Best Lenses for the Panasonic GH5: 10 Top Picks

The Panasonic GH5 is a popular mirrorless camera for both photography and video, thanks to its 20.3 MP sensor and 4K recording capabilities. It also features in-body image stabilization and a durable build for outdoor use.

Of course, a mirrorless camera can’t function without lenses – so if you already own this camera, or you are planning to buy it soon, you need to know the best lenses for the Panasonic GH5.

Below, we have listed ten of the best options, covering various photography types including wildlife, landscapes, and macro.

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1. Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 Asph. Power OIS

Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 Asph. Power OIS
Great for wildlife photography

The long focal length and image stabilization make this one of the best options for wildlife and nature photography.

Pros
Durable weatherproof body
Image stabilization for sharp handheld shots
Includes a tripod mount for better stability
Cons
Relatively heavy and bulky

If you want to try your hand at wildlife and sports photography, you need a high-power telephoto lens, and I highly recommend the Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3, which is on par with top-quality glass from other manufacturers like Tamron, Sigma, and Canon.

The 100-400mm focal length is great for detailed wildlife shots and nature photography, and it translates to a whopping 200-800mm on the GH5’s Micro Four-Thirds body. As a result, you can easily take wildlife shots without disturbing your subject.

PANASONIC LUMIX G LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR PROFESSIONAL LENS, 100-400MM, F4.0-6.3 ASPH., MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, POWER OPTICAL I.S., H-RS100400 (USA BLACK)
PANASONIC LUMIX G LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR PROFESSIONAL LENS, 100-400MM, F4.0-6.3 ASPH., MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, POWER OPTICAL I.S., H-RS100400 (USA BLACK) (Image from Amazon)

This telephoto lens also has image stabilization and a tripod mount slot – so whether you decide to handhold or tripod-mount your lens, the results will be outstanding. You can also expect superior image quality regardless of the focal length due to the premium Leica lens construction.

2. Panasonic LUMIX G Leica Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II Power OIS

Panasonic LUMIX G Leica Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II Power OIS
Great for affordable telephoto shots

The Panasonic LUMIX G Leica Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 is an affordable telephoto lens that is suitable for wildlife and sports photography on a budget.

Pros
Silent zoom transition
High-quality Leica optics
Versatile focal length of 100-300mm
Cons
Does not have a tripod mount

One downside to the 100-400mm featured above? It’s on the expensive side. Happily, there is a decent budget alternative for budding wildlife and nature shooters: the Panasonic LUMIX Leica G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II Power OIS, which offers great telephoto capabilities at a reduced cost.

Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens, 100-300MM, MIRRORLESS Micro Four Thirds, Power O.I.S, H-FSA100300 (USA Black)
Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens, 100-300MM, MIRRORLESS Micro Four Thirds, Power O.I.S, H-FSA100300 (USA Black) (Image from Amazon)

On the GH5, the 100-300mm focal length actually translates to 200-600mm, so you get super-telephoto reach for bird photography, wildlife, and nature shots.

This Leica Vario lens is also weatherproof and durable, perfect for outdoor use. It does not come with a tripod mount, but it is smaller and lighter than the 100-400mm. Also, it features image stabilization for improved stability and handheld use. We also like that this lens has a silent zoom transition and a virtually silent AF motor.

3. Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Macro Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Mega OIS

Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Macro Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Mega OIS
Great for macro photography

The Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Macro Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Mega OIS is the best LUMIX choice for macro photography due to its lens construction and changeable minimum focus distance.

Pros
Premium Leica lens construction
Optical image stabilization
Good close-up capabilities
Cons
Some may find the focal length restrictive

If you want to take professional macro photos, you need a dedicated macro lens. That’s where the Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Macro Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Mega OIS comes in, featuring plenty of close-up photography capabilities.

For one, it offers a maximum image magnification of 1x, so you can capture tiny subjects with plenty of gorgeous detail – plus, the lens offers Leica construction for top-notch image quality.

PANASONIC LUMIX G LEICA DG MACRO-ELMAR LENS, 45MM, F2.8 ASPH., PROFESSIONAL MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, MEGA OPTICAL I.S., H-ES045 (USA BLACK)
PANASONIC LUMIX G LEICA DG MACRO-ELMAR LENS, 45MM, F2.8 ASPH., PROFESSIONAL MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, MEGA OPTICAL I.S., H-ES045 (USA BLACK) (Image from Amazon)

And the lens is compact, too; you can carry it around for on-the-fly macro photography, and even – thanks to the versatile focal length and wide maximum aperture – casual street and portrait images.

4. Panasonic LUMIX Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-5 Asph. Power OIS

Panasonic LUMIX Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 Asph. Power OIS
Great as a kit lens

The Panasonic LUMIX Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 is the best kit lens available for the GH5.

Pros
Durable metal body
Leica lens construction for excellent image quality
High-speed autofocus
Cons
Not suitable for telephoto photography

Every photographer needs a quality kit lens: a versatile lens that can be used for general photography. For the GH5, that’s the Panasonic LUMIX Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4, which offers an excellent focal length range, very nice optics, and outstanding build quality to boot.

Panasonic LUMIX Professional 12-60mm Camera Lens, Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT, F2.8-4.0 ASPH, Dual I.S. 2.0 with Power O.I.S, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-ES12060 (Black)
Panasonic LUMIX Professional 12-60mm Camera Lens, Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT, F2.8-4.0 ASPH, Dual I.S. 2.0 with Power O.I.S, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-ES12060 (Black) (Image from Amazon)

This is a great lens for portrait photography, landscape photography, event photography, and more; the 12-60mm focal length is highly versatile, so if you’re a photography generalist, or you’re simply not sure where you’d like to specialize, it’s a great choice. Compared to some other basic kit lenses, it also has superior construction and features, including image stabilization to reduce camera shake and a durable metal body that is splash-proof, dust-proof, and freeze-proof.

You can also expect sharp images throughout the focal length range. This is due to the Leica lens construction and the addition of ED elements that help correct chromatic aberration and improve image contrast.

5. Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 Asph.

Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 Asph.
Great for wide-angle photography

This lens has a great focal length for wide-angle shots, along with a premium design that promises high image quality.

Pros
Dust- and splash-resistant design
Smooth and fast AF motor
Excellent maximum aperture of f/1.7
Cons
Does not have image stabilization

One of the best GH5 lenses for wide-angle photography is the Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7, a premium multi-zoom wide-angle lens that features high-quality Leica optics.

At 10-25mm, this lens is perfect for ultra-wide-angle landscape shots, and the focal length range is complemented by the excellent Leica lens construction and glass. The Leica DG construction means you will get sharp images consistently with no flare or ghosting. Photos should also be sharp from edge-to-edge, regardless of the focal length.

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm, F1.7 ASPH. Lens, Stepless Aperture, Video Performance, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Mount, H-X1025
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm, F1.7 ASPH. Lens, Stepless Aperture, Video Performance, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Mount, H-X1025 (Image from Amazon)

This lens will also work wonders for low-light photography due to its maximum f/1.7 aperture. The maximum aperture will also help create beautiful bokeh effects when photographing portraits, street scenes, and more.

6. Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 Asph.

Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 Asph.
Great for beginners

The Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 is a great starter lens for landscape photography and ideal as a travel lens.

Pros
Lightweight and compact
Great f/1.7 maximum aperture
Fast and quiet stepping AF motor
Cons
Cheaper exterior than other LUMIX lenses

One of the best budget prime lenses for the GH5 is the Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 Asph., an inexpensive prime lens that offers great quality, especially for beginner landscape photographers.

At 25mm, this lens allows you to create beautiful landscape, street, and portrait compositions. We also like the maximum aperture of f/1.7, which offers professional bokeh effects for backgrounds when shooting single subjects (e.g., portraits).

Panasonic LUMIX G Lens, 25mm, F1.7 ASPH, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-H025K (USA Black)
Panasonic LUMIX G Lens, 25mm, F1.7 ASPH, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-H025K (USA Black) (Image from Amazon)

The lens exterior is not incredibly durable, but it looks great and is lightweight at just 125 g/0.27 lb. And you can expect sharp images due to the 2 aspherical and 1 UHR lens elements. If you’re a beginner, the Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 Asph. is a great way to jumpstart your photography!

7. Panasonic LUMIX Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 Asph. Power OIS

Panasonic LUMIX Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 Asph. Power OIS
Great for portraits

This 42.5mm lens is ideal for portraits due to its f/1.2 maximum aperture and high-quality lens construction.

Pros
Built-in image stabilization for handheld use
Excellent f/1.2 maximum aperture
Rugged body design for outdoor use
Cons
Relatively expensive

If you’re looking to capture beautiful portraits, consider the Panasonic LUMIX Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2, which offers excellent quality, sharp images, and a good set of features for portrait photography.

Firstly, there’s the maximum f/1.2 aperture, which allows you to create bokeh effects for subject backgrounds (and helps with low-light photography, too!).

Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DG NOCTICRON LENS, 42.5MM, F1.2 ASPH., PROFESSIONAL MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, POWER OPTICAL I.S., H-NS043 (USA BLACK)
Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DG NOCTICRON LENS, 42.5MM, F1.2 ASPH., PROFESSIONAL MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, POWER OPTICAL I.S., H-NS043 (USA BLACK) (Image from Amazon)

Also, this premium lens has Leica DG Nocticron optics. As a result, you can expect incredibly sharp images with excellent contrast and clarity. If you want a midrange prime lens for portraits, this is one of the best lenses for the Panasonic GH5 available.

8. Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II Asph. Power OIS

Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II Asph. Power O.I.S
Great for all-around photography

The Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II is a brilliant multi-zoom lens for those who don’t want to invest in multiple specialist lenses.

Pros
Versatile focal length
Built-in image stabilization for handheld use
Quality optics with ED and aspheric elements
Cons
Not as sharp as prime equivalents

Our next pick is the Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II, a jack of all trades zoom lens. Beginners may not want to invest in multiple expensive lenses, and that’s where this 14-140mm option comes into play; such a broad focal length range covers multiple photography types, including landscapes, portraits, and even wildlife. This means that you can learn different photography techniques without spending a fortune on specialist lenses.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm Telephoto Zoom Lens with F3.5-5.6 II ASPH, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Mount and Power O.I.S. - H-FSA14140 (Upgraded USA Black)
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm Telephoto Zoom Lens with F3.5-5.6 II ASPH, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Mount and Power O.I.S. – H-FSA14140 (Upgraded USA Black) (Image from Amazon)

This lens also has some standout features. For example, it image stabilization for sharp shots when shooting handheld. It also has a rugged exterior construction and is splash-proof and dust-resistant. Finally, the maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 will still give you great control and allow you to use the lens in low-light situations.

9. Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 Power OIS

Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 Power OIS
Great for sporting events

This 200mm prime lens is ideal for fixed focal length photography such as sporting events.

Pros
Compatible with the 1.4x teleconverter
Dustproof and splashproof design for outdoor use
Includes image stabilization for reduced camera shake
Cons
Relatively heavy

If you predominantly work at a fixed focal length or are relatively sure of the whereabouts of your subjects, a prime telephoto lens can be an excellent addition to your Panasonic GH5 kit, such as the powerful Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8.

This is a premium LUMIX G prime lens that is perfect for sports and event photography where you are working in a set location. At 200mm, you can still get excellent detail, and the sharpness and quality of this lens are superb.

You will get consistent sharpness and contrast due to the advanced Leica DG Elmarit lens construction, which includes 15 elements in 13 groups, as well as UED elements. If you want a little extra reach, this lens is also compatible with the 1.4x teleconverter which will increase the focal length to 280mm.

PANASONIC LUMIX G Leica DG ELMARIT Professional Lens, 200mm, F2.8 ASPH., Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, Power Optical O.I.S., H-ES200, Includes 1.4X Teleconverter DMW-TC14, (USA Black)
PANASONIC LUMIX G Leica DG ELMARIT Professional Lens, 200mm, F2.8 ASPH., Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, Power Optical O.I.S., H-ES200, Includes 1.4X Teleconverter DMW-TC14, (USA Black) (Image from Amazon)

This prime lens also has a robust exterior body, a fast and accurate AF motor, and includes a rotatable tripod mount for ease of use.

10. Panasonic LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5

Panasonic LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5
Great for unique perspective shots

The Panasonic LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5 offers a 180-degree angle of view and is fantastic for creating uniquely distorted photos.

Pros
Compact and lightweight body
Maximum aperture of f/3.5
High-quality lens construction
Cons
The body does not have any weatherproofing

Our final GH5 pick is the Panasonic LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5, a wide-angle, specialist lens that allows you to create interesting effects with your photos.

At 8mm, this fisheye lens provides a diagonal angle of view of 180 degrees; expect a distinct perspective from your photos that’ll certainly catch the attention of viewers.

PANASONIC LUMIX G FISHEYE Lens, 8MM, F3.5, MIRRORLESS Micro Four Thirds, H-F008 (USA Black)
PANASONIC LUMIX G FISHEYE Lens, 8MM, F3.5, MIRRORLESS Micro Four Thirds, H-F008 (USA Black) (Image from Amazon)

This lens is also highly usable due to its lightweight lens construction. It weighs only 5.82 oz/165 g and is one of the smallest fisheye lenses available. And you can expect excellent image quality due to the lens elements and ED glass. If you want to experiment with new photography types, this fisheye lens is certainly an interesting buy.

Which Panasonic GH5 Lens Is Right for You?

So which of the best lenses for the Panasonic GH5 is right for you? This depends on your goals! For example, if you want a flexible kit lens for general photography, the Panasonic LUMIX Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 Asph. Power OIS is the best choice. However, if you want high-quality wide-angle capabilities for landscapes, something like the Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 Asph. or Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 Asph. would make great options.

Lastly, if you want a specialist lens for wildlife or macro photography, the Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 Asph. Power OIS and Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Macro Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Mega OIS would make excellent selections.


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About the Author
Paul Skidmore

A seasoned content creator at PhotoWorkout, Paul merges his love for traveling and photography to craft insightful articles. With a solid grasp of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, he enjoys testing new photo software, apps, and gear. His background in web development further enriches his photography endeavors.
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