Panasonic Leica Nocticron 42.5mm ƒ/1.2 ► One of My Favorite Lenses
Photo Moment - January 15, 2018
Let's jump into the LUMIX Lens Lineup. The Nocticron is, understandably, one of my favorite Panasonic lenses for LUMIX cameras. Let's see some photos and talk about the gear!
Products Mentioned In Today's Photo Moment
Panasonic LUMIX Leica Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 — Get Yours Here
Videos Mentioned In Today's Photo Moment
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I'm looking forward to buy this bad boy and pair it with my G100 (maybe a bit big for that body but Idc), I think that at 1350€ it's a good price on Amazon, what do you think ? Also I like it because my G100 doesnt have IS so the OIS on this lens is gonna make my life so much easier ! Thx for the video !
@@SpaceSignaaL that’s awesome to hear!!
@@photojoseph It's been a week already using it and omg I just cannot see myself using other lens, amazing, as u said in other comments, it's just something special ,I'm pairing it with my G100 and I am just amazed of how my photos look . It motivates me to go outside and just shoot anything.
Totally. That lens is gorgeous. Enjoy it!
Hi PhotoJoseph, , great video. I just purchased one of these new and had a question... I noticed when I took it out of the box that there seems to be a very slight weight shift in the lens with almost a faint rattle. Is that normal for this lens? Is it the lens elements in the O.I.S. moving freely? Thanks for any information you can provide.
It’s the OIS. Will go away once it’s powered up! Enjoy the lens. I still love mine.
I just bought a used but pristine example of this lens for $675. I think I will compare it with my Sigma 85 1.4 and my Sigma 50-100mm on a Nikon D500
Is there a compatible smaller hood please?
@@photojoseph Thank you, much appreciated. I've had a look on Amazon and can't see any. Can you recommend one that's around half the length of the Panasonic hood please?
You can buy hoods that screw into filter threads of all different sizes.
Have you ever tried to take pictures of the moon with this lens? It is my only lens with a G9 and I tried to take photos of the lunar eclipse last night. I just could not get it to focus clearly on the slivers, even though it was fine for clouds and stars. Thanks for any advice. Harry
I have this PL 42.5 nokticon on my G9 and really like the ability to work in poor light, color rendering and ability to access the settings on the lens.
Would the PL 12mm or 15mm be the closest "photos look". I do essentially zero post processing. Thanks
Would the PL 12mm or 15mm be the closest "photos look". I do essentially zero post processing. Thanks
The 12mm f/1.4 https://geni.us/Leica12f14 and the 15mm f/1.7 https://geni.us/3KtyCz are both great lenses. 15 is smaller physically and not as big of an aperture, but both will have essentially the same image quality. If you're vlogging the 12mm is a perfect FoV. If you're street shooting, for me the 15mm is just right.
Really beautiful colour rendering and compression is smooth and creamy.
I'm obsessed with this lens, everything I shoot with it looks amazing, crazy colors, crazy light fall off. Is there another lens at a shorter focal length that does something similar? I've tried the 15mm 1.7, the 25mm 1.4, the 17mm Olympus... and nothing resonates with me like the 42.5.... I'd love the same thing in a shorter focal length!
Yes, but the lenses will be designed for full frame (perhaps done APSC), so you’ll get a crop.
@@photojoseph can you adapt Leica lenses to the GH5?!
There’s no technical term. That’s the beauty of it. It’s almost intangible. It’s analog, and it’s why good glass can cost so much damn money. Look at native Leica lenses. Overpriced, no doubt, but shoot with one and you get it.
@@photojoseph Thanks, I’ll look into those. I’m not technical to even be able to explain what makes it look so good. As someone with way more experience how would you describe the look the Nocticron gives photos and video?
There really isn’t, Evan. The Nocticron is something special. If you’re not finding the love in the either lenses you listed, consider going vintage manual glass. Admittedly it’s a little hard to find wider lenses for MFT but you can get a focal reducer for M42 screw mount to MFT and check out lenses like Helios or better yet, watch this video by Mark Holtze (his channel is full of old lenses). Good luck! https://youtu.be/7mMTj3RNhwE
Hello, Joseph! I wonder if it will be possible to tell a difference looking at photographs taken with G9 or GX9 with this lense Vs. photos made with a full frame camera with its corresponding top portrait lense - e.g., Sony A7iii + 85/1.4 GM. Have you ever compared performance of top gear from m4/3 and full frame worlds?
I have not compared. You might see a difference in bokeh rendering, edge sharpness, resolved detail… every lens is pretty specific. Dxo Labs does technical testing and comparisons if you want to get into the weeds.
Hi, Thank you for the great video review!!
I bought mine brand new for $850!!!!!!
I am stocked!
I bought mine brand new for $850!!!!!!
I am stocked!
Very nice! That's a great price, enjoy!
in the uk right now, december 2020 its available for 667 pounds uk currency
That’s a great deal. Still a favorite lens.
in my opinion a lens built for lumix optimization with Len stabilization and an aperture ring is definitely more geared towards video.
hi, is that the equivalent of 2.4 a full-frame lens?
reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtDotqLx6nA
thank you.
reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtDotqLx6nA
thank you.
unfortunately you speak way too fast to follow as having not english as first language and playing slower sounds horrible.
But it is a nice Lens and i love it too.
But it is a nice Lens and i love it too.
Great info! One question, can you use a variable ND when the lens hood is on? or you have take off hood to adjust nd filter?
I'm thinking of getting this for video, but as you said its not designed for video. Is there an alternatice Panasonic lens with Dual IS around the same specs for the GH5?
yeah, this is the one shot wide open: https://youtu.be/Or55TRE2e5c
Wow, yes, it looks good. That was your last video onn Wednesday? Its the best for getting a good bokeh as well.
Also FYI that’s the lens used on my new recorded video setup — with the gear wall behind me. Usually at f/2.2 for a little more DoF but the last one (on the S1H rig) is wide open f/1.2. You’ll see how the gear on the desk is quite soft; it’s a little too shallow but I did it to match the B roll in that video. The camera is about 12 feet away from me.
Great! I see a few second hand that are in mint condition, just one more lens before I resume filming my feature film in May.
Olympus makes something in this range but I have no idea if it’s any better for video or not. The only reason I say it’s not for video is the AF… if you don’t care about that then it’s fabulous. Remind me next live show and I’ll pop it on a GH5 live for you to see.
Sir I am dreaming for this lens please suggests me should I buy it for cooking vlog ..? to mount on my Lumix G9 camera? Other hand the photoshoting is also my requirement from such sexy lens
Actually the stock 12-60 Leica lens that came with the G9 would be great for a cooking vlog. Lots of range, and you don't need super shallow depth of field.
Got this lens for $1350 CAD from KEH.com :)
Would the 42.5 nocticron be good for astro photography?
@@photojoseph Thankyou , think I'll give it a good go with my lumix leica 15mm at f1.7 , see what them results give me .
Love using this lens for family portraits.
Thanks for getting back to me .
You have great videos and smashing photos on your Instagram page, I'm @ajg1968 on there 😊 keep smiling 😊
Love using this lens for family portraits.
Thanks for getting back to me .
You have great videos and smashing photos on your Instagram page, I'm @ajg1968 on there 😊 keep smiling 😊
Honestly I don’t know what makes a lens “good” for astrophotography vs good for anything else. It’s extremely sharp but given the atmospheric crap between you and your subject, I don’t know that the Nocticron would give you any benefit and may be a waste of money. However if that wide aperture is needed, then it’s the fastest at that focal length that you can get.
Would you recommend this lens for indie films? Its beautiful but the big drawback is focus by wire. Would be curious whose had experience with it for video.
It’s tough to focus for video because the depth of field is so narrow wide open. Locked shots it’s gorgeous. Follow focus is tough.
I've had great results with the 45mm f1.8. Can't wait to see how things go with the Nocticron. Will be happy with that little extra width, 90mm vs 85mm.
+LexTNeville the Nocticron is an amazing lens!! I love mine
How are the still shots taken from a gh5?
Very nice overview of what can be done with this lens!
I have never investigated if the information is actually there, but in Windows 10, when you choose "sort by" in any folder there is an "extended view" where you can have a zillion choices on how to sort your files, one of which is "lens type".
Hi Joseph! What are the main differences between the 42.5mm Panasonic and 42.5 Leica Panasonic lens? Besides couple hundred buck price tag difference...
1. Aperture 1.2 vs 1.7
2. Leica glass
3. O.I.S. (Stabilization)
4. Mechanical Aperture ring
2. Leica glass
3. O.I.S. (Stabilization)
4. Mechanical Aperture ring
I wasn't really aware of this until recently but I understand that f1.2 on micro 4/3 is actually somewhere around f4.0 full frame equivalent. The crop factor doesn't just apply to focal length but aperture as well. Can you do a video (or have you done one) elaborating on this?
I plan to do one as a follow up to the crop factor video I just did (which you should watch first if you haven’t seen it)
Thank you for a very interesting, enjoyable video. I’ve been eyeing that Nocticron lens for a while but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Have you reviewed the Olympus 45mm 1.2 yet or done a comparison between the two? The bokeh on the Olympus is supposed to be a little “creamier” than the Nocticron. It’s about $200 cheaper, but I’m not sure how well it compares, especially if used on a Panasonic camera as opposed to an Olympus.
I have not compared, sorry. As a LUMIX Ambassador I don’t generally do comparisons.
Are all those portraits shot from around the 18:40 point, and a minute or so forward, shot in natural lighting?
in the kremlin shot a slow shutter speed with ND filter will be better to completlelly blur people at foreground
just a tip try yourself in another similar situation, by the way the most of your shot are good to me
Wow wow... could you please slow down !!
Unfortunately this lens is more expensive than the camera itself (1600$). I'm glad it performs !!
Unfortunately this lens is more expensive than the camera itself (1600$). I'm glad it performs !!
Go to settings (gear symbol), and change speed to 0.75. Captions might also help.
I need help!!!!... I don't know If I should buy GH4 + 42.5mm f/1.2 or G85 + 42.5mm 1.2
Can you tell us what you’re using it for? A little info would be helpful 😁
Which one is more bokelicious, DG42.5, XF56, FE85 1.8?
This M43 prime needs some unique features other than its Leica brand to justify its high cost.
This M43 prime needs some unique features other than its Leica brand to justify its high cost.
Holà I did ! A portrait shooting with the 42.5 and the XF 56 1.2 (with an XT2) ... natural light... I did not expect this result but I ended liking the 42.5 more. It’s not about the bokeh, it’s about the overall look of the picture. For me it’s less clinical than the XF but it’s really more a portait lens with a soul. I was about to sell my GH5 but this lens alone stopped me... Honestly, it’s really a fantastic lens. In video mode, it’s just crazy and instantly cinematographic... the rendering is stunning.
Leica isn’t just a brand; its a quality difference. Both image and build quality. As to the other lenses I don’t know; I haven’t compared.
Would be great if you can compare it to the new Olympus 45mm F1.2!...especially if both used on a Panasonic body...
Mikes_ Perspective, did you ever do your review of Olympus 45 lens? 😀
Thanks for the feedback ! I was worried that the Olympus lens doesn't have the IS and would have to rely on the Pana body for stabilization...your review on that? Yes, go ahead and do the video review...im sure many ppl would appreciate it...coz honestly the lens is quite pricey, so any info ahead of buying would be great...haha
Gavin Chong I have recently received my 45 mm F1.2 Olympus lens and I love it so much it has a tinier bit more of depth of field because of that feathered Bokeh at 1.2 Plus it’s 5 mm deeper so you get that extra background compression and I use it with my Lumix GH5 it is one of my best investments for a micro 4/3 lens i’m thinking about doing a review on it myself since there is not many of them here on YouTube. I’m not gonna lie I’m a little bit shy in front of the camera and it would be my first video but I think it would justify a lil bit of The questions that are asked about that lens. 🙂👍🏽
Nocticron or Oly 1.2, especially for filming?
Mikes_ Perspective thanks Mike, Im thinking of getting one too
Rokas Pranskevičius I will be trying out the 45 1.2 for filming I recently received mines last week and I love it better background blur extra 5 mm Focal length so you will get that better background compression you get manual focus clutch which is pretty handy
Hi Joseph, what is the sweet spot on this lens? Thanks.
I have the panasonic 42.5 f/1.7 and find it to be an amazing lens. Very sharp and much cheaper. It would be nice to see a comparison and your thoughts comparing that to the nocticron. The nocticron does have IS but the ibis of the gh5 does a pretty good job.
the f1.7 is stabilised too no?
Yeah the 1.7 is a great lens, especially for the price!
it can be had for around $1200-1400 in usa $1379 at B&H - G9 shipping from few places on Amazon - but not from B&H or Adorama yet - Jan 17th -
I hear every day the angels singing with my Nocticron 👍🏻😁😂
Trouble with these proprietary m43 lenses is they are overpriced for what you get in terms of dof and bokeh as it's still only equal to 85mm at f2.4 in a full frame camera... you can get a full frame 85mm f1.8 lens for much less and get much shallower dof/better bokeh comparatively for much less money let alone compared to if you got an 85mm f1.4 FF lens and you can pick up a used full frame camera like the Nikon d600 for far less than the latest m43 camera bodies yet shoot higher resolution files with the d600 at 24MP as opposed to only 20MP Max on m43 bodies.. I'm fully invested in panasonic m43 cams and lenses for other kinds of photography and videography but for shallow dof portraits you get more for less by going full frame
But up until the Nikon Z F1.8 lenses there was no F1.8 lens on the market that came close to the quality or rendering of the PL 42,5mm. You don't pay for shallow depth of field, you pay for lens quality and optics. If shallow depth of field is the only concern without regards to picture quality than yes, any F1.8 lens paired for a larger sensor can produce a more shallow depth of field if shot from the same distance.
You'd think the lens info would be stored in metadata as you can see it on the display screen (playback mode) page 5/5 when going through clips on the camera. Would be very handy to retain and view these later wouldn't it.
I haven’t tried EXIF tool yet but apparently it’s there. So why Final Cut ignores that data is beyond me.
Heck, I use the af/mf switch on the lens all the time. Except in my case I have the camera set up so that I get back-button focus in "manual" mode, which means that it's more of a back-button/shutter release switch.
Nice! Awesome to see how others use the tools.
I did not understand. In gh5 use with ibis? Is it without matrix stabilization?
Ah. Yes. It’s called Dual I.S.
Yes I know. I have gh5. Can I combine 5 axis with this lens?
GH5 has 5 axis stabilization. The GH5S has no built in stabilization.
Hi Joseph, enjoyed the video. I just purchased the Nocticron and I love it so far (2 weeks now). I wanted to see if you can suggest a sweet spot fstop that you like for video (or maybe a test would be in order for an upcoming show?). I'm a pro videographer (sometimes photographer) and I want to use this lens primarily for interviews for that great depth but, haven't perfected the best fstop so that the subject does not get out of frame from moving around. Thanks!
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