The Panasonic GX80 / GX85 is an affordable Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that enables photographers to test out or start to switch to the new system without breaking the bank to do so.
The camera comes with a versatile set of features and performs well. However, to take full advantage of these abilities, photographers need to get the right lens for their situation.
We tried to compile a list of versatile lenses that were affordable, durable and yielded high-quality images. Our lenses ranged from wide-angle to super telephoto and include prime and zoom lenses. There should be something for everyone on this list!
6 Best Panasonic GX80 & GX85 Lenses
Best Overall: Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO
- Focal Length: 12 – 40 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 7.9 inches
- Weight: 13.4 inches
- Filter Thread: 62 mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
Pros: Versatile focal length, robust autofocus system, weather-sealed, image stabilization included
Cons: Expensive, heavy, struggles with chromatic aberration
What Makes this Lens Our Top Pick?
This wide-angle focal length range can cover about 75% of photographic situations photographers find themselves in. That makes it a versatile and functional choice for photographers who are looking for their first lens for the new top mirrorless camera bodies.
The lens pairs well with both cameras’ 5-axis image stabilization. The image stabilization in the lens itself works well to eliminate camera shake. That is the case even in lower light situations.
The focal length range is great for portraits. Also, the extreme close minimum focus distance enables photographers to dabble in some light macro photography.
The final images are also razor sharp from corner to corner, with little distortion and pixelation. Since this lens is part of the Zuiko PRO line from Olympus, the images are truly professional quality.
The lens has an electrical autofocus system that can rack between minimum and infinity in under a second. The Movie & Still Compatible focusing system helps photographers achieve fast, accurate autofocus and subject tracking with no noise. That applies whether they are shooting stills or video.
Finally, the linear motor also contributes to the lens being able to focus quickly and silently. That makes this a perfect option for videographers.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers praised this lens for being versatile and high-performance. They rated it as a good lens for any camera bag, especially if photographers were just starting out and needed their first Micro Four Thirds Lens.
Overall, the images produced with this lens are razor sharp and clear. It can be used by enthusiasts and professionals alike.
It handles chromatic aberration well overall. However, the performance here varied depending on which focal length photos were shot with. Aberrations were better controlled at lower focal lengths, with higher amounts appearing around 35 mm.
The lens has an amazing autofocus system. However, it can also be used in manual focus mode, which many professional photographers enjoyed. They enjoyed it particularly when shooting macro images.
Overall, the lens build is durable. It has robust weather sealing to protect the lens in adverse weather sealing.
Features and Considerations
Many photographers purchase the Panasonic GX85 in a bundle with the 12 – 32 mm f/3.5 – 5.6 lens. That is too similar a focal length range to this lens to justify purchasing both of them. If your camera didn’t come with the 12 – 32, this is a great lens to consider adding to your camera backpack.
The lens is slightly heavier than others on this list, however, That means it can slightly unbalance the lighter mirrorless camera bodies it was built for. If you have the chance to test the lens before committing to it, we recommend doing so to make sure you like how it handles.
A Close Second: Panasonic Lumix G 25 mm f/1.7
- Focal Length: 25 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 9.8 inches
- Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Filter Thread: 46 mm
- Image Stabilization: No
Pros: Versatile basic focal length, Nano surface coating, affordable
Cons: The focal length is often covered by zoom lenses
What Makes this Lens Special?
This lens is a great basic lens. It has an equivalent 50 mm focal length. That is perfect for street photography, portraiture and a number of other applications.
The fact that it is a prime lens means photographers can expect razor sharp images. There are a number of glass elements and coating to cut down on ghosting, flares, chromatic aberration and distortion.
The lens has 9 elements arranged in 7 groups with 2 aspherical elements. It has a single ultra high refractive index lens element. The Nano Surface Coating drastically reduces flare and ghosting.
Additionally, the seven blade aperture diaphragm creates smooth, consistent bokeh. Despite the glass elements and technology packed in, the lens is relatively lightweight and compact.
The super wide minimum aperture enables photographers to capture decent images in low light situations, with a minimum aperture of just F/1.7. The lens only measures 52 mm in length as well. That makes it discreet to use in a number of situations.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers praise this lens for the standard, versatile focal length and high performance. They particularly liked the interior build and glass elements that cut down on issues like ghosting and flare. They consistently rated it highly for photographers ranging from amateurs to professionals.
The autofocus system is fast and almost completely silent. It has the ability to lock on to a subject with fast accuracy.
The filter thread is smaller than normal. However, it doesn’t rotate when the lens focuses. That means photographers who like graduated neutral density filters and polarizers will be happy using this lens.
Photographers can also switch to manual focus and use the camera’s focus-by-wire system. That feels pretty natural to use.
There is almost no chromatic aberration in final images, which is impressive for a lens at any focal length, although there is considerable vignetting. This is easily fixable in post processing on your editing monitor if photographers find the effect annoying. The ultra-close minimum focus distance enables photographers to do some light macro photography, and the diaphragm creates pleasant bokeh.
Features and Considerations
While this is an excellent standard lens, this focal length is often covered by other zoom lenses, making it redundant for many photographers. The high performance and complete lack of chromatic aberration do make this lens particularly strong for photographers who find they tend to shoot at this focal length often and would use a prime lens like this one.
Best Super Telephoto Lens: Panasonic Lumix 100 – 300 mm f/4.0 – 5.6
- Focal Length: 100 – 300 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 4 feet 11 inches
- Weight: 1 lb. 2 ounces
- Filter Thread: 67 mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
Pros: Affordable, image stabilization, versatile action focal length range
Cons: Heavier, far minimum focus distance, softness in images
What Makes this Lens Special?
This lens offers great range for action and wildlife photographers and is relatively inexpensive and lightweight compared to DSLR lenses at the same focal length. Since the aperture isn’t as wide as other lenses on this list, this lens should be used with a travel tripod or a monopod to help stabilize it, though the included image stabilization certainly helps eliminate camera shake.
The lens is able to get photographers amazingly close to their subjects, with an equivalent focal length range of 200 – 600 mm. Images are very sharp at the shorter end of the focal length range, and the lens is relatively compact when it comes to super telephoto lenses.
It focuses very quietly as well, and while the autofocus system could be faster, the fact that it is silent enables photographers to work with wildlife without the risk of the focus scaring them away.
The lens body is mostly plastic, which helps contribute to the low weight of the equipment overall. It is lacking a tripod collar though, which is likely due to the fact that it weighs just over a pound and a tripod is sufficient for framing shots and stabilizing the camera.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers praise this lens for the versatility and compact, lightweight nature, but found the small minimum aperture, softness at the upper range of the focal length range and slower autofocusing challenging at times.
Overall, this lens was rated well for a mirrorless super telephoto lens, and gives photographers the ability to photograph sports, action events and wildlife without having to commit to a more expensive, robust lens.
At a little over $500, this lens is priced perfectly, as it is a serious piece of technology but doesn’t perform up to the standard of more professional telephoto lenses. It has 17 elements arranged in 12 groups, with one extra low dispersion element.
While the camera can focus quickly and accurately, the tracking mode is lacking, which is disappointing for a lens that’s typically used to track subjects that move quickly.
Images are razor sharp at the shorter end of the focal length range, and photographers are able to achieve sharp, professional quality photos with a little bit of work and focus. Color fringing is minimal, and the lens can accomplish decent creamy bokeh at the right distance.
Features and Considerations
Even though the lens is relatively compact and lightweight, it is still large for the super compact mirrorless camera bodies. This is unavoidable when it comes to telephoto lenses, however, and this lens does a better job than most at balancing with the small mirrorless frame.
Most Versatile Longer Lens: Panasonic Lumix 35 – 100 mm f/2.8
- Focal Length: 35 – 100
- Minimum Focus Distance: 2 feet 9.5 inches
- Weight: 12.7 ounces
- Filter Thread: 58 mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
Pros: Compact, versatile telephoto focal length range, lightweight, image stabilization
Cons: Expensive, few additional features
What Makes this Lens Special?
This focal length range is more versatile than the super telephoto zoom lens above, making this an excellent lens for photographers who need a longer lens for portraiture, wedding photography, street photography and more. The lens has an equivalent focal length range of 70 – 200 mm, and zooms internally, which means the lens never extends or retracts.
The lens is fast, and has 18 lens elements arranged in 13 groups, including 1 UED element and 2 ED elements. The wide f/2.8 minimum aperture enables photographers to take images with a lot of light and detail in the highlights and shadows, with clear images being possible even in lower light situations.
Panasonic’s optical image stabilizer, Power O. I. S., also helps photographers get clear images in lower light.
The rounded iris blade diaphragm helps create pleasant bokeh, which is perfect for action shots and portraiture, and makes this lens a great choice for wedding photography. A lens hood is also included in the kit, which cuts down on lens flare and protects the front element from fingerprints and other scratches.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers loved this lens and the innovative internal zoom design, and particularly praised it for its versatility, noting that it is ideal for light action photography, weddings, portraits and street photography. The lens has light splash- and dust-proofing, including a rubber gasket around the lens mount to keep dust and water from getting into the camera body.
Overall, reviewers were big fans of the compact size and lightweight nature of this lens, with the entire lens measuring just 10 cm without the lens hood, and 14 cm with the lends hood.
The stepping autofocus motor helps the lens to focus almost entirely silently, which is great for photographing in sensitive situations like weddings or on the street where you would rather not be noticed. The lens also autofocuses quickly, enabling photographers to use it for stills or video.
The lens doesn’t struggle with chromatic aberration at any focal length, and while there is some vignetting it is mild enough that it can be easily corrected after all of the images are taken. Unfortunately, the minimum focal length is not close enough for this lens to be used as a macro lens.
Features and Considerations
This lens is versatile, but it is pretty long in terms of focal length, making it a little more specialized than a 25 mm lens or something at a wider focal length. Photographers should consider the situation they want to use the lens in and think about adding a wider angle lens to their bag to balance their collection.
Best Portrait Lens: Panasonic Lumix G 42.5 mm f/1.7
- Focal Length: 42.5 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1 foot
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Filter Thread: 37 mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
Pros: Great portrait length, sharp corner to corner, low minimum aperture, image stabilization, affordable, lightweight
Cons: Bokeh isn’t as smooth as other lenses
What Makes this Lens Special?
This short telephoto lens has an equivalent focal length of 85 mm and is ideal for portraiture. It is sharp corner to corner, has a short enough minimum focal distance to function as a macro lens and is affordable enough that almost any photographer can add it to their stylish photog bag.
The lens design is compact and lightweight, weighing just under 5 ounces so that it doesn’t unbalance the lightweight mirrorless camera bodies.
The super bright f/1.7 aperture enables photographers to isolate subjects and create smooth, creamy bokeh. This helps contribute to this lens being perfect for portraiture and enables photographers to use their camera in lower light situations. The light telephoto length is also useful for getting tighter views of landscapes or architecture.
With a price tag well under $500 also, this lens is a good value and has impressive abilities that are closer to those of a more expensive professional lens. The inclusion of optical stabilization is also helpful for portrait photographers and other light telephoto applications.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers were generally positive about this lens and loved how lightweight and compact it is. They especially praised the lens for having a versatile focal length and being ideal for portraiture.
The lens has 10 elements that are arranged in 8 groups, including the aspherical lens on the front. The direct drive linear stepping motor allows for smooth and quiet autofocus that won’t disrupt the mood of your shoot, and the lens is available in black or silver depending on the look photographers prefer.
The lens fits easily in the palm of your hand, making it easy to use and allowing it to balance with the lightweight Panasonic GX80/GX85 cameras. While the filter thread is a little small, it doesn’t rotate when the camera focuses. The lens also handles chromatic aberrations so well that they are almost non-existent in final images.
Features and Considerations
The bokeh is smooth and consistent, but it isn’t as smooth as other lenses. For photographers who find this to be super important, we recommend looking up some example images of the bokeh this lens creates and comparing it to other similar lenses that are in the running for your camera bag.
Finally, while this lens is versatile for a number of portraiture and event coverage applications, it is not as universally versatile as a wide-angle or normal length lens.
Best Wide-Angle Lens: Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 9 – 18 mm f/4.0 – 5.6
- Focal Length: 9 – 18 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 9.8 inches
- Weight: 5.5 ounces
- Filter Thread: 52 mm
- Image Stabilization: No
Pros: Compact, lightweight, unique range for mirrorless cameras, takes beautiful images
Cons: Expensive, weak minimum aperture, no optical image stabilization
What Makes this Lens Special?
While this lens doesn’t have the widest aperture, it does take consistently beautiful images and has a versatile wide-angle focal length range that is not super common in the Micro Four Thirds lenses so far. For photographers looking for a wider angle lens that don’t necessarily need to shoot in low light situations, this lens is an excellent choice.
While this lens lacks certain additional features like image stabilization, it also comes with some innovative pieces of technology like the Dual-sided super aspherical lens. Photographers who like to experiment beyond stills will be pleased that this lens was designed with video in mind and comes with a super silent autofocus motor that won’t pick up sounds on your videos.
Images are impressively sharp, with a slight increase in sharpness form the corners to the center. This lens does unfortunately struggle with chromatic aberration, with significant fringing appearing in the center of the images around high-contrast areas.
What Do Reviewers Say?
While reviewers were critical of certain elements of this lens, they generally were happy with the image quality and unique functionality of this lens for the Micro Four Thirds line up. There is minimal distortion and slight vignetting that can be easily corrected in post processing.
One of the biggest criticisms of the lens is the all plastic body, which looks and feels unprofessional and doesn’t protect the lens as well as a metal body would. It does perform reliably well, however, and takes stunning images.
Features and Considerations
The aperture isn’t very wide, making it hard to shoot in low light situations. The camera body is also all plastic, making it look and feel a little cheap, which isn’t helped by the fact that the lens lacks image stabilization.
These features are balanced by absolutely beautiful images though, and photographers who need a wide-angle lens who are less concerned about low light will be happy with this option.
Selection Criteria: How We Ranked Our Choices
A camera is only as good as the lens it’s paired with, and since this camera is relatively affordable, photographers can likely afford to spend a little bit more to get a lens that will stretch the abilities of this camera. Regardless, we tried to select lenses that are affordable, high-quality and durable that cover a range of applications.
Here are some of the main considerations we looked at when compiling this list of lenses for the Panasonic GX80 / GX85.
Versatility
Most photographers can’t afford to purchase a separate lens for every application and need to get lenses that are versatile enough to work in multiple situations. Generally, wider angle lenses and regular length lenses are more versatile, but light telephoto lenses are ideal for portraiture, wedding photography and a number of other similar applications.
With Micro Four Thirds lenses, photographers should remember to convert the focal length into the equivalent range, which is twice what is listed. That means the Panasonic Lumix G 25 mm f/1.7 lens actually has a focal length of 50 mm on a normal DSLR camera.
Lens | Equivalent Focal Length |
Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO | 24 – 80 mm |
Panasonic Lumix G 25 mm f/1.7 | 50 mm |
Panasonic Lumix 100 – 300 mm f/4.0 – 5.6 | 200 – 600 mm |
Panasonic Lumix 35 – 100 mm f/2.8 | 70 – 200 mm |
Panasonic Lumix G 42.5 mm f/1.7 | 85 mm |
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 9 – 18 mm f/4.0 – 5.6 | 18 – 36 mm |
Affordability
While it would be nice if money weren’t an option when selecting a lens, this isn’t the case for a majority of us. We tried to find lenses that were affordable but high value. If a lens was more expensive than the average lens we tried to note why we still included it and what technology or features justified the additional cost.
Low Light Performance
Mirrorless cameras tend to be better than DSLRs at capturing low light images, but that’s only true if you select a lens that can perform in less than adequate light. This has a lot to do with the minimum aperture, with wider apertures performing better in low light than smaller apertures.
While not all of the lenses on this list do well in low light, a majority of them do. We tried to note why lenses were included if they didn’t perform well in low light.
Lens | Minimum Aperture |
Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO | f/2.8 |
Panasonic Lumix G 25 mm f/1.7 | f/1.7 |
Panasonic Lumix 100 – 300 mm f/4.0 – 5.6 | f/4.0 |
Panasonic Lumix 35 – 100 mm f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
Panasonic Lumix G 42.5 mm f/1.7 | f/1.7 |
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 9 – 18 mm f/4.0 – 5.6 | f/4.0 |