Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 ASPH review

The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 ASPH is a compact and lightweight ultra-wide-angle zoom for MFT cameras

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 ASPH
(Image: © Panasonic)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Designing ultra-wide-angle rectilinear rather than fisheye lenses for Micro Four Thirds cameras is a technical challenge. The 2x crop factor requires very short focal lengths for this type of lens and, as such, the Panasonic shrinks to just 7mm at its shortest zoom setting. Even so, performance and overall image quality are very good and the compact, lightweight construction features impeccable build quality along with constant f/4 aperture. It’s pretty pricey to buy but a very attractive proposition.

Pros

  • +

    Generous maximum field of view

  • +

    Pleasing image quality

  • +

    Impressive build quality

Cons

  • -

    Modest autofocus speed

  • -

    No filter attachment thread

  • -

    Mediocre edge-sharpness at 7mm

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The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 ASPH was an important addition to the MFT range, proving the viability of the system by extending into ultra-wide-angle territory. It dates back to 2009 and was only the third MFT lens that Panasonic launched. It’s worth noting that there’s also a faster Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm 1:2.8 PRO for MFT cameras, which is naturally a whole f/stop faster but is the best part of twice the weight and twice the price to buy. The Panasonic f/4 is amazingly lightweight at just 300g.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.