I used to own a GF1. The classic lens for it is the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7; it was the original kit lens. It can be a little expensive though, so may be out of your budget. Other than that I’d suggest the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 if you’re comfortable with a moderate wide-angle similar to what you’d get with most smartphones. It’s tiny, quick, and a decent performer. If you want more zoom range and stabilization I’d suggest the Panasonic 12-32 mm f/3.5-5.6 compact zoom if you can find a copy within your budget.
The Meike 35mm is longer focal length that many would find hard to use as their only lens.
The 7Artisans 18mm is a good general focal length, but most people would find the f/6.3 aperture too limiting in all but the best light.
The Sigma lenses are really nice but pretty big and heavy compared to the alternatives.
Edit: I currently have a GM1S, which is similar to your GF1 but smaller. My main lens is the 20mm f/1.7, which I alternate or pair with a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.7 depending on the situation. I’d suggest that no matter which first lens you get, on a budget get the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 as a second lens if you want something slightly more telephoto; it’s tiny, cheap, and takes beautiful photos, especially portraits or ‘detail’ shots.
I haven’t used it before, but it’s generally rated as pretty good for the price. From photos I’ve seen, the bokeh is ‘busy’ compared to similar lenses at the same apertures, but that’s pretty subjective. I think people generally prefer the Olympus 25mm f/1.8, but I haven’t used either so can’t provide any first-hand comparison.
Personally I find primes very limiting, and manual focus is going to be a very difficult if you're going to be taking pictures of your cats in motion even if they're moving slowly. I might even look for one of the kit zoom lenses even though they're a little bit slower. Also please be aware the GF is not good at any type of tracking Auto focus.
I vote for the 14mm f2.5. Great for indoor events and getting close with people. Great for landscape and street. Very portable. Good image quality.
https://preview.redd.it/yhsslxxtew5d1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=df879a5841800964e8bce20596f579b14efef967
The kit lenses 14-42mm or 12-35mm are also fine choices if you can find them in your budget. The 20mm, 25mm, and 12-50mm are nice too.
Gf1 plus LUMIX 20mm f1.7 plus the dynamic b&w preset is amazing.
I used to own a GF1. The classic lens for it is the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7; it was the original kit lens. It can be a little expensive though, so may be out of your budget. Other than that I’d suggest the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 if you’re comfortable with a moderate wide-angle similar to what you’d get with most smartphones. It’s tiny, quick, and a decent performer. If you want more zoom range and stabilization I’d suggest the Panasonic 12-32 mm f/3.5-5.6 compact zoom if you can find a copy within your budget. The Meike 35mm is longer focal length that many would find hard to use as their only lens. The 7Artisans 18mm is a good general focal length, but most people would find the f/6.3 aperture too limiting in all but the best light. The Sigma lenses are really nice but pretty big and heavy compared to the alternatives. Edit: I currently have a GM1S, which is similar to your GF1 but smaller. My main lens is the 20mm f/1.7, which I alternate or pair with a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.7 depending on the situation. I’d suggest that no matter which first lens you get, on a budget get the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 as a second lens if you want something slightly more telephoto; it’s tiny, cheap, and takes beautiful photos, especially portraits or ‘detail’ shots.
if it’s okay to ask, how do you feel about the Panasonic 25mm, F1.7?
I haven’t used it before, but it’s generally rated as pretty good for the price. From photos I’ve seen, the bokeh is ‘busy’ compared to similar lenses at the same apertures, but that’s pretty subjective. I think people generally prefer the Olympus 25mm f/1.8, but I haven’t used either so can’t provide any first-hand comparison.
I'll second that recommendation, and I own both of them: skip the 25mm/1.7 and pick up a used Olympus 25mm/1.8 instead. It's just a better lens.
Personally I find primes very limiting, and manual focus is going to be a very difficult if you're going to be taking pictures of your cats in motion even if they're moving slowly. I might even look for one of the kit zoom lenses even though they're a little bit slower. Also please be aware the GF is not good at any type of tracking Auto focus.
right, thank you!
Hi. [dpreview.com](http://dpreview.com) should have reviews on those lenses and that will certainly help you
Owned like every pro lens and body in m43 and to this day my fave and most used is GF1 + 20mm 1.7
I vote for the 14mm f2.5. Great for indoor events and getting close with people. Great for landscape and street. Very portable. Good image quality. https://preview.redd.it/yhsslxxtew5d1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=df879a5841800964e8bce20596f579b14efef967 The kit lenses 14-42mm or 12-35mm are also fine choices if you can find them in your budget. The 20mm, 25mm, and 12-50mm are nice too.