Panasonic Lumix G 30mm F/2.8 ASPH Mega OIS Macro

Specifications01

MountMICRO 4/3

Focal length30mm

Max aperturef/2.8

TypeCinema · Macro · Wide · Prime

Release year2015

Weight180 g

Filter size46 mm

Physical length63.5 mm

Min focus distance0.105 m

Max magnification1

Aperture blades7

Optical elements9

Groups9

Min aperturef/22

AutofocusNo

StabilizationYes

Lens hood–

Sensor coverageMicro Four Thirds

Additional Info02

SpecialMACRO ASPH MEGA OIS

Category["Micro-Four-Thirds"]

Keywords["macro","Micro-Four-Thirds","Panasonic","Prime"]

Lens TypePrime lens

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating8

Equiv Aperturef/5.6 (full format equivalent in terms of depth-of-field)

Other Featuresmacro, image stabilizer

Review VerdictThe Panasonic Lumix G 30mm f/2.8 ASPH Mega OIS macro delivered a more than solid performance during our tests. The lens is extremely sharp especially at f/2.8 and f/4. Low lateral CAs contributed to the very high sharpness perception. Unlike some other MFT lenses, it is a fully corrected lens thus distortions are marginal. The vignetting relies on auto-correction at large apertures so you have to live with increased sensor noise in the image corners at f/2.8. The original (RAW-)vignetting is reasonable though. The bokeh is generally very smooth although out-of-focus highlights aren't perfectly rendered. The build quality of this little Panasonic lens is quite impressive. It may not feel like much but the metal body is reassuring (although that's somewhat subjective). The constant physical length as well as the smooth focus ring are also appreciated. Weather sealing is not provided though. The AF is noiseless and it's also fast unless it has to hunt throughout the focus range. We miss a focus limiter but given the low price tag, we probably can't have it all. Technically there's nothing to complain about the Panasonic lens. It's sharp, small and affordable. However, if macro photography is really your thing, it probably makes more sense to check out the Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 ED macro. The Olympus lens isn't superior but it can provide a longer working distance to your main subject. Even if you are not hunting bugs, it makes life a lot easier as far as scene lighting is concerned.

Review Criteria{"Build Quality":7.5,"Optical Quality":8,"Price / Performance":7.5}

Review Published2016-08-06T13:10:00+00:00

Equiv Focal Length“60mm” (full format equivalent)

Optical Construction9 elements in 9 groups inc 1x aspherical element

Summary02

Micro Four Thirds macro prime with 30mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture. Designed for close-up photography with Mega OIS stabilization and a compact build.

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Specifications from opticallimits

Where can this lens be adapted?

The Micro Four Thirds mount has a flange distance of 19.25 mm. A plain adapter fits a camera whose flange distance is at least 1.46 mm shorter. How lens adapters work

Native lenses set the aperture, and often the focus, electronically. On a plain adapter they do not work. Use an electronic adapter made for this pair; for many pairs nobody makes one. Fully manual lenses are the exception.

Nikon ZAdapter · 3.25 mm
Covers Four Thirds: it can vignette on a full-frame sensor.
Fujifilm XAdapter · 1.55 mm
Covers Four Thirds: it can vignette on a APS-C sensor.
Micro Four ThirdsNative

No plain adapter reaches infinity focus on: Sony E, Canon RF, L-Mount, Fujifilm G (GFX), Canon EF-M, Canon EF, Nikon F.