Panasonic Unveils Ultra-Wide Splash-Proof Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4
The very recently leaked Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH lens for Micro Four Thirds has officially arrived. Ultra-wide and built to withstand some punishment, the 24mm equivalent lens is the widest prime the company offers that isn’t a fisheye.
This little tank of a lens is a bit bigger than what MFT users are probably used, sporting a 62mm filter thread and weighing in at 335g. But the extra size seems to be worth it for what you’re getting under the hood.
The splash- and dust-proof lens is comprised of 15 elements in 12 groups including two aspherical elements, two Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion (UED) lenses and an Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) element mixed into the formula. Together, Panasonic promises these elements help the lens “meet the stringent Leica standard for exceptional image quality with high resolution and minimum distortion.”
Take a closer look:
In addition to the actual glass, the lens boasts a nine-blade aperture controlled through a dedicated aperture ring, and an internal focus drive and stepping motor that enable “smooth, silent operation.” Oh, and the lens mount, barrel, and hood are all made of metal.
It looks like this will be a more-than worthy addition to the impressive Panasonic Leica lens lineup.
Panasonic themselves have not revealed a price or release date of the Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH lens just yet, but a quick search shows the lens is already available for pre-order on B&H Photo. Soiler alert: it’s not cheap.
B&H has the lens listed for a mid-August release at the hefty price tag of $1,300.
