Sharpness at 32mm

The sharpness tests for this review were carried out using a real-world subject rather than a test chart. The LUMIX G VARIO 7-32mm F2.8 ASPH lens was attached to a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 compact system camera, which in turn was mounted on a sturdy tripod. The self-timer was used to avoid any vibrations from pressing the shutter release. Slight tonal changes are due to slight changes in natural light during the session.

The full frame at 32mm

The centre is a little soft wide open, with peak performance achieved in the f/8-11 range. Diffraction is very visible from f/16-f/22

The edges are somewhat soft at f/5.6 but sharpen up at f/8, with f/11 the optimum setting.

Aperture	Centre Crop	Edge Crop
f/5.6
f/8
f/11
f/16
f/22