Reviews |Panasonic Leica Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH: specs, price, release date announced

Panasonic Leica Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH: specs, price, release date announced

News

Panasonic has announced the Leica Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH, a new Micro Four Thirds mount lens. It’s the first standard zoom lens to offer a constant aperture of f/1.7.

Designed for use on Panasonic‘s Lumix G-series Micro Four Thirds cameras, the new lens has an effective focal length of 20-50mm.

According to Panasonic, the new lens captures image quality that is on par with, or better than, that from equivalent prime lenses.

Key Specifications

  • Focal length: 10-25mm, 35mm equivalent 20-50mm
  • Constant aperture of f/1.7
  • Dust/splash resistant
  • Rounded 9-blade aperture
  • Stepless aperture ring
  • 77mm filter thread
  • Metal lens mount

Construction

The new lens is constructed from 17 elements in 12 groups. These include three aspherical lenses and four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses that suppress chromatic aberration. Meanwhile, the aspherical lenses correct spherical aberration and distortion.

The design of the lens is said to enable ‘outstanding optical performance’ with a compact size and lightweight build.

As it’s compatible with a maximum sensor drive speed of 240fps, the lens is claimed to be capable of quick and accurate focusing.  Its internal focusing system is also silent, making the lens a good choice for video or stills shooting.

Thanks to a focus clutch mechanism it’s possible to switch quickly between auto and manual focus. Focus breathing is also suppressed and the optical design is said to be extremely resistant to image shifts during zooming. 

In addition, there’s a step-less aperture ring and a micro-step drive system for aperture control. 

In keeping with a high-end lens, the Panasonic Leica Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH has seals to make it dust and splash-resistant. In addition, it can be used at temperatures down to -10C.

Price and Availability

The Panasonic Leica Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH goes on sale of 15th July. It has a recommended retail price of £1,799.99 (Ireland €2,079.99).