5 Best Zoom Lenses for Panasonic GH5

We all know the exemplary performance of Panasonic cameras when it comes to mirrorless video recording and taking top of the line photographs, but every superhero needs a sidekick. Although the Panasonic GH5 is already a great performing piece of hardware, with it’s full frame sensor, we can still increase its performance by choosing the right lens that goes with it. So we laid out a buying guide to help you find the best zoom lens for Panasonic GH5.

Best Zoom Lens for Panasonic GH5

​#1 ​Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm I f/2.8

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • Image stabilization

  • Constant aperture

  • Expensive

Review

First on the list is an all-around superstar lens that is perfect for people who are always on the go. Aside from its ability to survive extreme environments, it also maximizes Panasonic’s dual stabilization that combines the camera’s built-in Optical Stabilization alongside the lens’s stabilizer, making the video smooth running without the unnecessary shaking. Gimbal shots are reduced to almost no blur even when you’re running while filming, which makes it best for filming documentary and events. It also offers a constant aperture of f/2.8 at any focal range giving the proper DOF for the desired effect on you film. It’s just a bit pricey but for the overall performance of this lens, it is definitely worth it.

​#2 ​Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 ART

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • Focus
  • Cheaper
  • Need for an EF-MFT adapter

Review

One of the most talked about and highly appraised lens is next on the list as it is famous for accommodating any brand and type of camera you are using. Every frame is magic at any setting, may it be a cinematic shot that makes the image look dreamy or a crystal clear image that emphasizes everything on the photo. It is good for shooting commercial films as well as short film and just about anything. It is also well-praised for the sharpness and quality of color of everything you snap from this lens. If you’re looking for more wide angle lenses you can find them on our article for Best Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Nikon DX Cameras: Top 5 List.

​#3 ​Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 II

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • Depth of Field

  • Expensive
  • Needs adapter

Review

Halfway through the list is an amazing zoom lens for Panasonic GH5 that is perfect for wildlife photography and travel videos. It is also perfect for your media related videos such as interviews, feature videos and sports because it isolate the subject from the background emphasizing the person you are featuring on your media stint. This white lens stands out from the crowd of cameras especially during coverages which maybe a downside for some. But it has an awesome AF mode, and a full-time manual focus making it ideal for both professional and amateurs who wants to be professional photographers.

​#4 ​Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • User friendly

  • High-speed autofocus

  • Heavy

Review

Another one on the list is a lens from Panasonic itself, and the good news is there’s no need for adapters or mounts. This lens is also very user friendly and easy to handle which can be good for starting photographers who want to look professional while practicing. One of Panasonic’s top of the line products that is reasonably priced for the beautifully constructed body and beautiful image quality it has to offer. It has spot-on vividness that comes in a dust, freeze and splash proof body. It also has a high-speed auto focusing feature and advanced optical image stabilization perfect for everyone even the photographers who are just starting.

#5 Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • Quick internal focusing
  • Water resistant
  • Needs adapter

Review

If you’re interested in something with a bit more versatility than this Sigma lens might be the right fit for you. Instead of the fixed focal length you see on prime lenses this guy comes with a focal length range of between 18-300mm. Now you are giving up some of the benefits that come with a prime lens but for most, the ability to zoom in and out is worth more than a small amount of quality and aperture range. This lens offers a 1:3 macro ratio, which is great for taking photos of butterflies when you’re out and about. You also get a fast and quiet auto-focus system and an angle of view between 76.5 and 5.4 degrees.

#5 ​Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8 Asph OIS

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • Lightweight
  • Focus
  • Not that good for low-light

Review

Ending the list of best zoom lens for Panasonic GH5 is another entry from Panasonic which is also splash, dust and freeze proof that makes it suitable for outdoor shooting in any condition. Excellent for professionals, amateur and enthusiasts for its user-friendly feats, and its fast shutter speed perfect for action and sports photos without compromising quality. Same as other Panasonic lens, it is also very reasonably priced but this one’s more compact that makes it perfect for taking travel videos especially for scenic shots and landscapes. For a lightweight lens, it features high stability even if you have no gimbal or it is just hand-held. Another feat of this lens is its ability to blur the background and focus more on the subject which is perfect for achieving the bokeh effect at a very minimal effort.

Conclusion

There are so many good lens that is perfect for your Panasonic GH5, but we have filtered out the best zoom lens for you, but just in case what you’re looking for is not on this list, make sure to check the compatibility of the lens to your camera. Most of these lenses require adapters, so make sure to order an adapter as well if you need one. Also, consider the main purpose of the lens that you’re buying and tailor it to your needs to maximize your using of the lens, may it be for travel vlogging, documentary filming, action videography or other genre you want to explore. We hope that this list helped you decide what zoom lens you are going to buy for your Panasonic GH5. That’s all for now and happy shooting! 😊