The Best Panasonic lenses for traveling in 2024
As a travel photographer, your lenses can make all the difference in capturing the perfect shot. Panasonic is a reputable brand in the photography industry that offers a wide range of lenses suitable for different photography styles, including travel photography. However, choosing the best Panasonic lens for travel photography can be overwhelming with so many options available.
When traveling, a lightweight and versatile lens is essential … but you’ll also need one that can easily capture landscapes, portraits, and even low-light scenes. Next to the weight, it’s also essential to consider the lens size since you don’t want to carry heavy or clumsy equipment around while exploring new places.
The good news is that Panasonic has several lenses ideal for travel photography, from standard zooms to telephoto lenses. This article will take a closer look at the best Panasonic lenses for traveling in 2024.
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Panasonic Lens mounts
Lens mounts are an important consideration when choosing lenses for your camera. Panasonic offers several options for its range of cameras; the two most common mounts used by Panasonic are the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount and the L-mount.
The MFT mount is a standard developed jointly by Panasonic and Olympus for mirrorless cameras. It has a shorter flange distance, which is the distance between the mount and the sensor, allowing for smaller and lighter lenses. This makes them ideal for travel photography, often requiring you to carry your camera equipment around for long periods. The MFT mount is compatible with several Panasonic Lumix mirrorless cameras, including the Panasonic Lumix GH5, GX9, and G9.
The L-mount is a standard Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma developed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. It has a larger diameter and a 20mm flange distance, allowing for higher optical performance and more versatility. L-mount lenses are compatible with several Panasonic Lumix full-frame mirrorless cameras, including the Panasonic Lumix S1R, S1, and S5.
While some Panasonic cameras are compatible with the MFT and L-mount lenses, ensuring that the lens mount you choose matches your camera mount is crucial. Panasonic also offers adapters that allow you to use lenses from other manufacturers, such as Canon and Nikon. However, it is essential to note that adapting adapters may affect the autofocus speed and image quality, so it is best to use lenses specifically designed for your camera’s mount.
Lens filters
Lens filters are accessories attached to the front of a camera lens to modify how light enters the lens and affects the image captured by the camera. They come in various shapes, sizes, and types and can serve various purposes depending on the photographer’s needs.
Lens filters come in different types, such as:
- UV Filter: A UV filter blocks ultraviolet light from entering the lens, which can help reduce haze and improve clarity in outdoor photos. It can also serve as a protective layer for the lens, shielding it from scratches and damage.
- Polarizing Filter: A polarizing filter reduces reflections and glares from shiny surfaces, such as water or glass, and can also enhance color saturation and contrast in landscape photos.
- Neutral Density (ND) Filter: An ND filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for a longer exposure and slower shutter speeds. This can be useful in bright daylight conditions to achieve a desired level of blur in motion photography or when shooting video to maintain a cinematic look.
It’s important to pick the right filter size for your lens to ensure that it fits securely and doesn’t interfere with image quality. The size of a filter is determined by its diameter, measured in millimeters. The diameter of the filter should match the diameter of the lens’ front element, which is usually printed on the lens itself or can be found in the lens manual.
The 3 Best Panasonic Lenses for Landscape Photography
If you’re a landscape photographer using a Panasonic camera, you’ll want to invest in high-quality Panasonic lenses that can capture the beauty of your surroundings. Panasonic offers a range of lenses specifically designed for landscape photography, featuring advanced optics and durable build quality. These lenses can help you achieve sharp, detailed images with stunning color and contrast.
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH
This Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH lens is perfect for capturing stunning landscapes with its ultra-wide focal length range of 8-18mm. It features a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.0, which is ideal for low-light situations, and its optical design provides sharp and clear images with minimal distortion. The lens is also weather-sealed, making it ideal for outdoor photography.
- Price: $997.99
- Buy on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH
Another ultra-wide lens option for landscape photography is the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH. This lens is designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras and provides a focal length range of 7-14mm, equivalent to 14-28mm in 35mm format. It is a versatile lens for landscape photography, providing sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion.
- Price: $797.99
- Buy on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS
For photographers who want a zoom lens for landscape photography, the Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS is an excellent option. With a focal length range of 14-140mm, this lens provides flexibility in composing landscape shots, allowing you to capture wide vistas and zoom in on distant details.
The lens also features Power OIS image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake, and its compact size makes it ideal for travel.
- Price: $497.99
- Buy on Amazon
The 3 Best Panasonic Lenses for City Trips
Whether you’re exploring a new city or revisiting an old favorite, having the right Panasonic lens can make all the difference in capturing the beauty and energy of urban landscapes. Panasonic offers a range of lenses for city trips, featuring advanced optics and versatile focal lengths.
Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH
The Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH is a compact, lightweight lens perfect for city trips. Its fast maximum aperture of f/1.7 allows for shallow depth of field and low light performance, making it ideal for capturing street scenes and cityscapes.
The lens also features a silent autofocus motor, useful for capturing candid moments.
- Price: $267.99
- Buy on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH Power OIS
This Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH Power OIS is a versatile option for city trips, providing a focal length range of 12-35mm (24-70mm equivalent) and a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8. It features Power OIS image stabilization, useful for handheld shooting in low light conditions.
The lens is also weather-sealed, making it ideal for outdoor photography.
- Price: $697.99
- Buy on Amazon
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH Power OIS
For city trips that include wildlife photography or other distant subjects, the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH Power OIS is a great choice. With a focal length range of 100-400mm, this lens provides a long reach for capturing distant subjects. Its Power OIS image stabilization helps to minimize camera shake, and its weather-sealed design makes it ideal for outdoor photography.
- Price: $1,397.99
- Buy on Amazon
The 3 Best All-around Panasonic Lenses for Travel Photography
When traveling, it’s important to have versatile lenses that can handle a wide range of shooting situations. Panasonic offers a variety of lenses designed specifically for travel photography, featuring advanced optics and durable build quality. With compact and lightweight options, Panasonic lenses for traveling are perfect for photographers who want to capture every moment of their adventures.
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS
The Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS is an excellent all-around lens for travel photography. It provides a versatile focal length range of 12-60mm, making it ideal for capturing wide landscapes and zooming in on distant subjects.
The lens also features Power OIS image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake, and its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
- Price: $248.00
- Buy on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH Power OIS
Another great all-round lens for travel photography is the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH Power OIS. With a focal length range of 12-35mm and a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens is ideal for capturing various subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
Its Power OIS image stabilization helps to minimize camera shake, and its weather-sealed design makes it ideal for outdoor photography.
- Price: $472.00
- Buy on Amazon
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS
The Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS is a high-end all-round lens that provides excellent image quality and versatility for travel photography. Its focal length range of 12-60mm and a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.0 make it ideal for various shooting situations.
The lens also features Power OIS image stabilization and a weather-sealed design, making it suitable for outdoor photography.
- Price: $797.99
- Buy on Amazon
The 3 Best Budget Panasonic Lenses for Travel Photography
Travel photography doesn’t have to break the bank, and Panasonic offers several budget-friendly lenses that are perfect for capturing your adventures without compromising on quality. With advanced optics and lightweight design, Panasonic lenses for traveling are ideal for photographers who want to explore the world without being weighed down by expensive gear.
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS
The Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS is an affordable and lightweight telephoto zoom lens for travel photography. With a focal length range of 45-150mm, this lens is perfect for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or architecture.
Its Mega OIS image stabilization helps to minimize camera shake, and its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
- Price: $157.84
- Buy on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS
The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS is a budget-friendly and lightweight standard zoom lens for travel photography. With a focal length range of 14-42mm, this lens is ideal for capturing various subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
Its Mega OIS image stabilization helps to minimize camera shake, and its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
- Price: $184.99
- Buy on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH
The Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH is an affordable and lightweight prime lens for travel photography. With a fast maximum aperture of f/1.7, this lens is ideal for low light situations and creating shallow depth of field. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and its silent autofocus motor is useful for capturing candid moments.
- Price: $147.99
- Buy on Amazon
Our favorite Panasonic lenses for travel photography listed.
| Panasonic lens – Lens Model | Price | Weight (grams) |
| Landscape Photography | ||
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH | $997.99 | 315 g |
| Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH | $797.99 | 300 g |
| Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS | $497.99 | 265 g |
| City Photography | ||
| Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH | $267.99 | 87 g |
| Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH Power OIS | $697.99 | 305 g |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH Power OIS | $1,397.99 | 985 g |
| All-around Travel Photography | ||
| Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS | $248.00 | 210 g |
| Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH Power OIS | $472.00 | 305 g |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS | $797.99 | 320 g |
| Best Budget lenses | ||
| Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS | $157.84 | 200 g |
| Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS | $184.99 | 110 g |
| Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH | $147.99 | 125 g |
