More thoughts (and images) with the Nocticron

[Continued from the last introductory post about this lens, found here].
A short telephoto lens such as the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticrom 42.5mm seems best suited to portrait photography, since this is the focal length that most photographers use for such a purpose (it is the equivalent to a 85mm field of view in full frame terms); however, I don't shoot close portraits often, firstly because I enjoy environmental portraiture better, and also because I don't feel that comfortable getting so close to strangers in the streets. Hence, my purpose was to see how it felt walking the streets only with this lens, and no other, to see how versatile this lens could be as a general walk-around lens instead of a zoom or a wider prime as it's usually the norm.

Metallic light, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Calm backside, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Agitated backside, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Doom of the colors, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

For urbanscapes and architecture the lens performed admirably, since it has almost zero distortion and it's as sharp as it gets in the format; however, the long focal length can be a bit challenging in tighter spaces so positioning and framing become even more important, and it's recommended to look for smaller areas and details rather than trying to fit wide expanses of scenery, since that is not what suits this lens better. Now, when we talk about shooting people, things get more interesting.

The sentry and the governess, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Waiting for the train, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Improvised picture frame, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Lifesavers, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Study on orange, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Recess, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Disguised loo, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

You don't need to come too close to people in order to shoot them, therefore being less intimidating, and this distance lets you be somehow les intrusive and more neutral, if that is ever possible. At the same time, the wide maximum aperture lets you play with depth of field even at moderate distances, which is a great plus to isolate subjects and create stronger images of people.

Yellow and red, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

A smoking break, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

The decisive moment, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

A throne above the waters I,  GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

A throne above the waters II, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Before the impact, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

After the impact, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

If you are more into environmental portraiture and street life photography, then this lens is a great choice, since it has enough reach to get you close to somehow distant people yet still being able to catch the context around them, giving more background information about the subject, which helps enhancing or deepening the stories told. The wide aperture, coupled with the stabilization, is also very helpful to shoot in low light situations, keeping the ISO at reasonable levels.

Unperturbed, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Homescape, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Street links, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Invasion, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

The bird awaits, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

The sky backs off, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

The pier, GH3 + Panasonic Leica 42.5mm

Finally, and as punchy and accurate as colors are rendered by this glass, the Nocticron is also a great lens for monochrome photography, since it delivers images full of detail and contrast. Now I only have to take the first chance I get and shoot some real portraits, as well!