This lens is better than I expected. Usually, pancake lenses aren't sharp at all, but this lens is equally as sharp as the Leica 15mm f1.7 Micro 4/3rds lens that I had from before. Sometimes I think the Leica was sharper, but then sometimes I change my mind and realize the Vario G 20mm 1.7 is actually sharper. They are very close in sharpness, that is for sure.
I ordered the Mark 1 version of this lens, but I received the Mark 2 version, which is metal and made in Japan. That's good. I would have still been happy with the Mark 1 version, which is plastic. The optical quality is the same regardless of whether you get the Mark 1 or Mark 2 version of this lens.
The focusing quickness and number of in-focus points isn't as good as my previous Leica 15mm 1.7, but it isn't terrible either. I would put it on par with the focusing I used to get from my Pentax camera system. It's OK and isn't going to cause you to return it, unless you were shooting birds or sports action. But then if you were shooting birds or sports, you wouldn't be using a 20mm lens anyways.
Overall, I think this is the best lens you can get for the Micro 4/3rds system. I can't get over how small and lightweight it is and yet how sharp it is. It is very hard to make a pancake lens this sharp and Panasonic has done a heck of a job with this design. If I had to keep just one lens for my M 4/3 system, it would be this lens. I highly recommend it.
| Manufacturer | Panasonic |
|---|---|
| Place of Business | MISSISSAUGA, ON, L4W 2T3 CA |
| Item model number | H-H020AK |
| Product Dimensions | 2.6 x 6.3 x 6.3 cm; 87 g |
| ASIN | B00DJS830Y |
