Maker Panasonic Focal length (35mm equiv.) 40mm Close focus distance 0.2 m (7.87 in) | Focal length 20mm Aperture (max/min) f/1.7 - f/16 Max. magnification 0.13 | |
The Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 lens is a pancake-style prime lens for Micro Four Thirds system cameras. In the Micro Four Thirds format, it is slightly wider than normal. It was the prime-lens option available with the GF1.
The lens is "focus by wire"- the focusing ring sends commands, while the actual actuation is via a motor, even for manual focus. The front element does not rotate, allowing the consistent use of polarized filters. The 46mm thread lets a Micro Four Thirds user share filters between it, the Panasonic 14mm, Panasonic Leica 25mm, and Panasonic Leica 45mm lenses.
Focusing shifts all lens elements by the same amount, increasing the length of the lens slightly at close focus distances.
The lens is very favorably reviewed , including descriptions as a "must have" or "must own" lens. Praise centres on its small size and excellent sharpness. Criticisms include the use of software correction of distortion, and that the focusing motor is slower and noisier than lenses intended for video ("MSC"- movie and stills compatible).