GH2 Question about Lumix lenses

[robertwerden]

So I have the 14-140 kit and I want to go wider. I see the 7-14 is a really nice lens and that is the one im contemplating getting. However I see lots of people like the pancake 20 and 14.

So my question is: Is the pancake 14 wider than the 14-140? or is the use of the pancake simply for the lower f-stop?

My goal is to get a wider image, but not for DOF but for landscapes and time lapse as well as for long exposure star imaging. So would the f-4 be a major draw back on the 7-14 for long exposure?

Should I look at a different lens in the wide angle category that is faster?

 

[Aaron De Pry]

The 14mm pancake is not wider than the 14-140 zoom, 14mm is 14mm. However it is a faster lens and as such it can be used in more extreme lighting conditions. The 7-14 is a nice lens, it stays wide without a fisheye look (I think it is called a rectilinear lens) but it will run $800. F 4 isn't a bad thing, it won't preform well in the dark, but for landscapes it is just fine. Most lenses are sharpest at f 5.6 anyways. There is a nice tokina lens (nikon mount), 11-16 f2.8 that can be had for around $500. I usually recommend purchasing a faster lens because it will be more versatile in the long run.