Panasonic has announced the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH. Power O.I.S. as the replacement for the Lumix G X VARIO 12-35 mm F2.8 II ASPH. According to the manufacturer, it is one of Panasonic’s highest quality Lumix G Micro Four Thirds lenses and it has been designed to meet the tough optical standards set by Leica.
The new Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH. Power O.I.S. weighs just 306g but is splash- and dust-resistant, and capable of operating at temperatures down to -10°C.
Panasonic has constructed the lens from fourteen elements arranged in nine groups with four aspherical elements, one UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) element and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) element. The UHR element is said to have an updated design with higher transmittance and more natural colour reproduction.
Panasonic has also applied its Nano Surface Coating to reduce reflections. This coating works with a new light-shielding component to minimise ghosting and flare.
There’s also a 7-blade diaphragm, with a circular aperture for smooth, attractive bokeh.
The new lens features a shorter minimum focusing distance than its predecessor, just 0.15m at the widest point, and a larger magnification ratio of 0.21x at the 17mm point.
It also has a new mechanism to suppress focus breathing and a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure adjustment while shooting video. The focusing is also said to be silent. All of this, plus the stabilisation system, makes the new lens well-suited to video as well as stills photography.
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH. Power O.I.S. price and availability
The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH. Power O.I.S. will be available from February 2023 priced at £879.