Let's not beat about the bush: this is an amazing lens that has every bell and whistle, not to mention the Leica seal of approval. With a focal length that is twice the sensor diagonal, Leica's 45mm is ideally placed to offer a high-quality macro performance, much like the 90-105mm macro lenses...

Great for AF macro work

High price

The LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm F2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. lens offers almost silent focusing. In use, we have also found the system surprisingly quick on the DMC-GH2, though not quite as zippy as the GH2 and 14-140mm lens combo.

wow!

yes

yes

I love shooting close-up - not quite macro (1:1) in most cases, but pretty close (1:4 to 1:2). I am amazed at how well the autofocus works even it these close ranges - it always focuses on something, and very often the right thing, but once you get to know the lens its relatively easy to coax it...

Great image quality; excellent autofocus

small max aperture; lens hood doesn't reverse for storage

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Strong Construction

love it, great macro lens

I dreamed of this lens for a long time to go with my G1, I was put off by the high price tag. After saving hard I decided to treat myself to this lens and I am glad I did as I am having a lot of fun using it both on auto and manual focus when photographing flowers and butterflies etc.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus

Slight Rattling Sound

Panasonic's micro four thirds cameras are very good, but with any interchangeable lens system, the bodies are only half the equation – they also need extensive, good-quality lens systems to back them up.

This is a very sharp lens! Great colors, very light weight, like many of the MF3ds lens's. Pretty nice portrait len's just a tad soft in the corners at 2.8, but can be fixed in post if needed or cropped out. This lens has one problem, focus.

This is not a technical review, but more an everyday use description of a fun lens to own. I've used this lens several times now that the weather is cooler. This lens brings a whole new perspective to my photography in that I'm now looking for the smallest of details.