Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.
Announced January 6, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is a premium short telephoto prime that delivers exceptional sharpness and contrast even when shot wide open. While its high price tag, significant weight, and lack of weather sealing may deter some, it remains a standout performer for portraiture and low-light photography within the Micro Four Thirds system.
Weighted from 13 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast across the frame, even at f/1.2
- Premium, solid build quality with a useful manual aperture ring
- Fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus performance
- Beautiful bokeh rendering and shallow depth of field control
- Effective optical image stabilization
Cons
- Large, heavy physical footprint
- High retail price point
- Lack of weather sealing
- Limited functionality of aperture ring and stabilization on non-Panasonic bodies
- Vignetting at wide apertures
- Launch price $1,599.99 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 42.5mm f/1.2
- Mount & coverage Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 50 cm (0.1x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 425g (15 oz) · 74 x 76.8 mm (2.91 x 3.02 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 13 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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This is a lens I could use in a lot of situations and be delighted with the results. It’s not a lens which would sit neglected in my bag, and that’s critical if you’re spending this amount of money
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Technically, this may not look a very good lens at all wide open, but for the creative photographer it is a delight. And only dull photographers buy a fast lens to use it at f/8.
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Optically, this lens is currently amongst the best performers available for the Micro Four Thirds format due to its delivery of high sharpness, with low CA and distortion.
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The Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2 ASPH is an outstanding short telephoto lens that currently offers one of the fastest maximum apertures of any Micro Four Thirds lens.
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The levels of sharpness and contrast at f/1.2 are simply stunning. Wide-open sharpness is not only much better than in most competing f/1.2 lens, but it also edges ahead of many f/1.4 and f/1.8 lenses at their widest apertures.
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Concluding this review is actually very easy for me. The Panasonic-Leica Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 is a very high-level lens that portrait photographers and videographers can certainly appreciate.
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It is also the fastest aperture AF prime for the system. It is a true “Noct” lens in its rendering and style and deserves to be up there with other well-known “Noct” lenses that cost MUCH more than this one does.
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So would I recommend this lens for photographers? The answer is definitely yes.
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The Leica Nocticron f/1.2 is the better lens if you absolutely want the best and money is no object and you don't mind about the relatively large size and weight.
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No matter how you slice it, it’s hard to look someone in the eye and tell them they should buy a $1400 lens. [...] Once you get past the cost of the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 lens, however, you will undoubtedly be pleased.
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It represents the ultimate in Micro 4/3 lens design and performance and is a pleasure to use. I'm slightly in awe of the fact that a lens this close to perfect can be made at all.
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Again, if you're a pro and you're considering Micro 4/3s, then I'll say it right now: this is one of the absolute must-have lenses in the Micro 4/3s system.
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The Panasonic Leica 42.5mm F1.2 DG Nocticron ASPH is simply one of the best short tele lenses that you can buy. There’s no doubt that this lens is large and heavy. At nearly $1,600, it’s also crazy expensive but the bottom line is this is a no-compromise design.
