Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH
Get Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH and see my M4/3 wish list at B&H Photo.
At about $1298, the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH is one of the priciest prime lenses on the market for Micro Four Thirds. And it looks to be worth it: superb build quality and a very high degree of optical correction make it highly appealing, surely a must-have lens for the Olympus or Panasonic M4/3 shooter.
- Micro Four Thirds System
- 24mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
- Two Aspherical Elements
- One ED Element, Two UED Elements
- Weather-Resistant Construction
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
I have the Panasonic 12mm f/1.4 in hand, but I may defer most work with it until the Olympus E-M1 Mark II appears later this year.
This is the “kit to have” for an Olympus E-M1 or E-M5 or Panasonic M4/3 camera:
- Panasonic Lumix G Fisheye 8mm/F3.5
- Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH
- Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH or Olympus 25mm f/1.2 PRO
- Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH Power OIS
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO
Focal length: | 12mm comparable to 24mm f/2.8 on full frame camera |
Aperture range: | 1.4 - 16 |
Focusing range: | 7.87 in / 20 cm |
Angle of view: | 84° |
Number of elements/groups: | 15 elements in 12 groups |
Lens diaphragm: | 9 blades, rounded |
Magnification | 0.1x = 1:10 |
Filter thread: | 62mm |
Weight (nominal): | 11.82 oz / 335 g |
Dimensions: | Approx. 2.76 x 2.76" (70 x 70 mm) |
Street price: | about $1298 |
Supplied with: | ALC-F55S 55mm Front Lens Cap R1EM Rear Lens Cap for E-Mount Lenses (Dark Gray) Limited 1-Year Warranty |
Description
A fast and optically refined wide-angle prime, the Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens from Panasonic is a 24mm equivalent lens designed for Micro Four Thirds digital cameras.
haracterized by its truly bright f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens is ideal for working in low-light conditions and also affords a wealth of control over focus placement for using shallow depth of field techniques.
The optical design employs a pair of aspherical elements, two ultra extra-low dispersion elements, and one extra-low dispersion element in order to control both spherical and chromatic aberrations for a high degree of sharpness and clarity from edge to edge.
Benefitting the optical assets, this lens also incorporates a smooth and quiet autofocus motor that is well-suited to both stills and video recording, and a manual AF/MF switch lends direct focus mode adjustment for more intuitive handling.
Additionally, the all-metal construction of the lens is also weather-resistant in order to permit working in trying environmental conditions. Pairing Leica's design legacy with Panasonic's technological innovation, this versatile wide-angle prime is distinguished by both its optical merits as well as intuitive handling and contemporary functionality.
- Designed for mirrorless Micro Four Thirds digital cameras, this wide-angle 12mm f/1.4 lens provides a 24mm equivalent focal length
- The bright f/1.4 maximum aperture is well-suited to working in difficult and low lighting conditions, and also affords greater control over depth of field for selective focus techniques.
- Two aspherical elements are featured in the lens' design, which help to maintain a compact form factor as well as help to reduce spherical aberrations and distortions.
- Two ultra extra-low dispersion (UED) elements and one extra-low dispersion (ED) element work to significantly minimize color fringing and chromatic aberrations for increased clarity and color fidelity.
- The smooth and near-silent autofocus performance complements movie recording applications while the quick operation is beneficial to still photographers.
- A manual aperture ring gives tactile control over exposure settings and a dedicated AF/MF switch offers a simple, intuitive means for switching between focusing modes.
- The metal construction of the lens is durable as well as splash- and dust-resistant when paired with Lumix Micro Four Thirds cameras for working in harsh environments.
- A rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when making shallow depth of field imagery.