I replaced my O45 with a PL45 and now that I've spent some quality time with it I find that I like it but I could also probably live without it if need be. As a macro lens it is a lot of fun and I really have no complaints about it IQ wise. It's AF is almost as squirrely as the O45 and getting it to focus correctly in macro mode can take some work but the results are certainly nothing to complain about. I don't miss the extra speed of the O45. As far as I can tell the OIS on the PL45 doesn't do much. The lens is certainly bigger than the O45 but it doesn't feel overly large.





I can certainly see why folks would prefer the O45 but for me the ability to get close makes all the difference in the world. It goes from a lens I would rarely if ever use to one that I use fairly often. I do find that I like the way the PL45 renders a bit more than the O45. I do think the images from the O45 seemed a tiny bit sharper but I also felt that they had a somewhat clinical look to them so all things considered I'm happy with the change. I wouldn't say that either is better. The O45 is a great value and if you don't want or need close focusing it seems like a natural choice. If close focusing interests you and the price is something you can live with the PL45 is terrific and because of its macro ability a bit more versatile.

It can also do more typical "portrait" shots too...

Here's one that I like. It's not a real macro...this was a little antennae topper on a car. The close focusing ability of the PL45 makes this a lot simpler. Also, the bokeh is pretty dreamy.

Lovely shots, I like how this lens renders...

It is awfully nice. There is something about the look that I find very appealing. Also, these are all straight OOC JPEGs from the GX1 (except of course the B/W of my son which took a trip through Silver Efex Pro2). Definitely an improvement from older Panasonic bodies.

Wonderful photos!
I really want one.

It is no doubt a good lens. However... for nearly $700 Dollars, I find this lens very hard to justify. I wonder why it hasn't gone down in price, it is not a big seller.

Very nice shots, Kevin. The slug being impaled by grass looks a bit gruesome .

I enjoyed this lens quite a bit. The rendering is full of character plus almost no axial CA.

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Amin
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I loved my PL45 when I had it. I just don't shoot at the FL that much, except every once in a while, so I got two legacy 50mm lenses -- a macro and a 1.4 for like $100 combined. But if I could just have this lens without impact to my gear budget, I'd certainly have it. To me, it's size and carry impact is no different than the PL25.

I agree on its portrait capabilities, too.


Hey Amin, nice avatar photo!

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EM5; 9-18, PL25, 100-300 and some others.
(also, 6D + RX100)

I'm not a real fan of macro shots, but I love the portrait of the little girl!

This is the only m4/3 native 1:1 macro lens and many people forget about this main feature when judging it. Any 45mm lens could do similar or better pictures (especially Oly45), but when comes to 1:1 I don't see any alternative ;)

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G3, GF2, Samy7.5/3.5, P14/2.5, PL25/1.4, PL45/2.8, mZD60/2.8, P14-45/3.5-5.6, PZ45-175/4.0-5.6, adapted: Helios 44M 58/2, Sonnar MC 135/3.5
FL-36R with DIY diffuser, Tripods Velbon REXi L + 494RC2, Monopod Manfrotto 294A4 and UltraPod II