GH4 2 new lens from Panasonic

Yeah. Kinda cool. Although I can't justify selling my Olympus then buying this for $200 more just for image stabilization...
 
These lenses seem aimed mostly at the budget-minded & appear to lack dedicated OIS switches. The 45.2mm f/1.7 also uses 37mm filters whereas most of Panasonic's better primes are at least 46mm, which somewhat complicates filtering a set.

Been thinking about adding Panasonic's 45.2mm f/1.2 to my travel kit but am a bit reluctant due it's size & weight. I'll test this 45.2mm 1.7 version & would happily replace Olympus' version just for OIS.
 
Olympus needs to rehouse their old Pen F 42/1.2 in a m43 mount. That is by far the best LITTLE lens in that focal length I've ever used on m43. Not sure why the Noctricron is as huge as is is.
 
For those requiring a little working distance when shooting macro I have found the m4/3 60mm 2.8 Olympus macro to be a stellar performer.
 
It may be a bit more than the Olympus but lets wait and see how well it performs. The Olympus is a rather old design now in terms of m43 lens and the Panasonic could really give it a run for its money. The stabilization is for sure worth it as well for anybody who ever shoots off of a tripod. Even on a good monopod stabilization can help out. Assuming Panasonic does it right without the micro jitters.

I for sure see a market for this lens because the 42.5mm is a great lens but the f1.2 version is very expensive even for those who don't mind spending money on good glass. Of course I would take that lens in a heart beat if I could but for me having the same focal length at f1.7 for a fraction of the cost is a pretty darn sweet thing. f1.7 is less than a stop slower than the f1.2 which still makes it a pretty solid low light choice.

I really need a lens in this range and was considering getting the Olympus 45mm due to cost but I will now wait and see how well this new lens performs. It is works well with my pana/leica 25mm f1.4 I think I will forget about the f1.2 and just get this new lens.

As for macro lens I am also very happy with my Olympus 60mm f2.8 macro. Great lens even at f2.8. Use it a lot as a regular 60mm lens which is why I held off so long getting a 45mm range lens. Not sure if I see a very good use for this new 30mm macro. Panasonic already has a 45mm f2.8 macro lens and with the Olympus that gives two pretty solid choices for macro lenses. Went with the 60mm over the 45mm due to extended reach. 30mm just seems a little odd to me as a macro.
 
I just hope it doesn't cost US$400 here... it'll be nearly twice the price of what I paid for my Olympus!
 
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