CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS MFT Review

Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS

Main Features

  • 12-32mm Focal Range
  • F3.5 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Thread: 37mm
  • Max Format: FourThirds
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Weight: 70g / 0.15 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 56mm x 24mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.2m
  • Max Magnification: 0.13x
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Compare To
x
Add a Lens for comparison

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS Overview


Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF) Standard Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and FourThirds max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with MFT cameras.

What type of photography is the Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeFair
SportsFair
PortraitGood
TravelGood
StreetGood
WeddingGood
Walk AroundVery Good
VloggingGood
LandscapeVery Good
MacroPoor

Reasons to Buy Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization
Autofocus
Minimum focus distance of 0.2m / 7.9 inch
Light weight at only 70g / 2.5 oz
Report a correction

Buy Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
No Weather Sealing
Hood is not supplied
Lens Extents while zooming
Slow Aperture at Tele end
Variable Aperture


Lens Mount

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS is compatible with cameras that have a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Micro Four Thirds lenses are Panasonic G9 II, OM System OM-5 and Panasonic GH6.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS has a maximum diameter of 56mm and total length of 24mm when not extended. It weighs 70g / 2.5 oz.

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS has a filter thread of 37mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS:

  • 37mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 37mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 37mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS has a focal range of 12-32mm and 2.7X zoom ratio which has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 24-64mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.


Optical Image Stabilization

The Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.

Zoom Method

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.13x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.2m. 0.13x means that the max magnification ratio is very low and not suitable even for modest close-up shots.

Below are the 3 Standard Zoom type MFT mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Olympus ED 12-45mm F4 Pro: 0.5x - (Compare)
  • Olympus ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ: 0.36x - (Compare)
  • Panasonic 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 OIS: 0.34x - (Compare)

Aperture

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f3.5 and a minimum aperture of f22 at 12mm, and a max aperture of f5.6 and minimum aperture of f22 at 32mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
12mm F3.5 F22
32mm F5.6 F22

Optical Formula

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS's optical formula consists of 8 elements in 7 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • 3 aspherical
  • 1 ED

Lens Hood

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS doesn't come with a lens hood.

Popular Comparisons of Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ
Compare
FourThirds 91 g / 0.20 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS
Compare
FourThirds 110 g / 0.24 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 II ASPH Lens Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 II ASPH
Compare
FourThirds 55 g / 0.12 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS
Compare
FourThirds 210 g / 0.46 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS
Compare
FourThirds 305 g / 0.67 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS
Compare
FourThirds 95 g / 0.21 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS
Compare
FourThirds 195 g / 0.43 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm F4 Pro Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm F4 Pro
Compare
FourThirds 254 g / 0.56 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS Alternatives in Micro Four Thirds Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II Lens OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
Compare
FourThirds 382 g / 0.84 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH Lens Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH
Compare
FourThirds 690 g / 1.52 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II
Compare
FourThirds 112 g / 0.25 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R
Compare
FourThirds 112 g / 0.25 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER OIS Lens Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER OIS
Compare
FourThirds 306 g / 0.67 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO
Compare
FourThirds 382 g / 0.84 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6
Compare
FourThirds 150 g / 0.33 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ
Compare
FourThirds 91 g / 0.20 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS
Compare
FourThirds 165 g / 0.36 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS
Compare
FourThirds 110 g / 0.24 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS
Compare
FourThirds 305 g / 0.67 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS
Compare
FourThirds 95 g / 0.21 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 II ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 II ASPH Power OIS
Compare
FourThirds 305 g / 0.67 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

Related Blog Posts

Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD Lens Available for Pre-Order. And Yes, It is a Full-frame Lens
Fujifilm GF 110mm F5.6 T/S, 30mm F5.6 T/S and 55mm F1.7 Lenses: Medium Format comes with a Price tag
Panasonic Releases Updated 100-400mm and 35-100mm Lenses for MFT Cameras
New Lens Roadmap Released for Fujifilm G Mount
Sigma 100-400mm DG DN and 23mm F1.4 DC DN lenses released for Fujifilm X-mount
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Mark II vs I Size and Specs Comparison
Tamron 17-50mm f4 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E-Mount under Development
Panasonic released new S series Lens Roadmap for the L Mount

Panasonic 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Panasonic
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Standard Zoom
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds
Max Format FourThirds
Focal Range 12-32mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour Unknown
Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No
Zoom Lock No
Zoom Ratio 2.7X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F3.5 - F5.6
Min Aperture F22.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 7
Optics
Optical Elements 8
Optical Groups 7
Special Elements 3 aspherical, 1 ED

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 0.2m
Max Magnification 0.13X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Stepper motor
Full Time Manual No
Focus Method Extending front
Distance Scale No
DoF Scale No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 70g
Diameter 56mm
Length 24mm
Weather Sealing No
Filter Thread 37mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied No
Tripod Collar No
Report a Correction
Frequently Asked Questions about Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS
is the Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS
is the Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS
Does Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS have Image Stabilization?
Does Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS


FOLLOW US


Latest Micro Four Thirds Lenses
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm f2.8 POWER OIS
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm f2.8 POWER OIS
Micro Four Thirds | F2.8 Telephoto Zoom
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS
Micro Four Thirds | F4.0 - F6.3 Telephoto Zoom
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS Pro
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS Pro
Micro Four Thirds | F3.5 Macro Prime
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER OIS
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER OIS
Micro Four Thirds | F2.8 Standard Zoom
Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7 ASPH
Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7 ASPH
Micro Four Thirds | F1.7 Wideangle Prime
OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
Micro Four Thirds | F2.8 Standard Zoom
OM System 40-150mm F4.0 PRO
OM System 40-150mm F4.0 PRO
Micro Four Thirds | F4 Telephoto Zoom
Samyang 135mm F2.0 ED UMC
Samyang 135mm F2.0 ED UMC
Micro Four Thirds | F2 Telephoto Prime
Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro
Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro
Micro Four Thirds | F2.8 Telephoto Macro
Samyang 21mm F1.4 ED AS UMC CS
Samyang 21mm F1.4 ED AS UMC CS
Micro Four Thirds | F1.4 Wideangle Prime
Latest Compatible Cameras
Panasonic G9 II
Panasonic G9 II
25 MP | Four Thirds CMOS
OM System OM-5
OM System OM-5
20 MP | Four Thirds CMOS
Panasonic GH6
Panasonic GH6
25 MP | Four Thirds CMOS
OM System OM-1
OM System OM-1
20 MP | Four Thirds Stacked BSI Live MOS Sensor
Panasonic GH5 II
Panasonic GH5 II
20 MP | Four Thirds CMOS
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision LaptopDecision

Report a Correction