Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. Lens Review

Panasonic Lumix G VARIO 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Handling and Features

The lens barrel is constructed from high quality plastics, with a glossy finish and the bayonet is metal. It weighs only 70g and only protrudes from the lens mount by 24mm when collapsed. The lens is extended ready for use by simply turning the narrow zoom ring clockwise. There is no button to lock the lens in its retracted position. The small size of this lens should make it perfect for use with even the most compact Micro Four Thirds bodies and it also feels right at home on the Panasonic Lumix G3 used for testing.


As focusing is performed internally the 37mm filter thread does not rotate, which makes this lens ideal for use with graduated and polarising filters. There is no manual focus ring, which means you're out of luck if you like to focus the lens yourself. However, this may be a compromise many can live with given the compact dimensions of this optic. The minimum focus distance is 20cm between 12mm and 20mm, but raises to 30cm at longer focal lengths, which makes this lens suitable for shooting in tight spaces at short focal lengths. The difference in minimum focusing can take a little getting used to, especially if the lens is zoomed to alter the composition at close distances.



The optical stabiliser is activated from the in-camera menu on Panasonic cameras. With care, the stabilisation system allows sharp shots to be taken just over half the time at 1/8sec at 32mm, which is three stops slower than the usual rule of thumb would allow.

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