Lumix GH1 - Which lens to buy after 20mm?

[JimAscher]

I've just acquired a Panasonic Lumix GH1 with the standard kit 20mm lens.  I have a zoom lens on my Lumix LX1 and on my Sony DSC R1 (which I may shortly decide to part with -- it's awfully heavy!).  So, I don't really need or want another zoom lens.  Any recommendations for a good second fixed-focus lens to go with the GH1?     

[feppe]

I've just acquired a Panasonic Lumix GH1 with the standard kit 20mm lens.  I have a zoom lens on my Lumix LX1 and on my Sony DSC R1 (which I may shortly decide to part with -- it's awfully heavy!).  So, I don't really need or want another zoom lens.  Any recommendations for a good second fixed-focus lens to go with the GH1?      

What you shoot determines your lens requirements. The prime choices are limited, though. There's a 14mm Panasonic to be released/announced at Photokina, and a rumored mystery lens from them as well. I'd imagine Olympus will announce a lens or two in the coming months, and there are persistent rumors about others joining the MFT group.

FWIW, I'm going to get the 45mm Panasonic along with the 20mm for my E-PL1, unless there's a 12mm or wider prime, or a fast 60mm or so for portraits coming in the foreseeable future. I'm not holding my breath on those two, though It seems that the market is much more geared towards zooms.

One thing worth considering are various lenses you can attach with an adapter. It makes the camera bulky and the adapters are costly, but you'll get access to focal lengths and apertures not otherwise available.

[JimAscher]

Many thanks.  The 45mm sounds perfect, but I'm afraid to see what it costs. 

[DarkPenguin]

Lots.

[feppe]

Lots.

It has "Leica" written on it, which alone commands a 100% price premium

[JimAscher]

Because of the staggering (to me) cost of the 45mm, I think I'd best go the route of the adapter with four-thirds lenses.  I can get the Panasonic DMW-MA1 adapter in the U.S. for about $104.  Now, on that basis, does anyone have a recommendation on an equivalent 45mm or so four-thirds lens for my GF1?  Many thanks to all.   

[feppe]

Because of the staggering (to me) cost of the 45mm, I think I'd best go the route of the adapter with four-thirds lenses.  I can get the Panasonic DMW-MA1 adapter in the U.S. for about $104.  Now, on that basis, does anyone have a recommendation on an equivalent 45mm or so four-thirds lens for my GF1?  Many thanks to all.   

I've no idea about that combination, but please check out reviews and tests before buying a non-MFT lens - I've heard complaints of sluggish AF with adapters, and some other weirdness depending on the lens.

[JimAscher]

Until I'd posted my initial message in starting this thread, I hadn't really considered the option of using an adapter, although I knew of course they existed.  So in pursuing this matter further today in other related formats, I was awakened to the idea of using lenses that I still had on hand from my 35mm film days.  Namely, the 50mm Nikkor that came with my Nikon F2 (which is still stowed away in my basement).  This particular lens is apparently quite highly regarded for use with the GH1 (often with a Voigtlander adapter, which is quite pricey in the U.S. -- $179 -- but obviously significantly cheaper than buying a new lens).  So, for now, I think I'll give that old lens of mine a try.  Many thanks, again, to all.   

[leuallen]

Jim, go to the GetDPI forum for micro 4/3. Search the threads there for adapters. There are many good adapters available for the Nikon for a lot less than $179. In the range of $50.00. I use a lot of inexpensive adapters for Nikon, Om, Pentax and Minolta and they all work.

Larry

[JimAscher]

Larry: Thanks.  I've just found (and ordered) one for US$39.00 at Amazon.  Reviews on Amazon indicate also that it works fine, but is sometimes difficult to remove the lens from the adapter.  But since I only intend to use the one Nikkor lens with my GF1, I probably will never wish to remove the lens from the adapter after the initial mounting (of the lens to the adapter).  Thanks again.