A Look Through the Panasonic Micro 4 3 Lens Range
As one of the original developers of the Micro Four Thirds (4 3) camera system, Panasonic has made a name for itself with an impressive range of Micro 4 3 cameras and lenses. Designed for mirrorless, interchangeable-lens, digital cameras, the Panasonic Micro 4 3 lens series is large and varied. A look at the huge range of these lenses available on eBay will leave you happily spoilt for choice.
Is the Micro 4 3 system the same as the standard 4 3 system?No. The camera sensors are the same size and have the same 4:3 aspect ratio, but the Micro 4 3 camera construction is modified to allow for smaller camera bodies as well as smaller and more lightweight lenses.
Does the lens range include a variety of focal lengths?Yes, Panasonic's Micro 4 3 lenses offer a full choice of focal lengths, from very wide-angle, 'fisheye' lenses such as the LUMIX G 8mm, to professional telephoto lenses such as the Lumix G Leica DG Elmarit, with its focal length of 200 mm (equivalent to 400 mm in the 35mm format). The range of Panasonic Micro 4 3 lenses also includes zoom and macro lenses.
Does the smaller construction of Micro 4 3 lenses mean fewer features?No. The Panasonic Micro 4 3 lens series includes a full range of features using advanced optics and electronics. Depending on your choice of lens, these include:
- Wide Maximum Aperture: Many Panasonic Micro 4 3 lenses have a wide maximum aperture, such as the Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron, which has a maximum aperture of f/1.2. These lenses are designed for low-light work and also offer good control of depth of field when you want your subject sharply contrasted against a nicely out-of-focus background.
- Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS): Panasonic's Micro 4 3 lenses feature advanced image stabilisation, namely Mega OIS, or the even more advanced Power OIS found in their top-of-the-range models.
- Autofocus: Autofocus is fast and accurate, and thanks to the efficient motor technology employed, they're virtually silent.
- Nano coating: The nanoparticle coating used by Panasonic on its Micro 4 3 lenses is highly effective and significantly reduces flare and unwanted reflective effects that can occur in backlighting and other troublesome lighting situations.