The Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 - Am I Just Upgrading To The Same Lens???
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Comparing the Lumix 25mm f/1.7 and Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 Lenses
When considering prime lenses for micro four-thirds systems, two popular options often come into the spotlight: the Lumix 25mm f/1.7 and the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4. Both lenses offer a standard focal length equivalent to 50mm on a full-frame camera, making them versatile choices for various types of photography, including portraits, street, and everyday shooting.
The choice between the Lumix 25mm f/1.7 and the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. The Lumix 25mm f/1.7 is an excellent option for those seeking a high-quality, affordable prime lens with solid performance. On the other hand, the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 offers superior image quality, better low-light performance, and a more robust build, making it ideal for professional use and those willing to invest in a premium lens.
Both lenses are strong contenders in the micro four-thirds ecosystem, and either choice will enhance your photographic capabilities.
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The 25mm f/1.4 Mark 2 being weather sealed was what persuaded me to upgrade. Definitely have appreciated the low light performance. But the 1.7 is smaller, lighter and just as nice contrast and colour-wise in my view. So both good choices.
Hi Grant, i used the 25mm f/1.4 Mark 1 for more than ten years. I was my perfect lens for indoor photography. After a couple of years I found out that the 20mm f/1.7 and the 25mm f/1.7 were better in sharpness and contrast. The Leica lens had a slight soft-focus effect. I don't know if this was since I bought it or came from dust and humidity. So I sold this lens and bought the Sigma 30mm f1/4, which is cristal sharp even at f/1.4 and the 30mm is for my purposes more adequate. As a Leica snob you must have this lens, I do understand this, but I strictly recommend you to buy the Mark 2 version, which is weather sealed and, as far as I know, sharper. Unfortunately, the lens hood cannot be mounted upside down due to its rectangular shape. I find this a disadvantage if you have little space in your photo bag. It looks cooler, but is less practical. Since I travelled with a 50 mm lens for 30 years in the analogue world, I almost hate this focal length, but these lenses were always included when I bought my camera.
I've never used the 1.7, but the 1.4 is a favorite of mine. The images from it have a quality about them that really works for me.
I’d even consider the 25 1.2 oly. MFT makes most sense with ultra fast lenses.
I’ve had both lenses. There is less lens breathing with the 25 F1.4. Apia little clearer also.
I have the 25mm 1.4 II, and I sold the 1.7 version, so I know both. I'm using on a G85 and on an Olympus E-m1 II. The Leica is way better. The color, the sharpness are far superior. It's one of my favorite lens.
I have the mk1 of the 1.4 and really like it the lens hood seems a bit big. The mark 2 is weather sealed, if it worth the upgrade not to sure I have not used the 1.7 version so can't give you a comparison but as you said at the end of your video you almost made up your mind so happy hunting for good price.
Love the 25mm f1.7 and have also been listing after the Leica 25mm 1.4 but seeing the direct comparison seem like it’s really marginal.
Not tried the Pana 25 / 1.7, but did have the first version of 25 1.4 at one point. Can say its excellent in terms of rendering, colour, sharpness, contrast. What you would expect from a Pana Leica. AF motor is a bit old hat though, not so fast or quiet as I recall. Given your collection of Pana Leica glass, you should just get it. If you want a fat standard prime with fast quiet AF, OM System 20mm f1.4 is worth a look and can be used with impunity wide open.
One of my first lenses was the lumix 25mm f1.7 and I have great memories using it, but I've found it is substantially outperformed any of the other consumer trinity Lumix and M.Zuiko primes (17mm, 25mm, 45mm f1.7-1.8). This became apparent once I started using these lenses for work, as my 25mm f1.7 just couldn't keep up with the others in terms of IQ for indoor event photography. This got worse when used alongside the f2.8 zooms, as it couldn't even hold up to those, whereas the other consumer primes actually could. Anyway I had to upgrade to the M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 quite quickly and that made all the difference.
Anyway, I'm happy you've been able to get so much professional use out of the lumix 25mm. Honestly, I'd be shocked if the Leica 25mm f1.4 doesn't provide you with a dramatic improvement in capability and I'm actually shocked you don't own this lens already. For myself, I was looking at the mkII version of this lens for a long time, but was misinformed about its focusing motor, which I now understand to be upgraded over the mki along with being weather sealed. I ended up getting the M.Zuiko 20mm f1.4, but I think I'd use the Leica more if I had it.
Hi Grant, there are 3 reasons to get the Leica 25 mm over the lumix. Slightly faster for low light, more bokeh, and the leica colors. To understand the leica colors just compare your 15 mm images to the 25 f1.7 and see if you notice a difference. The 15 and 25 leica give almost the same colors. Three are 3 reasons to keep the lumix version, it's lighter, protrudes less, and it's cheaper (It costs zero $ if you already own it 🙂 ). Matti Sulanto does a great review/comparison. BTW I've used both and own the leica version.
Why not go for the Sigma 30/1.4 instead. Lots of people rave about it and it'll give you a slightly different focal length to play around with.
Hi Grant! I‘ve had the 1.7 for many years and liked the focal length a lot. But I didn‘t like the plastic feel. So recently I gave it to my son (who loves it on his old GH2) and got myself the Leica.
The difference is striking. It is not as sharp wide open, but adds some magical glow and Leica-feel to the pictures. Stopped down a bit it‘s sharper than the 1.7. It has more character, feels much more premium and is weather-sealed.
Tip: The shorter rectangular lense hood from the 45mm macro fits perfectly and looks much cooler than the original. It makes it look gorgious!
Grant, go and get one! You won‘t regret it!
Thank you :)
Never had the Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 But I do have the 25mm f/1.4 Leica DG Summilux version 1, and yes there is a version II but not sure of the differences specs say same number of elements and groups so likely same optics but my guess maybe faster focus and better tracking but not sure.. Looking online the Leica has an extra element than the panasonic 1.7 but not sure the purpose, maybe for contrast.
I used the 25mm Summilux on the GH2 and GH3 for stills and got Leica M7 Colors and contrast Lots of pop . Handy lens for interview shots on the GH4 and Black magic pocket 4k, but I but mostly used the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 for set-down video interviews.
I'd say opt for the Summilux Used prices are about $100US different and I Love the colors and pop of the Summilux, but I prefer the 20mm f/1.7 Panasonic for walk-around, street and people shots. I wish there was a Leica 20mm 1.4 or 1.2
Yes. leica 25mm 1.4 is simply superb. in fact, the 50mm is the only one focal length i need for almost everything. One camera , one lens. This lens is it!
I have the 25mm f1.4 version I. The v II has weather sealing and I think some improvement to the AF.
I recall reading a review which compared sharpness between the f1.4 and f1.7. In short the difference is that the Leica at f1.4 is as sharp as the f1.7 at f1.7 and the gap in favour of the f1.4 continues to about f5.6… I think.
The rendering the f1.4 has a special quality. It is not perfect but it is Leica perfect. It has 3D pop as they say.
I prefer the 25mm over my PL 15mm f1.7 due to the better bokeh.
Yes, the mark II is weather sealed.
I don't have the 25mm f1.4 lens myself.
But, I do have the Sigma 30mm f1.4, and my experience with that lens is, that the slightly faster aperture doesn't make much difference to my photography - in fact, I'm considering getting the Olympus 25mm f1.8 for my Olympus MFT cameras.
However, as I already have the Panasonic 25mm f1.7 as well, I'm more likely to invest in the Olympus 75mm f1.8 the next time I pick up a "new" lens.
My best MFT lenses... the Olympus 45mm f1.8 and the Panasonic Leica 15mm f1.7.
I do have nifty fifty f1.4 lenses for DSLR cameras, APS-C as well as full frame, where I really prefer f1.4 to an f1.8 alternative - I guess the larger the sensor, the more difference the aperture makes.
From a quality perspective, you can tell the difference once you compare Leica or other high end brands to cheaper alternatives, but the difference isn't always as pronounced as expected in my experience.
The 1.7 was my first prime. A good lens and exceptional value for money. After a few years I purchased the 1.4. I have the version 2 weather sealed version and like it a lot. Its not a huge improvement on the 1.7 (which is a good lens) but it's the colours that I like that bit better. I find the colour matches my Pana Leica 12 and 15mm lenses well, so for me it was worth getting. 🙂
I have always thought about this lens but then I use my gx85 with the Olympus 25mm 1.8 and everything is perfect.
Upgrade if you use 25mm nifty fifty a lot. Autofocus is much faster and better, Leica is weather sealed, bit brighter and most important colours is different level pictures are more alive but biggest difference I found is in Monochrome pictures. At least with my GX8 it is different. Manual clutch is nicer to operate and more accurate. That said I hate using my 15mm leica and picture from 15mm compare to 25mm is different level so I love using 25mm so for me yes if not going to use it as much don't bother.
I have the 25mm f/1.4 Mark 1 on my GX9 and my feeling is that the AF is a bit too slow and I prefer my 15mm f/1.7 which is as a much faster AF and also I love its manual focusing and manual cranked aperture ring.
Have you considered the Sigma 30mm f1.4? It really looks good on a G9 and takes some great photos.
Hey Grant, what did you decide? I have the 25mm 1.4. It is phenomenal! I pretty much have it glued to my GX9, swapping it out for the 15mm 1.7 for street.
Hi Juliette, Yeah I recon I will get it, like you I will pair it up with the 15mm f/1.7… I just got to get a few camera things for work first :)
You will not regret it!
I have the 1.4 but you must best looking just for one stop of light. Will you shoot at 1.4 more than 1.7? It's all in the triangle.
I unfortunately cannot make a comparison with the 25mm f1.7 as I have never used it, but the 25mm f1.4 was recommended to me by a camera shop salesperson when I enquired about MFT lenses to get. At the price it was it was too good to pass, and has been one of my favourite primes for MFT.
Yeah, I reckon I'll get it :)
I had both. The 25mm 1.4 Mark II and the 1.7. I‘ve sold the Leica after a few months. Although it’s an awesome lens and definitely an upgrade in every way, the increased size and weight are not worth it in my opinion. Especially on the smaller bodies
I have 🙋♂shot on both, side by side the Leica f/1.4 takes the cake. Yes you are correct there are two versions MK1 and MK2. The MK2 was released low key with no news, press or advertising.
I bought the 25mm 1.4 II and I just can’t seem to fall in love with it. I bought it as a weather sealed lens to pair with my G9. The CA on certain subjects, like my bicycle, is very annoying. I did get some decent car photos with it.
Another annoyance is when i try to do more environmental portraits, like my daughter sitting on a limb of a tree, her face is often fuzzy, almost looks like it has ghosting. I have tried different focus modes and I’m not sure if it’s the contrast based system itself or the lens, or a combination of both. I sold my Laowa 17mm 1.8, lumix 25mm 1.7, and 42.5 1.7 to fund this purchase, and I just haven’t enjoyed it. I’m trying, but it isn’t there. Hopefully it will be. I did end up picking up the sigma 56mm 1.4.
I will probably get the Oly 60mm next. I have had 2 of those before and I am primarily a macro/wildlife shooter and document family life as well. I change systems a lot, always trying to find the perfect setup.
I find the Leica to be marginally sharper, especially as you stop down a little, and the bokeh is slightly better. Overall the glass is just better in the Leica lenses (German glass is hard to beat). Also, the f1.4 has Nano surface coating to reduce flares and ghosting. As you like to say, “mine stays pretty much glued” to my Pen F.
i actually have the 25 1.7 but i actually added 20mm 1.4 OM system instead, it seems a better focusing lens than the 25 1.4 leica
I am not a promoter/video kinda guy...but...I have always been a wider lens "environmental" kinda guy...And ...I am also a minimalist...So...back in the day...with A pair of GX9 bodies ...My choice has been the Pan-Leica 15/1.7... Kills two birds with one stone so to speak...I use the Pan/Leica 9/1.7...15/1.7... and Olympus macro 60/2.8...than the Olympus pro 40-150/2.8 with TC 1.4 and TC 2.0... And cause its small I kept a Panasonic 14/2.5 as well ...Plus... I always kept some full frame gear with with Leica-Voigtlander- Russian- Chinese glass... way back... SLR/DSLR days... it was always 35/40 for full frame Canon 5d...5d(MK2) ...Nikon D700... and 24/25mm for DX. Nik D90-...D200- D300 etc...but thats just me...Cheers... Your needs are different...so you kinda have to decide for your self...
P.S. you can always check Flickr for ideas and examples.
I have the 15mm f1.4 Leica , 25mm f1.8 Olympus but settled for the OM 20mm f1.4 Pro as a faster alternative and that in between focal length option.
Nice video. I have PL 25/1,4 + 45/2,8 and 12-60/2,8-4. Beautiful lenses and results.
In comparison I have Olympus 17, 25 and 45 all at 1,8 also beautiful but more handy to use.
Lumix wise I have the 14/2,5 and of course the 20/1,7, everyday lenses,
Personally I think the PL 25/1,4 is a tiny. bit to big on my small Mft cameras, the 15/1,7 seems more convenient.
Otherwise absolutely superb in rendering.
Regards Ulf
I have the Panasonic Leica primes: 12 mm f/1.4, 15 mm f/1.7, 42.5 mm f/1.2, and the zooms: 8-18 mm, 12-60 mm BUT I still choose the 25 mm f/1.7 over the Leica branded equivalent. I love Leica quality (I also have three vintage Leica film cameras and just bought a previously owned digital Leica M10-P.)
I like using the aperture ring on my Panasonic Leica MFT primes and I resent the lack of an aperture ring on the 25 mm f/1.4. I also don't like the plastic build compared to other Leica primes' metal construction. And, I genuinely CAN NOT SEE the difference in image quality side by side between the 25 mm f/1.7 and the 25 mm f/1.4. (If anything, I think some of the images with the less expensive f/1.7 lens have more micro contrast and a better 3D pop.)
I'm sticking with the "nifty fifty."
which one should i buy sigma 30mm f1.4 of PL 25mm f1.4?
haven’t used either of them, so don’t know…
I’m a pana Leica snob also 😂 no doubt the 1.7 is by far the better value but I think if you want the little bit of magic and also a lens that’s amazing when shooting into the light then get the 1.4. I’ve had them both but some time apart. The 25mm 1.4 doesn’t have flaring issues like the 1.7 (and sometimes my beloved 12mm 1.4) but retains fabulous colour and contrast in such conditions. There is also a mark II to consider now which is weather sealed.
GAS Grant⁉️
No, No GAS here, It's Just content :) & Considering I just sold 3 cameras and two lenses, I'm really starting to strip things back! :)