, what that actually means? I'll tell. Say you're shooting pictures with a GH4 camera which has a sensor size of 17mm*13mm. So, when this anamorphic lens is attached in post-production, you could squeeze the images to a 2. 2 to 1.7 widescreen format.
PERFORMANCE:
The f2.8 wide aperture allows me to take indoor music videos and short films. I can capture shots from different angles using this anamorphic lens.
I get perfect natural-looking blue horizontal flares, so I consider this to be another best gh4 lenses for video.
The only note I would tell you is don't try to focus on very small objects as you will have to compromise on the image quality then.
What I liked about this lens:
BEST STANDARD ZOOM LENSES FOR PANASONIC GH4
4. OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40MM F2.8 PRO - BEST LENS FOR GH4 VIDEO
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
If you wish to enjoy the focal range of 24-80mm as a full-frame camera, here is an amazing lens for you. You could this as a "walk-around lens" for your Panasonic GH4 camera. You can take beautiful portrait shots and also landscape pictures of mountains, buildings and also capture the night beauty of the busy New York City.
DESIGN:
Apart from its build quality, the best feature I liked about this lens's design is that it has a one-touch manual clutch to switch from auto to manual focus easily.
Those looking for a travel-friendly lens shouldn't miss out on this lens. It will serve the best for travel vloggers as you can high definitions travel vlogs/videos even in dim-lights. Also, you can use the lens in extreme weather conditions without any worries as the lens is perfectly weather sealed.
For taking care of distortions, aberrations, and lens flare, the lens comes with these: 1 aspherical ED glass, 2 aspherical lenses, 1 DSA lens, 2 ED lenses, 1 HD lens, and 2 HR glasses.
PERFORMANCE:
As said above, I loved shooting videos with this lens. It also works great for still photography. The focusing is accurate and also tack sharp because the Olympus 12-40mm includes a . "Movie & Still Compatible" focusing mechanism. This will help you achieve a noiseless AF for both stills and videos.
The f/2.8, along with the seven aperture blades, allow me to enjoy a creamy bokeh always. Photojournalists need a reliable lens that can perform well in low-light, and there could be no better lens than this.
"Vignetting," which is a major issue in most lenses, is well controlled here. But why is it a walk-around lens? Yes, you could use the lens for all types of photography, including taking macro shots. Yes, it's surprising but true.
Though this lens is not a specialized macro type, the lens's minimum focus distance of 20cm will allow you to take close-up shots of flowers, wedding rings, etc., with good clarity. However, for insect, bug, and high-range sports functions, this lens will not help you.
What I liked about this lens:
5. PANASONIC LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35MM F/2.8 II - MICRO 4/3 ZOOM LENS FOR GH4
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
24-70mm full-frame lenses are always in demand by photographers because they are versatile zoom lenses that can be used to capture almost anything. If you wish to achieve this focal length in your GH4 camera, pair it with this ultra-lightweight lens from Panasonic. It is the best micro four thirds zoom lens you could ever use. I'll tell you why.
DESIGN:
"Extremely lightweight." It weighs about 375grams and comes with O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), making the lens excellent for video work.
For giving a fast and accurate A.F., there is a Linear Motor inside. Also, the lens is completely weather resistant like the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8.
Focusing has never been so easy as the focusing mechanism of this lens. The surprise factor is that the lens is a focus-by-wire system, but the focusing is smooth. The focus ring also works well and is also non-sticky.
PERFORMANCE:
When comparing this Panasonic lens with the above-stated Olympus lens, the bokeh quality remains more or less the same. You get 7 rounded blades on the lens' diaphragm for giving good background isolation.
But what makes it the best lens for gh4? Let me tell you. If you could purchase a lens just for the amazing picture quality and sharpness, this is the one.
The color accuracy of this lens is simply breathtaking! The pictures look so real with high color contrast.
Overall, worth listing this product in this list of best lenses for Panasonic GH4!
What I liked about this lens:
BEST TELEPHOTO LENSES FOR PANASONIC GH4
6. OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45MM F1.8 - BEST TELEPHOTO PRIME LENS FOR GH4
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
I call this is a short-telephoto lens because, in terms of a full-frame equivalent, you get a focal range of 90mm. This focal length is great for wedding photography, headshot photography, and always a reliable lens if you are on vacation.
Considering its lightweight design (115g) and cost ($300), this could be the best telephoto lens for your GH4 camera.
DESIGN:
The Autofocus system of this lens is what makes it a great GH4 lens. Yes, it has a High-speed imager AF (MSC mechanism) for giving a very fast, accurate, and noiseless AF. The autofocus speed is one major point why this lens is always in demand by customers.
The front filter is very small; it measures only 37mm. Negative lens features like too much lens flaring, vignetting, and distortion are very minimal as the lens has internal Optical coatings.
PERFORMANCE:
The 45mm f1.8 is a high-speed, very light portrait lens that is compact and affordably priced. It is designed to excel in low-light conditions, deliver outstanding detail with shallow depth of field, and capture beautiful pro-level quality portraits.
Due to the large f1.8 aperture and relatively shallow depth of field, the 45mm is well-suited to capture the combination of tack-sharp subjects and beautifully soft, de-focused background effects that exemplify bokeh.
Its bright, f1.8 aperture offers superb low-light and shallow depth-of-field performance, allowing you to capture perfect, professional-looking shots.
YouTubers looking for the best lens for micro four thirds cameras, should definitely try using this as it will take your product photography and lifestyle video shoots to the next level.
What I liked about this lens:
7. OLYMPUS ED 40-150MM F2.8 PRO - BEST LONG RANGE LENS FOR GH4
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Last but not least comes the M.Zuiko Digital ED lens from Olympus which features Olympus’ industry-first dual Voice Coil Motor (VCM) focusing system. This best lens for gh4 eliminates gears for incredibly smooth and fast auto-focus.
The best lens for gh4 can focus as close as 20 inches from the front of the lens, allowing you to capture stunning details in smaller subjects. The linear drive motors found in the lens are Movie and Still Compatible (MSC) and provide fast, nearly silent focusing and aperture performance.
Weatherproof seals in 11 different locations make the lens resistant to dust and moisture. You can easily capture stunning images in harsh weather conditions.
Paired with an Olympus OM-D camera body with 5-axis image stabilization, the lens delivers remarkable low-light images without blur due to camera shake. The MC-14 teleconverter extends the maximum focal length to 210 mm for really long shots while still carrying a minimal amount of gear.
What I liked about this lens:
BEST WIDE-ANGLE LENSES FOR PANASONIC GH4
8. PANASONIC LUMIX G II LENS, 14MM, F2.5 ASPH - BEST PANCAKE LENS FOR GH4
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
This Panasonic Lumix GII, 14mm lens, is my first pick for the best wide-angle lens for GH4. There are many good features in this lens that will make you fall in love with it.
To name some; It is very sharp, provides a 28mm full-frame equivalent, which is supreme for taking landscape photographs and has a wide aperture of f/2.5.
DESIGN:
The most lightweight lens in this list is this Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 lens. It weighs only 55g, so great for travelers. Also, it is cute and is an amazing fit with Panasonic GH4 cameras. It is fully made of metal and also has a metal lens mount.
Coming to its AF mechanism; There is a Stepper motor inside to help you achieve a faster AF. Also, the focusing is completely internal with this lens.
The internal optical structure of this lens includes 3 aspherical glasses that are multi-coated to reduce chromatic aberrations and handle lens flare.
PERFORMANCE:
Like most lenses mentioned in this list, this lens shows a pretty good quality bokeh as it has 7 rounded blades.
I used this lens on my GH5 camera, and the results were amazing. The lens maintains its sharpness at all apertures. The color and contrast of this lens are also worth watching.
As you know, GH5 is not a good low-light performer. But when you use this fast lens in your camera, the f2.5 allows the maximum light to enter the camera body, thus helps to make your dim shots look brighter.
Also, you needn't step up to a very high ISO because of this lens's bright aperture. When using this lens, make sure you use a tripod because the lens isn't image stabilized.
What I liked about this lens:
9. ROKINON CINE CV12M-MFT 12MM T2.2 - BEST GH4 CINE LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
The new Rokinon 12 mm Cine Lens is made especially for commercial shoots, films, and shooting music videos.
It features a similar outstanding image quality as the standard Rokinon 12 mm T2.2 lens but has the added advantages of de-clicked apertures and follow focus compatibility.
DESIGN:
The build quality of this lens is appreciable given its price. It has got an all-metal mount which adds to the durability of the lens.
The lens has also been constructed to be easily attached to follow focus systems that are widely used by videographers.
The lens's optical structure is constructed from 12 Glass Elements In 10 groups. The ultra-multi-coating is useful for reducing ghosting and flare.
PERFORMANCE:
Firstly, let me tell you what the T2.2 means. In the case of cine lenses, light exposure is measured in terms of T-stops. So, T2.2 is equal to a fast aperture of f/1.8 in the case of normal lenses.
If you're on vacation and get dramatic effects to your pictures, you could trust this Rokinon lens. However, note that the lens is a fully manual focus lens, so if you're main aim to capture shots of fast-moving objects, this lens wouldn't be sufficient.
However, for video work, this lens works!
What I liked about this lens:
10. SIGMA 402963 16MM F/1.4 DC DN
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Sigma 16mm 1.4 DC DN is the first wide-angle to standard zoom lens to achieve a large aperture of 1.4. This best lens for gh4 is designed especially for APS-C sized sensors.
It utilizes a wide glass-molded aspherical lens with Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass to make up for aberrations and curvature even at the widest angle. Its internal focusing and zooming enable more usability and functionality.
It is ideal for landscapes, portraits, snapshots, casual, and close-ups and Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) allows smooth, quick, and accurate autofocusing. The use of Thermally Composite Material (TSC) minimizes size and weight and increases the lens durability.
A 9-blade rounded diaphragm also creates a pleasing background blur. Sigma has developed special software (SIGMA Optimization Pro) which can update the lens firmware and adjust specific parameters such as focus.
What I liked about this lens:
BEST MACRO LENS FOR PANASONIC GH4
11. PANASONIC LUMIX G MACRO LENS, 30MM, F2.8 ASPH
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
This MFT Lumix GH4 lens shows a focal length of 60mm in case of a full-frame equivalent. This is the best option if you are for a moderately priced macro lens for your GH4.
It will cost you around $400. For this price, it has a good number of features like lightweight design, Optical Image Stabilization.
DESIGN:
The lens feels sturdy; there are no switches or other controls on the lens. The only feature present outside the lens is a manual focus ring which feels tough and allows easy rotation.
Seven aperture blades are included in the lens' design to deliver beautiful bokeh. Speaking about the AF motor of this lens, there is a Stepper motor technology for giving you a speedy AF.
PERFORMANCE:
I recommend this lens for beginners who would love to take everyday macro shots with good compression.
The autofocus also works pretty decent; it is considerably fast, accurate, and not very loud. The image stabilization works well, so those looking to take videos of slow-moving objects will love this lens.
In terms of image quality, the lens delivers images that show end-to-end sharpness. However, as this is a budget macro lens, you will have to edit a bit because you might notice some chromatic aberration and vignetting when shooting wide-open.
Also, distortions are very minimal with the lens, which is a positive thing. So, as for me this is one of the best MFT lenses I've ever used!
What I liked about this lens:
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LENS FOR PANASONIC GH4
There are a couple of factors you need to consider by purchasing a Lumix GH4 lens. So kindly read the points mentioned below before you make a final decision about your purchase.
1. FOCAL LENGTH
You should be aware of the kind of shots you will be taking with your Gh4 camera. Is it building photography, macro photography, portraiture...?
Depending on the purpose of your photography, choose a lens with the appropriate focal length. If you want a lens that can be used for all purposes, then a standard zoom lens is best because it is versatile.
If you wish to get a deep insight into the use of different focal lengths and their uses, click here.
2. Are you expecting brighter shots in low-lights?
If the answer to this question is a "Yes." Then it would be best if you chose a fast lens. By "fast" I mean the lens should have a wide aperture of less than f/2.8.
A wide-aperture lens is not only beneficial for dimly lit scenarios but is also important for achieving a pleasant bokeh.
You could use lesser ISO if the lens is fast. So make sure the lens you purchase for your GH4 has this feature.
3. FOCUS CAPABILITY
Though GH4 is mostly used by still photographers, it also does a decent job at shooting videos. So the focus mechanism of the lens should be appropriate.
Both autofocus and manual focus of the lens should work properly. Only then can we say that the lens is best for videos. In the case of a good manual focus capacity, I mean, the focus ring should not be flimsy. It should allow easy rotation as well.
Whereas for autofocus, the lens should be equipped with a good autofocus motor so that you can achieve a fast, accurate, and noiseless AF.
4. IMAGE STABILIZATION
Note that the Panasonic Lumix GH4 camera lacks an in-body stabilizer. So I would prefer using an MFT lens that has IS in-built in it.
This will allow you to get blur-free shots and videos and will enable you to shoot subjects with slower shutter speeds and less ISO.
FAQ
1. Can I use Canon lens or other lens with Lumix GH4?
Many of you want to know whether you can use Canon EF lenses on the Panasonic GH4. The answer is yes.
Like most other lens mounts, Canon’s EF mount (one of the most popular lens mounts) is compatible with the GH4’s versatile Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount with the aid of a lens adapter. Canon is quite a respectable Brand, as their are lenses from a wide range of third-party manufacturers who build lenses for the EF mount such as Sigma, Tokina, and Zeiss.
So if you want to use Canon lens or other lens with your Lumix GH4, then you should get MFT mount or Canon EF mount with a lens adapter.
2. What is the crop factor of GH4?
Well, a gh4 camera uses a 2x crop factor in HD mode. But when using an adapter and use the camera with GH4's 4k cinema mode, the crop factor reduces to 1.5x, which will give you a Super35 cinema standard.
3. What is the sensor size of a GH4 Lumix camera?
The Panasonic Lumix Gh4 camera uses a micro four third lens mount with a sensor size of 17.3 x 13.0 mm.
CONCLUSION
These are the best lenses for gh4 available in the market. Apart from apparent features like overall image quality, AF speed, and focal length, I have also focused on price and ease of use, background noise reduction, the field of view, etc.
The best lens for gh4 is guaranteed to give you the best shooting experience. They are versatile and are easy to carry, making them useful for spur-of-the-moment photography while you are traveling.
I hope you have found what you were looking for. Happy recording.!
