The picture below illustrates the lens's angle of view (taken from our standard vantage point):

Very good; if not quite outstanding; optics; Extremely compact and lightweight; True 1:1 macro; Reasonably effective image stabilization (but really need to use mode 1

'Focus-by-wire' manual focus gives no tactile feedback; No distance or macro ratio scale; Rectangular lens hood doesn't reverse for storage; Slow maximum aperture not ideal for portrait use; Image stabilization ineffective at macro distances; Expensive

Very good, if not quite outstanding, optics; Extremely compact and lightweight; True 1:1 macro; Reasonably effective image stabilization (but really need to use mode 1);

'Focus-by-wire' manual focus gives no tactile feedback; No distance or macro ratio scale; Rectangular lens hood doesn't reverse for storage; Slow maximum aperture not ideal for portrait use; Image stabilization ineffective at macro distances; Expensive;

Lightweight, well-balanced, sharp, great for portraits and macro ie flowers, etc. I love single focal length lenses. While I have the kit zoom lens. My favorite lenses are the 20mm and the reviewed 45mm.

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

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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

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

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

Bought for my GH2. Image-wise I would give 5 stars but taking off one as the AF is less snappy in some close focus situations. Beautiful Leica-like bokeh and tack sharp. Perfect double duty portrait and macro. Image stabilization makes handheld macro easy.

Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Nice Bokeh

Slow Focus

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.