Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II vs Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II is 20mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 for wide-angle.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 20mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 87g (3.1 oz) it's lighter than the 160g (5.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 20mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.13x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II opens to f/1.7 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II is 20mm, Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II or the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II is 20mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 20mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 87g (3.1 oz) it's lighter than the 160g (5.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 if you shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 20mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.13x.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II and the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II opens to f/1.7 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 20mm | 8mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 7 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 5 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 57° | 107° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 40-40mm | 16-16mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | DC | DC |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 10 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $349 | $349 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | − |
| Diameter | 63mm | 63.4mm |
| Length | 25.5mm | 54mm |
| Weight | 87g (3.1 oz) | 160g (5.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
