Panasonic has announced two new zoom lenses for its Lumix G Series Micro Four Thirds cameras, introducing the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm F2.8 and LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm/F4.0-6.3 II ASPH.
LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm F2.8
The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm offers a constant F2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range, making it versatile for low-light situations and creative bokeh effects. It incorporates two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses and one Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion (UED) lens to reduce chromatic aberration and ensure high-quality images. The new Panasonic lens covers a 35mm-equivalent zoom range of 70mm to 200mm.
To minimise ghosting and flare, Panasonic has used its Nano Surface Coating technology, as well as a light-shielding component inside the lens. Additional features include high-speed, high-precision auto-focus suitable for videography, complemented by Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation technology.
The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm F2.8 is also designed for portability, aiming to suit handheld photography.
The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm F2.8 price tag will be £1,099 with a release date set for November 2023.
LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH.
The updated LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH. is an ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a focal length ranging from (a 35mm equivalent) 200mm to 800mm. Like its sibling, it also includes ED and UED lenses in its optical structure for better image quality. The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH. is aimed at capturing subjects that are difficult to approach, such as wildlife or distant sporting events.
One noteworthy feature is its compatibility with a separately sold 2.0x teleconverter, allowing for full life-size macro photography up to 1600 mm. This expands the lens’s versatility, making it suitable for detailed shots of flowers, animals and other subjects.
Similar to the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm F2.8, the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH. also includes high-speed, high-precision AF and a compact and lightweight design.
The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH. Price tag will be £1,499, with a release date set for November 2023.
The new lenses bring the total number of Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds lenses to 32, 15 of which are LEICA DG lenses.