Top 10 Best lenses for shooting video on the Panasonic GH5

The Panasonic GH5 camera is far from perfect if you don’t find a great lens for it. But with so many lenses on offer, knowing which one to go for might sound like an arduous task. Fortunately, our editors have done the heavy lifting for you and below are the 10 popular choices to ponder on. We picked them on the basis of:

• Build quality
• Image quality
• Reliability

Lenses for Panasonic GH5 2023 – Comparison

Don’t have the time to read the detailed round-up? Worry not, below is a quick comparison chart meant to help you save a few more minutes.

1. Panasonic Lumix H-HS35100 G X Vario Lens

With a 35-100mm equivalent focal length of 70-200mm, this lens lets you shoot a wide variety of situations with ease. In addition, it boasts f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range making it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions.

More importantly, the lens comes with POWER-Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S) to prevent blurry images caused by shaky hands. Similarly, it features 18 elements in 13 groups to ensure image sharpness and clarity in nearly any scene.

What’s more? On board, the lenses spot Nano Surface Coating technology for reduced glares and flares in the entire visual range. Also included is an inner focus system that ensures near-silent and smooth focusing. This makes it ideal for video and picture recording.

Pros

• Supports HD video recording
• Body is both dust and splash proof
• Reliable micro four-thirds metal mount for extended use
• Light and compact
• Reduces chromatic distortion of images up to 40 meters

Cons

• Wide aperture so your backgrounds are likely to be blurred

2. Panasonic Lumix H-HS12035 G X Vario Lens 

Similar to the Panasonic Lumix H-HS35100 model, this model employs Power O.I.S to reduce the effect of camera shake. As a result, you will have sharp images.

On top of that, the Panasonic Lumix H-HS12035 lens spots F.28 aperture coupled with 12-35mm focal length. Therefore, focusing on a wide array of scenes including studio portraits and dynamic landscapes becomes effortless.

Additionally, the lenses include 14 elements in 9 groups featuring high-contrast resolution. This makes it easy for you to capture true-to-life images in almost any shooting conditions.

As far as the construction of the lens is concerned, it is designed to be both light in weight and compact. Portability should, therefore, not be an issue.

Pros

• High-speed autofocus system
• One-year limited warranty
• Nano coating for reduced flares, glares, and ghosting
• Perfect for both professional photographers and enthusiasts alike
• Dust and moisture-sealed premium metal body

Cons

• Produces micro-jitters when shooting videos and O.I.S is enabled

3. Rokinon CV35-C Cine Lens

Coming from the Rokinon brand this time around, this lens is designed especially for DSLR cinematographers, video enthusiasts, and videographers.

One of its major highlights is that it is made to be follow-focus compatible. This means that you can easily focus as well as use the aperture ring without interrupting your video shooting.

With a fixed focal length of 35mm, the lens is perfect for portrait shooting, wide interior shots, and day-to-day photography. In addition to that, it includes 1.5 maximum apertures that can be manually set to a particular number.

Also included are de-clicked apertures to prevent hard clicks while adjusting the apertures. On top of that, the lens comes with a pouch, front and rear lens caps, and removable hood.

Pros

• One year manufacturers’ warranty
• High-quality build
• Relatively inexpensive
• Delivers sharp images and in stunning clarity
• Smooth aperture ring

Cons

• Lacks autofocus system so you have to manually focus

4. Panasonic Lumix H-ES12060 G Leica Lens

Featuring 12-60mm focal range, the lens is made to cover wide angle making it perfect for shooting landscapes while traveling. The lens’s wide diameter also ensures stunning indoor shots.

And you know what the best part is? The lens boasts Power O.I.S to compensate for vibrations and camera shake. As such, you will have an easy time capturing blur-free and sharp shots without using a tripod.

As if that’s not enough, thanks to its 240fps linear motor, you can enjoy fast and easy focus tracking. Besides, the lens spots F2.8 to 4.0 aperture range to help you take great shots in low-light environments.

Pros

• Nano surface coating for minimized glares
• Splash and dustproof metal body
• Superior optical performance
• Sharp and precise picture rendering
• Excellent stabilization

Cons

• A little on the heavy side

Read more: 10 Best Camera Sling Bag  – Buyer’s Guide

5. Panasonic Lumix H-HSA12035 G X Vario II Lens

For perfect low-light shooting performance, this Panasonic Lumix H-HSA12035 features a constant F2.8 aperture. On top of that, it spots 3X optical 24-70mm focal range which is relatively decent for day-to-day photography.

Another important feature of the lens is its 240fps linear motor that allows for high-speed focus tracking and enhanced video recording. More importantly, it boasts an ultra-thin Nano coating to reduce unwanted flaring or ghosting.

On board, the lens employs optical image stabilization technology to ensure sharp, crisp and blur-free images. Basically, the technology is designed to compensate for both vibrations and large camera shake.

Pros

• Excellent zoom range and fast aperture
• Supports 4K video
• Freeze/splash/dustproof for ease of shooting outdoors
• Great autofocus system performance
• Delivers uniform image quality from the center to edges

Cons

• Minimal jittering in O.I.S mode when shooting videos

6. Panasonic H-HSA35100 Professional Lens for Lumix G X Vario

This 35-100mm lens is renowned for being compact in design and significantly lighter than its competitors. Naturally, it’s designed for movie shooting.

That perhaps explains why it also holds a linear stepper motor. The motor is all that’s needed to provide a near-silent autofocus.

Combined with Panasonic’s Power OIS stabilization, this lens does a great job at all times. That’s in addition to the fact that it features an ultra-extra low dispersion design which minimizes glare and flare.

The system further uses a diaphragm with 7 rounded blades. These go a long way in providing it with a circular and even aperture.

So, if you’re looking for a lens with an attractive rendition of out-of-focus backgrounds, this would be a great find.

Lastly, at a focal length of F2.8, this unit is capable of providing you with a maximum aperture. Such an aperture comes in handy when shooting in low light situations.

Pros

• Compact in shape and size
• Ideal for mirrorless cameras
• Well-made body with dust and splash-proof features

Cons

• Some have complained of the appearance of micro-jitter in their videos

7. Panasonic Lumix G II 100-300mm Lens

For a hardy and resilient lens, consider getting the G II. Its housing is designed to protect the inner, delicate parts from different weather conditions. It’s also splash and dust-proof.

Moving on, the Lumix boasts Panasonic’s Power OIS system. This is a well-thought-out system that plays a huge role in image stabilization.

But how does it perform in fast action situations? Well, we’d confidently single out this 100-300mm lens for its performance in such situation.

Indeed, it boasts a fast focus tracking ability. That’s all thanks to the presence of a 240 fps linear motor which clearly punches above its weight.

So far, we love this lens because of its telephoto zoom. Indeed, it has a huge range – 90mm to 400mm zoom.

And despite being that handy it weighs a paltry 0.7pounds. And don’t let its low weight fool you, the lens is usable in practically all conditions all thanks to its AW design.

Pros

• Compact design
• Offers a great range
• Built-in image stabilization features
• Feels solid

Cons

• Not very bright
• Its C-AF isn’t fast at 4K

8. Panasonic Lumix G Leica 100-400mm Professional Lens

Finely finished with an attractive, metallic black finish, the G Leica is reputed for its superb image quality. This level of quality is evident throughout its vast zoom range.

The lens boasts a focal length of 200-800mm. That’s equivalent to 35mm. In addition, its 0.5x magnification equips it with the capability to provide detailed shots within short distances.

That’s alongside a superior, close-up power. Therefore, this lens is recommended for situations where the subject matters a lot, irrespective of its shape or size.

To crown it all up, this lens comes with a built-in Power OIS image stabilization system. This goes a long way in ensuring all your images look clear and that any unwanted shaking is put under control.

Pros

• Great close-up power
•  Well built
• Vast zoom range
• Stable images

Cons

• Not the sharpest lens in the pack
• Doesn’t feel as solid as we’d expected it to be

9. Voigtlander Nokton 25mm Type II Focus Lens

This 25mm lens is the first one from Voigtlander which is categorized as a Micro Four Thirds Lens. And what’s more? It’s one of the fastest Micro Four Thirds Lens on the market so far.

The manual focus lens is equivalent to a 50mm f/1.8 unit when used on a typical full frame camera. The word equivalent in this case refers to the depth of the field and view angle.

Besides that, the Voigtlander boasts a light gathering power of f/0.95. This is at least two spots faster than what a f/1.8 lens would ordinarily offer.

Lastly, this unit’s old school body build quality is quite impressive. Indeed, the Voigtlander comes with a pure metal construction which is pretty resilient.

Pros

• Great build quality
• Pretty fast
• Precise manual focus operation

Cons

• Image quality is ok but not perfect
• A bit of light bloom on high contrast areas

10. Panasonic Leica DG H-NS043 NOCTICRON Lens

The rise and rise of mirrorless is perhaps the biggest story in the photography world since 2012. However, the great cameras are nothing if you don’t have a powerful lens to complement them.

And this is where the DG Noctiron 42.5mm comes in handy. This is a top choice for street photography and portrait shots as well.

With a f/1.2 optimal aperture, this is one of the handiest lenses you can ever come across. For that reason, it works pretty well even under low light conditions.

You can get some really awesome shots if you pair it up with a high ISO camera.

Pros

• Great all-metal design
• Built-in Power OIS stabilization
• Extremely sharp images at f/1.2 especially at the center
• Exemplary resolution at f/2.8

Cons

• The lens is quite large
• Less discreet due to its large lens hood

Lenses for Panasonic GH5 – Buying Guide

The GH5 breed of cameras is one of the greatest ones from Panasonic. However, to get the most from them, you need to invest in the right kind of lens. So, how do you go about picking the right one? Here are a few factors to keep in mind at all times.

Stabilization

We’d greatly recommend going for a lens with Panasonic OIS image stabilization feature. This feature would come in handy in improving the overall quality of your shots even when one shakes, accidentally.

Sharpness

We’d generally recommend going for lenses that are able to capture wide shots. Most importantly, go for ones with the ability to let in a lot of light especially if shooting in low light conditions. Lastly, try to find a camera that’s able to deliver sharp images.

Body

Go for something that’s built to last. In particular, consider going for a lens with an all-metal body. Besides that, it’s a good idea to consider settling for something that’s weather-proof. In particular, go for something that’s certified to be splash- and dust-proof.

Rings

Rings come in handy when zooming and setting of manual focus are involved. For that reason, we’d insist on finding a unit with buttery smooth rings. That way, you’d have a great pleasure using these rings to shoot. Most importantly, you’d be in a better position to focus on capturing awesome shots.

Which One Is The Best?

Not all GH5 lenses are great. It, however, takes greatness to achieve superior quality. The Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm Lens is what in our opinion meets the cut. That’s because it’s affordable, has a built-in Power OIS image stabilizer and a well-built body. Its image quality is also pretty sharp and, therefore, this piece of equipment is quite dependable. The second runner’s up position goes to the 35-100mm. This is a great option for mirrorless cameras. On the flipside, though, it doesn’t feel as solidly built as we’d expect of a lens meant for outdoor use. Otherwise, it’s a really great piece of equipment.

Final Thoughts

They say that you date the camera only to end up marrying the lens. Indeed, that’s quite true. If you’re able to find the best lens for GH5, you’d be in a position to aspire for greatness. Hopefully, the reviews above will help you make