Panasonic finally unveils the Leica 25-50mm f/1.7 lens

We got the first glimpse at the Panasonic X Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH lens in May. Panasonic teased it alongside the development announcement of its yet-to-be-released GH6 camera. At the time, Panasonic didn’t reveal much about the lens, but now the company’s ready to spill the beans on all its specs.

The Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, on paper, offers a wide zoom range with an f/1.7 aperture through the entire zoom range. Additionally, Panasonic developed the lens with the idea that users would pair it with the Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH. Together, the two lenses give you an expansive zoom range, from a wide-angle lens to a telephoto lens.

Leica 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH overview

Internally, the Leica 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH lens consists of five elements in 11 groups and has an aspherical lens and three extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses. Together, all of these elements support axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration that occur during magnification. Also, the lens can correct spherical aberration and distortion — thanks to the aspherical lens.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH lens
Image courtesy: Panasonic

In total, the 25-50mm f/1.7 delivers a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 meters (about 11.2 inches) at the wide end. As for its telephoto end, it manages 0.31 meters (about 12.2 inches). It also offers a maximum magnification ratio of 0.42x (35mm camera equivalent) and has a filter diameter of 77mm.

According to Panasonic, the Leica 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH is capable of “high speed,” “high precision” autofocusing due to its inner drive focus system. This system includes a 240 frames-per-second, high-speed sensor drive. Not only that, but the lens also includes a stepless aperture ring and “micro-step” drive. Both of these elements allow you to adjust for brightness changes when zooming or panning steadily. Also, the focus ring will enable you to switch between linear and nonlinear settings.

Leica 25-50mm breakdown

  • Mount: Micro Four Thirds
  • Five elements in 11 groups
  • Minimum focusing distance of 0.28 meters
  • Maximum magnification ratio of 0.42x
  • F1.7 aperture across the entire zoom range (25-50mm)
  • Stepless aperture ring
  • Dust/splash/freeze-resistant

Pricing and availability

The Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH is available for pre-order right now for $1,800. Panasonic expects the lens to ship this August.

Overall, the lens, when paired with the Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH, offers a wide focusing range. According to Panasonic, it can compare to a set of prime lenses. Also, both lenses have the same shape and functionality, so it should be pretty simple to switch between the lenses mid-shoot.

Image courtesy: Panasonic Japan

Sean Berry
Sean Berry
Sean Berry is Videomaker's managing editor.

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