Panasonic's micro four thirds cameras are very good, but with any interchangeable lens system, the bodies are only half the equation – they also need extensive, good-quality lens systems to back them up.

This is a very sharp lens! Great colors, very light weight, like many of the MF3ds lens's. Pretty nice portrait len's just a tad soft in the corners at 2.8, but can be fixed in post if needed or cropped out. This lens has one problem, focus.

The picture below illustrates the lens's angle of view (taken from our standard vantage point):

Very good; if not quite outstanding; optics; Extremely compact and lightweight; True 1:1 macro; Reasonably effective image stabilization (but really need to use mode 1

'Focus-by-wire' manual focus gives no tactile feedback; No distance or macro ratio scale; Rectangular lens hood doesn't reverse for storage; Slow maximum aperture not ideal for portrait use; Image stabilization ineffective at macro distances; Expensive

Let's not beat about the bush: this is an amazing lens that has every bell and whistle, not to mention the Leica seal of approval. With a focal length that is twice the sensor diagonal, Leica's 45mm is ideally placed to offer a high-quality macro performance, much like the 90-105mm macro lenses...

Great for AF macro work

High price

The LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm F2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. lens offers almost silent focusing. In use, we have also found the system surprisingly quick on the DMC-GH2, though not quite as zippy as the GH2 and 14-140mm lens combo.

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Strong Construction

love it, great macro lens

I dreamed of this lens for a long time to go with my G1, I was put off by the high price tag. After saving hard I decided to treat myself to this lens and I am glad I did as I am having a lot of fun using it both on auto and manual focus when photographing flowers and butterflies etc.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus

Slight Rattling Sound

This is not a technical review, but more an everyday use description of a fun lens to own. I've used this lens several times now that the weather is cooler. This lens brings a whole new perspective to my photography in that I'm now looking for the smallest of details.

Bought for my GH2. Image-wise I would give 5 stars but taking off one as the AF is less snappy in some close focus situations. Beautiful Leica-like bokeh and tack sharp. Perfect double duty portrait and macro. Image stabilization makes handheld macro easy.

Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Nice Bokeh

Slow Focus