Panasonic’s Leica 10-25mm f/1.7 to be the First f/1.7 Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

Panasonic has announced the development of the Leica DG 10-25mm f/1.7 for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It’s the world’s first wide-angle zoom lens with a constant f/1.7 aperture.

Equivalent to a 20-50mm lens in 35mm terms, the lens will be “the ultimate photo/video-hybrid digital interchangeable lens,” Panasonic says, adding that it’s “the first interchangeable lens to be introduced to the market featuring a full-range f/1.7 high-speed aperture.”

The lens features a click-less aperture ring that provides seamless aperture control for shooting video.

“Since image quality of each focal length is [as] strictly controlled as prime lenses, this lens can be seen as equivalent to five prime lenses: 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm,” Panasonic stated in the lens’ unveiling at Photokina this week.

And because it’s designed for the Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system, the lens is both compact and lightweight.

“LEICA DG lenses are designed to exceed the stringent LEICA quality standards and boast excellent optical performance,” Panasonic says.

Features, specs, pricing, and availability for the Leica DG 10-25mm f/1.7 have yet to be announced.