Panasonic 12-32mm lens review: The GM1’s tiny kit lens is small on size, but big on quality

We just posted our Panasonic 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 review, and it's quite the impressive little lens, not only compared to other kit lenses, but also to  larger, more expensive Panasonic lenses sold separately. The lens is currently the exclusive kit lens for the equally tiny Panasonic GM1. The small size, retractable mechanism and extremely light weight make it a perfect pairing with the GM1, allowing the combo to be quite pocketable. It's still not "pocketable" enough for your average pants pocket, especially jeans, but it’s darn close.

While this lens really does take the "Micro" from Micro Four Thirds to heart, it still provides a very versatile 24-64mm equivalent zoom range, as well as Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization system. The addition of O.I.S. is indeed very handy, as the variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture is not the best out there for low-light shooting. Optically, the Panasonic 12-32mm produced excellent results, with sharp images, even wide open, plus very minimal distortion while keeping chromatic aberration and vignetting under control. 

Jump on over to SLRgear to read our full Panasonic 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. Lumix G Vario lens review to see our test results and read our final verdict.

The Panasonic 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. Lumix G Vario lens is currently available exclusively as the kit lens with the Panasonic GM1 for around $748. While Panasonic makes both a silver and black version, the silver model is the only color currently available in the US market. The all-black version of the camera and lens is available as well in the European and Asian markets. The Panasonic GM1 and 12-32mm lens kit can be ordered from Amazon, Adorama or B&H. By purchasing this lens, or any other product, through our affiliate links, you help keep these reviews coming!

In the meantime, check out some sample photos below taken by Rob, our lens specialist. You can view more of his sample photos, plus download the full-resolution files, over at our Flickr page. Also, head over to our ongoing shooter's reports for the Panasonic GM1, which include more gallery photos using this excellent little lens.