Panasonic LUMIX Professional 12-60mm Camera Lens, Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT, F2.8-4.0 ASPH, Dual I.S. 2.0 with Power O.I.S, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-ES12060 (Black)

This is a fantastic, but expensive lens at about £800. If you are in the market for a new camera as well it makes much more sense to get this included. Eg I have just bought a new G9 camera and this was included as the kit lens. Taking into account the camera body only price made this lens cost £260. Or looking the other way around the camera body as well cost £400 instead of nearly £1000!

It's three weeks that I bought this lens. The first sample was a kind of disappointment as it was soft both at 12mm and 60mm full open, lacking micro contrast throughout the focal length. Then I swapped it for a fresh copy at the shop I bought it from and results have dramatically changed. On a pixel peep basis, the PanaLeica 12-60 is just a hair less sharp than the Olympus. Contrast and acuity though are excellent.As for the PanaLeica I haven't noticed any difference between 12mm at f2.8 and f4. Handling is superb, the lens is a pleasure to use with little-to-no flare/ghost. The difference of focal length between the PanaLeica and the Oly makes the rest: this lens won't any longer be detached from my Panasonic G80. It is that good with a perfect FL for all day used. Bokeh is smooth and pleasant. The Oly remains an exceptionally good lens and I clearly would have kept it had I bought the Oly 40-150 f2.8 to complement it, but compactness and quality is all micro 43 should be about. That's why I'm very, very pleased I swapped it for the PanaLeica. If you buy it and are not happy, tried a new copy. This little lens is absolutely a jewel.