Whether you’ve just bought the Panasonic GH5 or had it for a while, you probably realize that having a great lens setup is vital with any mirrorless camera.
Although it’s been on the market for a while now, the popularity of the GH5 hasn’t wavered and it’s not hard to see why! With its impressive range of capabilities, the comparatively low price tag is pretty astonishing.
Initially ahead of its time in terms of cameras with video capability, even years later it holds its own against newer products.
However, if you’re looking to improve your photography and videography, finding the right lens can seem like a daunting task!
Macro lenses, zoom lenses, portrait lenses, telephoto…… there are so many options.
Don’t worry though, we’re about to arm you with the knowledge you need to choose the best lens for Panasonic GH5 cameras, regardless of the situation!
Want a quick answer? Our top pick is the Olympus 12-40mm F2.8.
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There are a few different types of lenses you need to consider, depending on your goals and style of photography or videography.
Zoom lenses are particularly popular because they are fast, convenient, and versatile.
There’s no need to pack multiple lenses for various focal lengths as a zoom lens has a range you can quickly switch between, most commonly around 70 to 200mm. This allows you to reframe a shot quickly and easily, making zoom lenses great for different types of photography. Zoom lenses are also great to pair with your blogging camera.
You do have to make a trade-off in return for that extra versatility though and zoom lenses deliver lower quality images.
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot zoom in or out which means they are not as versatile as zoom lenses. Therefore the type of photography they can be used for is limited according to the focal length you choose.
For example, a longer focal length is best for portrait photography whereas a shorter focal length is more suited to landscapes. Therefore, if you want to purchase a prime lens, make sure to do your research.
The major benefits of a prime lens are the sharper image quality and the fact that they are more compact due to fewer moving parts.
A telephoto lens has a range of between 100mm and 600mm and is a little like a super-powerful zoom lens that’s used to photograph objects far away. For this reason, these types of lenses lend themselves to wildlife and sports photography. Telephoto lens are the ones you'd usually see in an expedition or safari tours like the ones in Sri Lanka.
The downside to these lenses is that due to the large focal length they need to be large, heavy, and usually require a tripod. They are also expensive and therefore best for experienced photographers.
Macro photography is the practice of taking photographs of tiny objects in incredible sharpness and detail. This is made possible by a macro lens which allows you to zoom in and focus on small objects close to the camera incredibly well.
One benefit of a macro lens is that some of them can also be successfully used for other photography, such as portraits.
A wide-angle lens has a much smaller focal length than regular lenses, allowing you to capture a much larger area and include more of a scene in the image. For this reason, these lenses are perfect for landscape and real estate photography. So if you are planning on going on a city break, then opting for a wide-angle lens in your camera backpack would definitely be a good decision.
One drawback, however, is that they can be a little more expensive than other types of lenses.
Portrait lenses are necessarily identified by a specific focal length. Instead, different lenses are suitable for different types of portrait photography and can produce a more flattering image.
If you prefer some background in your portrait images, a lens with a shorter focal length is ideal but, if you prefer a more closely framed shot, opt for a longer focal length.
Whichever lens you choose for portrait photography though, you want the subject to be the main focus and therefore a wide aperture is a must in order to blur the background.
Before choosing the best lens for a GH5, or any camera for that matter, there are a few important factors to consider.
Which lens you should buy depends largely on the kind of photography you like or see yourself doing a lot of. The perfect lens will make it easier to create high-quality images and improve your photography skills.
If you’re not sure what kind of photography you prefer yet, you could choose a more versatile lens that allows you to experiment or choose to buy a cheaper lens so that you can afford more than one.
Focal length is measured in mm and the longer the length, the further away you can capture a clear image of something. Longer focal lengths are perfect for capturing images from a distance for example in wildlife photography. The shorter focal length stated is the minimum distance away that the lens can focus.
So, the right focal length for your lens depends on the type of photography you want to do. For example, macro photography requires a very small focal length at the lower limit.
Essentially the aperture is a measure of how much light the lens lets into the sensor. The aperture of a lens is measured by the f/ number and the narrower the aperture, the higher this number will be and the more light is let in.
A wide aperture would be below f/2.8, which lets in less light, and a narrower aperture is anything over f/2.8, which lets in more light.
A wide aperture is best for lower light scenarios and if you want to create those beautiful blurry backgrounds you see on a lot of portrait shots. Narrower apertures are best for landscape photography.
One of the great things about the Panasonic GH5 is that the inbuilt image stabilization is extremely good. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why it continues to be such a popular camera.
However, you will still find that many lenses for the GH5 do include image stabilization, and having dual image stabilization is definitely a bonus, particularly if you shoot a lot of video.
One of the major benefits of a mirrorless camera is the fact they are lightweight and easy to travel with. If this is important to you, make sure to consider the weight and size of your lens as well.
A lens with more internal parts, such as a zoom lens, will likely be larger and heavier than a lens with fewer parts, such as a prime lens. Obviously, a telephoto lens is going to be much larger than most lenses and therefore heavier.
Something that goes hand in hand with the weight and size of a lens is the build quality. Cheaper lenses tend to have more plastic parts, which makes them lighter for travel but this also means you will be compromising on durability.
It’s important to find a good balance between the cost and the quality, depending on the frequency of use and how much handling and travel it needs to withstand.
It’s important to be clear on which features are “must-have” and which are just “nice to have” because this will help you to keep the cost down.
For example, if you plan on shooting a lot of cinematic footage dual stabilization is probably a must-have but if you don’t do much videography, the IBIS is likely sufficient.
Another easy way to keep costs down is to consider buying a third-party lens instead of a Panasonic option. Often, but not always, these can be a cheaper alternative but still deliver high-quality results.
Minimum focus distance: 0.2 m
Focal length: 12-40 mm
Aperture range: f/22-2/2.8
Filter diameter: 62 mm
Weight: 381g
Size (length x diameter): 84 mm x 70 mm
If you just want the overall best lens for GH5 cameras that is versatile and suits different styles of photography, the Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 would make a great choice.
This wide-angle, zoom lens is capable of landscapes, sports, night photography, and more thanks to the focal range. It’s also a great choice if you like to dabble in portraits, thanks to the super quick fixed f/2.8 aperture at 40mm.
This is a great lens to include in your packing list if you travel a lot due to its compact design and low weight (it’s about the size of a coke can) but don’t want to miss any photo opportunities because you have the “wrong lens”.
The autofocus function is fast and the sliding focus ring makes it incredibly quick and easy to switch between auto and manual focus.
It really is hard to find a downside to this lens if you want the best versatile lens. It produces sharp images and is generally very reliable. The only thing is the larger price tag but if you don’t need to buy multiple lenses, perhaps that isn’t an issue.
We think that overall the Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 is the best Panasonic GH5 lens for beginners and seasoned photographers alike.
Minimum focus distance: 0.3 m
Focal length: 25mm
Aperture range: f/1.4-f/16
Filter diameter: 46 mm
Weight: 205g
Size (length x diameter): 54.5 mm x 63 mm
If you want the best prime lens for Panasonic GH5 cameras, the Panasonic 25mm F1.4 is often described as the best “walk-around” lens.
On the GH5, this lens will deliver a focal length similar to a 50mm lens on a full-frame digital camera, meaning the angle of view is similar to normal human vision.
If you think you will regularly be taking photos in low light conditions, this lens is great for light gathering thanks to the f/1.4 aperture. The Nano Surface Coating also does a great job of reducing reflections and ghosting.
You get impressively sharp images and it’s a great lens for general photography and portraits. The wide f/1.4 maximum aperture is also great for achieving a lovely softly blurred background so it’s a good option for those who like to shoot bokeh.
The autofocusing is micromotor driven rather than by ultrasonic AF drives like newer lenses meaning it is slightly slower and noisier. There is also no direct link between the focusing ring and the mechanics.
Minimum focus distance: 0.5 m
Focal length: 43 mm
Aperture range: f/1.2-f/16
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Weight: 425 g
Size (length x diameter): 77 mm x 74 mm
The Panasonic Leica Ncticron 42.5mm F1.2 could be the best portrait lens for Panasonic GH5 cameras if you want something high quality and don’t mind spending a little extra money.
On the GH5 this prime telephoto lens delivers a focal length equivalent to that of 85mm on a standard full-frame camera.
The maximum f/1.2 aperture allows a shallow depth of field that’s perfect for portrait photography, beautifully soft bokeh, and means it’s a reliable lens in low light. You’ll get a super sharp image, right into the corners even at maximum aperture.
The autofocus is fast and quiet and the manual focusing ring is large meaning that it’s easy to make very fine adjustments. It also has image stabilization, which isn’t 100% necessary with the GH5 but can’t hurt.
The trade-off for getting all these brilliant features is a larger and heavier piece of equipment and an increased price in comparison to some other lenses.
Minimum focus distance: 0.25 m
Focal length: 12-35 mm
Aperture range: f/2.8-f/22
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Weight: 305 g
Size (length x diameter): 67.6 mm x 73.8 mm
The Panasonic 12-35mm F2.8 has been described by countless users as a “must-have” for any GH5 user and it’s probably the best zoom lens for Panasonic GH5, especially if you dabble in videography.
It delivers a focal length range equivalent to 24-70mm on a full-frame camera so it’s a good option if you travel a lot and capture landscape shots as well as indoor photography, without carrying extra lenses.
The autofocus function is fast, extremely quiet, and operates smoothly even while recording video. This, coupled with the dual image stabilization mean you will be able to capture high-quality video that doesn’t shake, even when handheld.
Saving you the need to also invest in a camera gimbal.
The shallow depth of field and ability to capture soft bokeh makes it a great lens for capturing interview footage, events, where it is difficult to get super close and just as a general walk-around lens.
It’s weather-sealed and not too heavy, considering it’s a zoom lens and the image quality is impressive but it’s not the easiest lens to use in low light settings.
Minimum focus distance: 0.15 m
Focal length: 45 mm
Aperture range: f/2.8 - f/22
Filter diameter: 46 mm
Weight: 225 g
Size (length x diameter): 63 mm x 62.5 mm
Our top pick for the best macro lens for Panasonic GH5 is going to be the Panasonic Lumix G Leica 45mm F2.8. It’s a versatile lens that can be used for portrait photography as well as macro.
A switch on the lens allows you to instantly change the minimum focal distance from 150mm to 500mm. Likewise, the power image optical stabilization can quickly be turned on and off at the flick of a switch.
The true 1:1 macro focusing capability is a real bonus for those serious about macro photography.
As with all of the Leica line of Panasonic lenses the build quality on this lens is impressive. It’s durable yet surprisingly lightweight and compact considering the number of features included.
The autofocus function is fast and accurate when being used at a regular distance for portrait photography but it can be noisy and “hunt” when taking Macro shots. Usually, manual focusing is best for these shots anyway though.
It’s another pricey lens on this list but with the “Leica” name that’s usually expected and it has some great features like 1:1 macro focusing and image stabilization that comparative lenses don’t have.
Minimum focus distance: 0.2 m
Focal length: 12mm
Aperture range: f/2.0 - f/22
Filter diameter: 46 mm
Weight: 130 g
Size (length x diameter): 56 mm x 43 mm
The build quality and solid metal construction make the Olympus 12mm F2.0 a great buy if you want the best wide-angle lens for Panasonic GH5 cameras and do a lot of traveling.
This lens is most impressive when shooting dramatic landscape photography and architecture, especially in low light conditions thanks to the f/2.0 maximum aperture. This would be a very good lens to document exciting travels to exotic countries with breathtaking night skies like Ireland!
The Movie & Still Compatibility (MSC) technology coupled and internal autofocusing makes this the best wide lens for GH5 if you want to record video with continuous autofocus without the risk of noise from a focusing motor. There is also a responsive hyperfocal distance scale for manual focus.
Thanks to the Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical (ZERO) coating internal reflections are reduced by up to 50% and images are consistently flare-free when the light source is outside the frame.
There is some vignetting and edge softening evident at wide apertures but that resolves itself from f/2.8. It’s still a great lens if you want to experiment with wide aperture photography but it won’t be your go-to for such images.
Minimum focus distance: 1.5m
Focal length: 100mm - 300mm
Aperture range: f/4 - f/22
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Weight: 520 g
Size (length x diameter): 73.6 mm x 126 mm
A great telephoto lens with a large focal range but that’s still small and lightweight enough to routinely carry with you. The Panasonic 100 to 300mm F/4.0 is our pick for the best telephoto lens for the Panasonic GH5 camera to get quality sporting or wildlife photography.
The Optical Image stabilization technology built directly into this lens is a really useful feature if you want to shoot sharp telephoto photography without having to carry a tripod around. It successfully compensates for even large camera shake and vibrations so you can capture true-to-life scenes.
The build quality of this lens is great, many of the parts are plastic but on a metal mount, and everything is assembled with tight tolerances, and the zoom control rings are smooth to operate if a little too easy to move so you need a soft touch.
Expect smooth aperture changes, so no sudden jumps in exposure, and a fast and silent autofocus function that make capturing excellent 4k footage a breeze.
It is possible to get bokeh but it’s less fluent than you get with other lenses and definitely not as beautiful, soft, and buttery. There are better options out there is bokeh is one of your main goals.
Minimum focus distance: 0.25 m
Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture range: f/1.5 - f/22
Filter diameter: 77 mm
Weight: 700 g
Size (length x diameter): 111 mm x 83.1 mm
If you want to journey into the world of cine lenses, things can start getting very expensive but the Rokinon 35mm cine T1.5 is an outstanding cost-effective option that holds its own against much more expensive competitors.
Because the GH5 is a 2x crop, this lens is the equivalent of a 70mm portrait focal length so it’s the best lens for GH5 video if you’re on a budget. Coupled with the best vlogging microphone, you’ll surely level up your vlogging experience with this lens.
Be aware that this is a manual focus lens and does not have an autofocus function so you do need a little know-how. Manually focusing allows for greater control and there are fewer things that can go wrong though.
The lens features clickless aperture and focus rings to allow for very subtle changes while filming rather than having to deal with half-stop jumps which is definitely better whilst filming. The rings are geared and compatible with standard follow focus systems.
Don’t let the plastic casing fool you either, it’s a solidly built, quality barrel that is surprisingly durable and the white number markings are very easy to read.
Even though we think this is the best gh5 lens for video, it can be prone to lens flares, especially when shooting outside into a light source.
The lens does not feature image stabilization but the Panasonic GH5s IBIS is so good that it’s not too much of an issue. We think that the super low price tag really makes up for this.
Minimum focus distance: 0.84 m
Focal length: 75mm
Aperture range: f/1.8 - f/22
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Weight: 305 g
Size (length x diameter): 69 mm x 64 mm
Although marketed as a portrait lens, the Olympus 75mm F/1.8 is so much more than that. The long reach and versatility of this high-quality lens mean it’s also a great option for indoor events and challenging lighting conditions.
It’s a very compact and lightweight lens when you consider its focal length and high-quality metal construction.
Close-up shots are also possible, thanks to the excellent bokeh at wide aperture settings and the ability to focus as close as 84cm.
The autofocus is fast and quiet in all light settings and there are no stops on the manual focusing ring to allow for extra smooth changes. The geared focusing mechanism speed matches the rotation speed very well.
You’ll get super sharp images and, thanks to the wide aperture settings on offer, beautiful soft bokeh is very easy to achieve.
If we are really nit-picking, there is some very minor softening of the edges at very wide apertures but by about f/3.5 that is completely gone.
Again we find ourselves a tiny bit disappointed that a lens of such build quality and with a higher price does not come with a lens hood and is not weatherproofed.
Minimum focus distance: 0.2 m
Focal length: 15 mm
Aperture range: f/1.7 - f/16
Filter diameter: 46 mm
Weight: 115 g
Size (length x diameter): 36 mm x 57.5 mm
On the micro four thirds system, the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm F1.7 delivers the equivalent angle of view as a 30mm lens on a full-frame camera, making it a classic wide-angle lens. It’s a versatile lens that is suitable for candids, low light, and everyday applications.
As this focal length is included in most kit lenses, the draw here is the fast f/1.7 widest aperture and therefore the ability to shoot effectively in low light situations or with a shallow depth of field.
The lens is durable and well built with the barrel made from metal and the adjustable parts and lens hood made from durable plastic.
The stepping motor-controlled autofocus function is quiet, fast, and smooth so shooting video is definitely possible when coupled with the GH5s IBIS although the lens itself does not feature image stabilization. There is also a switch on the barrel to quickly flick between manual and autofocus.
Once again, we find ourselves slightly disappointed that a high-quality lens such as this is not weather sealed. It’s not a deal-breaker but it would be nice to have that extra comfort.
Minimum focus distance: 1 m
Focal length: 45 mm - 200 mm
Aperture range: f/4 - f/22
Filter diameter: 52 mm
Weight: 380 g
Size (length x diameter): 100 mm x 75 mm
Considering the large range of focal lengths the Panasonic 45mm to 200mm F4.0 offers, this lens is surprisingly lightweight and compact. It would make a great choice as a budget-friendly all-in-one lens or for those who travel a lot.
The in-built optical image stabilization is a great feature and works well to reduce camera shake, even at the telephoto focal lengths, especially when paired with the GH5s quality IBIS.
The autofocus function is fast, virtually silent, and internal so the front doesn’t move when zooming in although it can struggle slightly more at extreme telephoto focal lengths.
The best results come when used below 100mm and telephoto results can be a little mixed, especially when used at 200mm when you will experience softening. You may also experience some chromatic aberration when using the lens wide open around 45-60mm.
This isn’t a constant aperture lens and the maximum aperture decreases as the focal length increases but it would have a significantly higher price tag otherwise, so some will be happy to make the compromise.
Overall, this isn’t really a lens suited to master photographers but does make an excellent entry-level lens for beginners and mid-level enthusiasts.
Minimum focus distance: 0.2 m
Focal length: 12 mm
Aperture range: f/1.4 - f/16
Filter diameter: 62 mm
Weight: 335 g
Size (length x diameter): 70 mm x 70 mm
If you want something durable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, as well as in low light, the Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F/1.4 could be worth a look, if you have the budget for it.
While officially created for landscape photography with high detail and resolution, many people find this lens much more useful than that. The wide maximum aperture means you get commendable results when shooting in low light or at indoor events.
You will also get great autofocus performance that doesn’t hunt and is reliably smooth, fast, and quiet. It integrates well with the GH5s high-speed autofocus and therefore delivers precise focusing when shooting 4k video. There is also a dedicated switch to flick between manual and autofocusing.
The durable, weather-sealed design is splash and dustproof and the build quality is admirable with the barrel, mount, and hood all being made of metal. The manual aperture ring is great for giving precise control of exposure settings.
If we are really being critical there is some slight vignetting at the widest aperture and minimal edge softening from f/5.6 to f/16 but these are both very minor.
Minimum focus distance: 0.24 m
Focal length: 25 mm
Aperture range: f/1.8 - f/22
Filter diameter: 46 mm
Weight: 136 g
Size (length x diameter): 41 mm x 56 mm
The Olympus 25mm F/1.8 has an angle of view that is very similar to that of human vision which makes it great for general photography but is also good for portraits. It’s a great all-round lens that captures sharp images day or night.
You get great detail, even in low light conditions, and the widest aperture setting gives a really shallow depth of focus and the bokeh it produces is soft and smooth without outlining highlights.
The high-precision autofocusing mechanism is driven by a linear drive motor and therefore compatible with capturing both image and video. The focus and aperture performance are fast, smooth, and nearly silent.
It’s a small and lightweight lens that would be ideal for someone who travels a lot or hikers but it lacks weather sealing so is only suitable for fine weather conditions.
Slight chromatic aberration at the widest aperture settings but these are easily rectified in post-processing.
Minimum focus distance: 0.25 m
Focal length: 17 mm
Aperture range: f/1.8 - f/22
Filter diameter: 46 mm
Weight: 120 g
Size (length x diameter): 35.5 mm x 57.5 mm
If you want to take just one lens traveling, the Olympus 17mm F/1.8 is small and lightweight, even for a prime lens despite being an all-metal, high-quality build. It’s a lovely bright and very fast option that’s perfect for everyday situations and street photography.
The snapshot mechanism activates when the focusing ring is pulled back and the focus is set to a specific distance, a handy feature to have for street photography. Great to quickly get the subject and background all in focus.
The widest maximum aperture of f/1.8 makes this a suitable lens for low-light shooting situations and produces a good shallow depth of field with attractive bokeh and color rendition.
The Movie and Still compatible autofocus mechanism is quieter than a gear-driven mechanism and smooth despite its high speed.
Another example of a comparatively high-priced lens that does not come with a lens hood and is not weather sealed. We’ll let you decide whether those are deal breakers for your preferred style of photography.
Minimum focus distance: 1.3 m
Focal length: 100 mm - 400 mm
Aperture range: f/4 - f/22
Filter diameter: 72 mm
Weight: 985 g
Size (length x diameter): 171.5 mm x 83 mm
Bird photographers and other wildlife or sports enthusiasts will likely enjoy the Panasonic Leica Vario Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 for its super-telephoto zoom and high degree of image sharpness.
The image stabilization of this lens pairs excellently with the GH5s IBIS for a dual stabilization system that minimizes camera shake superbly, even when really zoomed in.
This lens features an almost silent autofocus micro-motor that operates at 240 frames/second. Not only do you get fast autofocusing, the drive is so quiet that it is also a great option for shooting 4k video.
For a telephoto lens, it’s surprisingly lightweight and compact enough for handheld shooting but it also features a metal tripod mounting plate with a large locking screw that lets you quickly change orientation. It’s also fully weather sealed.
There is a lens hood that is permanently attached but can be slid back when required and you are supplied with an additional hood to fit when required.
At the widest apertures, you may experience slight edge and corner softening which is not uncommon in telephoto lenses.
Essentially, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The lens that you should buy is completely dependent on your specific needs and preferred style of photography. If you’re struggling to decide, try reading through our informational section again to get clear on your “must-haves”
If you are just interested in general photography or are new and finding your feet though, we do think that the best overall lens for GH5 cameras could be the Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 if you can afford it.
The Panasonic GH5 has a micro four thirds lens mount and all of the lenses reviewed in this article are compatible.
It is possible to use Canon lenses with your Panasonic GH5 but you will need to fit an “active” adaptor in order to use them in order for the lens and the camera to “communicate”. These adaptors can be expensive so you need to factor them in when shopping for a new lens.
All the lenses we’ve reviewed here do not require an adaptor to fit your GH5 and many of them are native Panasonic lenses.
The Panasonic Leica Ncticron 42.5mm F1.2 is impressively crisp, right into the corners, and gives some awesome detail on portrait photography. The bokeh it produces is buttery smooth and it’s also impressive in low light situations.
Micro four thirds (MFT) lenses are a set of lenses that are specifically designed to fit the MFT mirrorless camera ranges released by Panasonic and Olympus. The name comes from the sensors aspect ratio of 4:3 and these cameras are popular with many people because of their lightweight and compact design.
Although it’s true that some of the specialized MFT lenses can seem expensive (such as super zoom telephoto lenses), there are many cost-effective options out there when compared to full-frame lenses.
If you opt for a lens with a predominantly plastic build, they are usually much cheaper and as a bonus, they are more lightweight than the expensive metal options.
So, that’s it! 15 of the best lenses out there for your Panasonic gh5. We hope this guide helped you figure out which lens will suit you best.
Whether you are looking for your first telephoto lens, a reliable portrait option, an all-round lens that travels well, or something else entirely, we like to think that we’ve covered just about everything in this guide.
We’ve said it a couple of times but it’s really worth mentioning again though - the lens you choose has to be the right lens for you and your photography style! Consider carefully and make sure the lens you choose ticks as many of your boxes as possible.
We like to think we’re pretty thorough but there are so many great options out there.
Do you think we’ve missed any good lenses for the GH5?
Or perhaps you’re already sold on one of those mentioned above?
Let me know in the comments below!
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