25mm f/1.4 lens
Coinciding with the release of the Lumix DMC-GF3, Panasonic has announced its long-awaited 25mm f/1.4 lens. Four thirds lenses have a 2x multiplication factor, which in this case translates as a 50mm optic. The four thirds format gives less control over shallow depth of field than larger formats, so using a lens that can open up to f/1.4 goes some way to remedying this. It is a 
Leica-certified optic comprising nine elements in seven groups, with two aspherical lenses.
At 200g, the 25mm f/1.4 is reassuringly weighty and well constructed, without throwing the balance of Panasonic’s lightest and smallest micro four thirds camera. The lens is relatively compact, too, at 54.5mm long. When paired with the GF3, you have a genuinely good option for sharp portraits from the most lightweight of set-ups.
Given that the GF3 is found wanting a little in low-contrast light, this type of lens counters it well. Like many other lenses in the range, however, it is expensive and, at £548.99, costs more than the GF3 with kit lens.
