Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm
Score: 79/100
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH is an ultra-compact, fast-aperture prime that delivers sharp images and quiet autofocus. It lacks weather sealing, image stabilization, and its corner performance drops at the widest aperture. Ideal for street, portrait and low-light shooters who prioritize size and speed over ruggedness.
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact prime lens offering a fast f/1.8 aperture and quiet STM autofocus, making it ideal for everyday shooting and video. Its trade-offs include lack of weather sealing, no image stabilization, and a plastic build that may feel less premium. Best suited for beginners, travel photographers, and vloggers seeking a lightweight "nifty fifty."
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
25 mm | 50 mmbest | |
1.7 | 1.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.25 mbest | 0.3 m |
| ↓ lower better | 125 gbest | 160 g |
7best | 7best | |
— | 0.3best | |
8best | 6 | |
7best | 5 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon RF |
Features(1) | ||
Autofocus Type | Stepping motor | STM |
Optics(6) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 25 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 1.7 | 1.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.25 m | 0.3 m |
Number of Optical Elements | 8 | 6 |
Number of Optical Groups | 7 | 5 |
Coating | None | Super Spectra Coating |
Build & Design(5) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 46 mm | 43 mm |
Weight (g) | 125 g | 160 g |
Length (mm) | 52 mm | 40.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 60.8 mm | 69.2 mm |
Construction Material | Plastic barrel, metal mount | plastic |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its delightfully lightweight and well-built feel, fast f/1.7 aperture, and quiet stepping-motor autofocus that suits both stills and video. They also note the high-quality aspherical/UHR optics that keep aberrations low. However, they criticize the lack of weather sealing, image stabilization, and the soft corner performance at the widest aperture, as well as the absence of a mechanical focus coupling.
Everyday users love how portable and light the lens feels, often describing it as "pancake-like" and "so light… not even perceive the extra weight." They appreciate the fast aperture for indoor and low-light shooting and the quiet AF for video. Common complaints focus on its fragility without weather sealing, occasional flare, and the inability to focus closely for macro work.
“so light... not even perceive the extra weight”
“easy carry-along companion”
“toy-like”
Professional reviewers commend the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for its ultra-compact design, fast f/1.8 aperture, quiet STM AF and the added control ring, positioning it as a versatile walk-around lens. However, they criticize the lack of weather sealing and optical stabilization, and note the plastic construction feels less premium than higher-end Canon optics.
Everyday users consistently praise the lens's lightweight, pocketable form factor, impressive bokeh, low-light performance and silent autofocus, calling it a great value for casual shooting and video. Recurring complaints focus on the absence of weather sealing, no built-in IS, a plastic feel that some deem 'toy-like', and occasional edge softness or flare when shooting wide open.
