Which Micro Four Thirds prime lenses are known for pleasing bokeh?
Asked 12/2/2012
1 views
2 answers
0
I'm looking for prime lens recommendations for Micro Four Thirds bodies such as the Panasonic GH2/GH3, specifically lenses that can produce pleasing background blur/bokeh. I'm open to Panasonic, Olympus, and adapted manual-focus lenses. Which options are well regarded, and are there any general lens characteristics that matter for bokeh on Micro Four Thirds?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
4
As mattdm said, the Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4 produces nice bokeh. Many other lenses such as Olympic 45mm 1.8 can produce good bokeh, you can have a look to this reference.
Any lens with shallow depth-of-field can produce bokeh, but the word pleasing is subjective. Most people like circular bokeh, so a lens with more diaphragm blades produce better bokeh. As you don't mind using an adapter, and manual focus, the Minolta 58mm f/1.2 produces great bokeh for a small budget.
Originally by user14453. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14453
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
On Micro Four Thirds, “pleasing bokeh” is subjective, but in general you’ll want a fast lens and enough focal length to give shallower depth of field. Rounded/circular aperture blades can also help produce smoother-looking blur highlights.
From the lenses mentioned, the most recommended options are:
- Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 Summilux: widely regarded for attractive bokeh.
- Olympus 45mm f/1.8: a very popular portrait option with smooth blur and strong value.
- Olympus 75mm f/1.8: excellent sharpness and especially lovely, smooth bokeh.
- Panasonic 20mm pancake: often praised for its rendering, though the wider focal length limits blur compared with 45mm or 75mm.
If you’re open to adapters and manual focus, an adapted Minolta 58mm f/1.2 was also suggested as a budget-friendly way to get especially strong bokeh.
A practical note: longer lenses like 45mm and 75mm will generally make it easier to get pronounced subject separation than wider lenses such as 17mm or 20mm. The Olympus 17mm f/1.8 is a sharp prime, but it’s not the best choice if maximum bokeh is your goal.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Are there any drawbacks to using Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses on an Olympus OM-D body?
Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 vs Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8: is the Olympus worth more?
Can a C-mount lens be adapted to a Four Thirds DSLR mount?
Are Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds lenses and cameras compatible?
Are adapted long telephoto lenses practical on Micro Four Thirds for wildlife and birds?