Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Lens

Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Lens — image 1
Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Lens — image 2
86%
88%
Image Quality
72%
Autofocus Speed
84%
Build Quality
91%
Portability
89%
Optical Image Stabilization
86%
Versatility for Photography Styles
93%
Price-to-Performance Ratio
80%
Low-Light Performance
87%
Ease of Use
85%
Video Performance
82%
Bokeh Quality
90%
Compatibility with Micro Four Thirds
More

Overview

The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Lens is a telephoto zoom lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras. This compact and lightweight lens offers a versatile focal length range of 45-150mm (90-300mm equivalent), making it suitable for a wide range of photography styles, from portraits to landscapes. With its optical image stabilization, this lens helps reduce the effects of camera shake, ensuring clearer images even in low light. Whether you're shooting in bright sunlight or dimly lit environments, this lens delivers consistent performance for both stills and video.

Features & Benefits

This Panasonic lens is packed with features designed to enhance your photography experience. Its multi-coated lens elements effectively reduce ghosting and flare, ensuring sharp and clear images. The near-silent focusing system, combined with a stepping motor, provides smooth and quiet autofocus, making it an excellent choice for video recording. Additionally, the optical image stabilization system compensates for hand shake, allowing for steady shots even in low light conditions. The seven aperture blades help produce beautiful, natural-looking bokeh in out-of-focus areas, adding an artistic touch to your images.

Best For

This telephoto zoom lens is an excellent choice for anyone using a Micro Four Thirds camera, whether you're a casual hobbyist or a seasoned photographer. It’s ideal for photographers looking for an affordable, yet high-quality lens with versatility for different shooting situations. It’s especially suitable for users who need a lens with good image stabilization for both photography and video. If you're a videographer or content creator who values quiet autofocus and steady shots, this lens will meet your needs. It's perfect for outdoor and low-light conditions, making it a versatile option for a wide range of scenarios.

User Feedback

Users consistently praise this LUMIX lens for its sharpness and stability in images, especially considering its affordable price. The compact design and lightweight build are appreciated, making it easy to carry around for long photo shoots. However, some users note that autofocus can be a bit slower in certain conditions, particularly when shooting in low light or fast-moving subjects. Despite this, the lens is widely regarded as a great value for the price, offering good performance without breaking the bank. Overall, it’s a popular choice for budget-conscious photographers who need a reliable telephoto lens.

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Pros

  • This lens delivers sharp images and stable performance, making it reliable for various photography styles.
  • Its lightweight and compact design make it ideal for travel and extended outdoor shoots.
  • The optical image stabilization feature helps reduce blur during handheld shooting in low light.
  • The near-silent autofocus system is perfect for video creators who need quiet focusing during filming.
  • Highly versatile with a 45-150mm focal length, suitable for both portraits and landscapes.
  • At its price point, this lens offers excellent value for users seeking quality without breaking the bank.

Cons

  • Autofocus can be slow, especially in low-light conditions or when tracking fast-moving subjects.
  • The f/4.0-5.6 aperture might not be wide enough for low-light situations or achieving very shallow depth of field.
  • Some users find that the lens feels a bit plasticky, lacking the premium feel of more expensive models.
  • There are occasional reports of focus hunting in challenging lighting, which can disrupt shooting.
  • While lightweight, the lens may not provide the durability needed for heavy, professional use in tough environments.
  • The zoom ring can be a bit stiff, making adjustments slightly more difficult during dynamic shoots.

Ratings

The scores for the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Lens were derived from a careful analysis of verified user reviews across various countries, languages, and platforms. After filtering out spam, bot, and incentivized reviews, we focused on authentic feedback that highlights both the strengths and pain points of this lens. These scores reflect the lens's performance in real-world use and the overall satisfaction of users globally.

Image Quality
88%
Users praise this lens for its sharp and clear images across a wide range of settings. The multi-coated lens reduces flare and ghosting, while the optical stabilization ensures clarity even in lower light, making it great for outdoor shoots and indoor events alike.
Some buyers feel that while the image quality is generally good, it can sometimes struggle with achieving the same level of sharpness at the extreme zoom ranges. A few users also mention that distortion can become noticeable in certain conditions, particularly at the wider focal lengths.
Autofocus Speed
72%
28%
Many users appreciate the near-silent focusing of this lens, especially when capturing video or during discreet photo shoots. The inner focus system and stepping motor provide smooth transitions and minimal noise, making it a solid choice for quiet environments.
Not everyone is happy with the autofocus speed, as some users report occasional lag, particularly in low light or fast-moving subjects. This slower autofocus in certain conditions can be frustrating for photographers who need quick reactions or when working in dynamic environments.
Build Quality
84%
The build quality is solid, with a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry and handle, especially for outdoor photography. Many users find the lens durable enough for regular use without adding too much weight to their camera setup.
A few buyers have pointed out that while the lens feels sturdy, the plastic construction could feel less premium compared to higher-end models. Some users also feel that the lens could benefit from more robust weather-sealing for outdoor and all-weather conditions.
Portability
91%
The lightweight design of this lens makes it perfect for photographers on the go. Weighing just over 11 ounces, it is an ideal choice for those who need a versatile lens that won’t weigh down their gear during long shooting sessions or while traveling.
While lightweight, a few users mentioned that the lens could benefit from a slightly more compact design, particularly in terms of length. The overall size still might feel a bit large for users who prefer ultra-compact options for their mirrorless systems.
Optical Image Stabilization
89%
The Panasonic Mega O.I.S. system is a standout feature for many, delivering impressive image stabilization even in low-light situations. It helps reduce camera shake, ensuring clear, crisp shots at slower shutter speeds, especially appreciated during handheld shooting and video work.
Although effective, some users noted that the stabilization isn't flawless in every scenario. In extremely low light or while using longer focal lengths, the system may not completely eliminate blur, and some find it less effective compared to other high-end stabilization systems.
Versatility for Photography Styles
86%
This lens shines in its ability to adapt to various photography styles. Whether shooting portraits, wildlife, or landscapes, the 45-150mm focal length range offers flexibility. The image quality remains strong across the zoom range, making it a versatile tool for various shooting environments.
Despite its flexibility, some users have expressed that the lens lacks the sharpness or speed required for professional-level sports or action photography. Its slower autofocus and limited aperture range can hinder its performance in fast-paced situations.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
93%
This lens is frequently noted for its excellent value for money. The combination of good image quality, useful stabilization, and versatile zoom range at such an affordable price makes it a strong contender in the budget-friendly telephoto lens category.
Some users argue that while it provides good value, the image quality and autofocus speed fall short compared to more expensive, premium lenses. For users looking for top-tier performance, this lens may not fully meet their expectations, especially in more demanding scenarios.
Low-Light Performance
80%
20%
Thanks to its optical image stabilization, this lens performs decently in low-light situations, allowing for handheld shots in dimly lit environments. Many users find it helpful for shooting indoors or during dusk when a tripod isn’t available.
However, some buyers feel that the lens could do better in extremely low-light settings. Despite the stabilization, the aperture range of f/4.0-5.6 limits its ability to gather light, and some users report that it struggles with clarity in very dark conditions.
Ease of Use
87%
This lens is easy to use for both beginners and more experienced photographers. The controls are intuitive, and its lightweight design makes handling smooth. The near-silent autofocus system makes it user-friendly for both stills and video, especially for vlogging or quiet settings.
A few users found the lens a bit cumbersome in terms of its zoom operation, especially when extending or retracting at longer focal lengths. While it's generally easy to handle, the lack of a weather-sealed body may also limit its appeal for some users in harsh environments.
Video Performance
85%
For video creators, this lens provides smooth and quiet autofocus, making it a great option for capturing cinematic footage. The image stabilization ensures that handheld shots remain steady, and the lens performs well during slow zooming or tracking shots.
Though it performs well for video, some users note that the autofocus can occasionally hunt in low-light or high-contrast scenes. This may cause slight delays, making it less ideal for high-action video shoots where speed and precision are crucial.
Bokeh Quality
82%
18%
With its seven aperture blades, this lens delivers a pleasing, circular bokeh that enhances background blur, making it suitable for portraiture and other artistic photography styles. The out-of-focus areas appear smooth and natural, adding a pleasing aesthetic to images.
Some users find the bokeh quality to be less than stellar, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths. The transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas can sometimes feel abrupt, especially when compared to higher-end lenses with more aperture blades.
Compatibility with Micro Four Thirds
90%
This lens is designed specifically for the Micro Four Thirds system, making it an excellent choice for users of these cameras. Its compact form factor and compatibility with various Panasonic and Olympus models ensure that it integrates seamlessly with these mirrorless systems.
While the lens is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds cameras, some users feel that the lens isn't as optimized for high-end models with faster autofocus or more advanced features. Additionally, those with non-Panasonic brands might not get the most out of the lens's advanced image stabilization.

Suitable for:

The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Lens is an excellent choice for photographers and video creators who need a compact and versatile zoom lens at an affordable price. It is particularly suitable for users with Micro Four Thirds cameras, whether they are beginners or more experienced users. For those who shoot in a variety of settings, from outdoor landscapes to portraits, this lens offers great flexibility with its 45-150mm focal length. The built-in optical image stabilization also makes it ideal for handheld shooting in low light, while its lightweight design ensures ease of use during travel or long shoots. Budget-conscious buyers will appreciate the balance of image quality and performance, especially for casual to intermediate-level photography and video projects.

Not suitable for:

However, this lens may not be the best fit for professional photographers or users who require top-tier performance in high-speed or action-packed scenarios. While it offers smooth and quiet autofocus, some users report that the autofocus speed can be slow, particularly in low-light conditions or with fast-moving subjects. Those who need exceptional image quality in challenging conditions or prefer a lens with a wider aperture for more creative control might find the f/4.0-5.6 aperture limiting. Additionally, advanced users or those working with higher-end cameras may notice that this lens lacks some of the premium features, such as faster autofocus or better weather sealing, that they might find in more expensive models.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens offers a focal length range of 45-150mm, equivalent to 90-300mm on Micro Four Thirds cameras.
  • Aperture: The aperture range is f/4.0-5.6, suitable for general photography, but may limit low-light performance.
  • Mount: This lens is designed for cameras with a Micro Four Thirds mount, ensuring compatibility with most Panasonic and Olympus cameras.
  • Image Stabilization: Equipped with Panasonic's Mega O.I.S., the lens helps reduce camera shake for clearer shots, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Focus System: The lens features a near-silent inner focus system powered by a stepping motor, making it ideal for video recording.
  • Optical Design: The lens consists of 12 elements in 9 groups, including two aspherical elements and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive) lens.
  • Aperture Blades: The lens has 7 aperture blades, which contribute to smoother, more natural bokeh in out-of-focus areas.
  • Weight: Weighing just 11.2 ounces (318g), this lens is lightweight and portable, making it a great choice for travel and outdoor photography.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 4.02 x 4.02 x 4.84 inches (102.5 x 102.5 x 123.5 mm), compact for a telephoto zoom lens.
  • Build Material: The lens is constructed with a plastic barrel, keeping the overall weight low but sacrificing a premium metal finish.
  • Close Focusing Distance: The minimum focusing distance is 3.3 feet (1 meter), allowing for reasonably close-up shots within the zoom range.
  • Lens Type: This is a telephoto zoom lens, making it versatile for a wide range of photographic applications, from portrait to wildlife photography.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with all Micro Four Thirds cameras, it provides an effective focal length range of 90-300mm.
  • Focus Speed: Autofocus performance is generally quiet and responsive but may be slower under low-light conditions or when tracking fast-moving subjects.
  • Distortion Control: The lens's multi-coating helps reduce ghosting and flare, improving contrast and color accuracy in various lighting conditions.
  • Video Features: The lens's smooth, near-silent focusing makes it an excellent choice for video creators, offering minimal autofocus noise.

FAQ

This lens is specifically designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, providing a versatile focal length range of 45-150mm (90-300mm equivalent). It's lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel and outdoor photography. The optical image stabilization helps ensure sharp, clear images, especially in low-light conditions.

Yes, this lens is fully compatible with all cameras that have a Micro Four Thirds mount. It works well with both Panasonic and Olympus cameras that use this system, providing excellent performance for both stills and video.

The lens features Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. image stabilization, which significantly reduces camera shake, especially in low-light settings or when shooting handheld. This feature helps to capture sharper images and smoother video without the need for a tripod.

The autofocus system is generally near-silent, which is beneficial for video recording. However, some users report that the autofocus can be slower in certain conditions, especially in low light or when tracking fast-moving subjects. It performs well for most casual shooting scenarios, but may not be fast enough for fast-action photography.

Yes, this telephoto zoom lens is great for both still photography and video. The near-silent focusing mechanism makes it ideal for recording video without distracting sounds. Additionally, its optical image stabilization helps in ensuring smooth, stable video shots.

While the lens is lightweight and compact, which makes it great for portability, its build quality feels somewhat less premium compared to higher-end models. It’s mostly made of plastic, which helps keep the weight down, but this may not suit those looking for a more rugged or metal-bodied lens.

The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm has an aperture range of f/4.0-5.6. This is adequate for most lighting conditions, but may limit low-light performance compared to lenses with a wider aperture. It might also be harder to achieve very shallow depth-of-field effects in certain settings.

This lens is very portable due to its compact and lightweight design, weighing only 11.2 ounces. It is ideal for photographers who need to carry it for long periods or travel frequently, as it won’t weigh down your gear bag.

Yes, the 45-150mm focal length is great for wildlife photography, especially when shooting animals at a distance. However, the autofocus speed may not be fast enough for rapidly moving subjects. For more serious wildlife photography, you may want to look for a lens with faster focusing capabilities.

Like most lenses, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm requires regular cleaning to maintain image quality. Be sure to use a microfiber cloth to clean the lens elements and avoid using harsh chemicals. Store it in a protective case when not in use to prevent dust and scratches.