It’s been a big past few days for Panasonic. It announced it was working on the new LUMIX S1H, but it also revealed the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm.
It’s a new standard zoom digital interchangeable lens that boasts an F1.7 aperture through the entire 10-25mm zoom range. That’s a world first. Additionally, Panasonic claims the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm will be a great lens for hybrid shooters. “[The lens] is suitable not only for stills shooting, but also for video recording, to satisfy both professional photographers and videographers,” says Panasonic.
Overview
Panasonic claims the lens provides “beautiful bokeh and high descriptiveness.” As for its focal range, it covers from wide-angle to standard zoom range.
It’s compatible with a maximum 240-fps high-speed sensor drive. For video recording, the stepless aperture ring and micro-step drive system should help the camera smoothly catch up to brightness changes when zooming or panning.
Design
The 10-25mm is made of 17 elements in 12 groups and it features three aspherical lenses and four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses. Spherical aberration and distortion should also be taken care by the lens’ aspherical lenses.
“The use of aspherical lenses coupled with the optimum design of the lens system, results in a compact size and light weight,” says Panasonic.
Also, the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX’s optical design claims to achieve barycentric stability to minimize image shifts during zooming. The system includes a focus clutch mechanism as well. It should allow for instant AF/MF switching and more accurate manual focusing. Furthermore, focus breathing is suppressed thanks to a mechanism in the lens.
Durability
Panasonic says the lens has a rugged dust/splash-resistant design. Reportedly, it can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees centigrade. Adding to the durability, the mount’s made out of a “highly reliable” metal, according to Panasonic.
Pricing and availability
The Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f1.7 ASPH lens will ship this August for $2799.
Image courtesy Panasonic
