Panasonic announced the launch of a new large-aperture wide-angle zoom lens LEICA DGVARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (equivalent 35mm camera: 24-70mm) for the LUMIX G series that meets the Micro Four Thirds standard.
LEICA DGVARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH combines a large aperture and optical stabilization of the lens in a compact and lightweight package. Optical stabilization covers most shooting scenarios. This lens is a redesigned replacement for the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 II ASPH lens, which is one of the Panasonic LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System lens big three, has passed Leica’s strict optical standards.
The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S. lens consists of 9 groups of 14 lenses, including 4 aspherical lenses, 1 UED (Ultra Low Dispersion) lens and 1 UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens for higher optical performance.
The glass material of the UHR lens has been updated to achieve higher light transmission for more natural color reproduction. Panasonic’s nano surface coating technology provides an effective anti-reflection coating to ensure higher resolution. By applying a thin coating with nanoscale microstructure, it has lower dispersion, allowing reflection and dispersion in the 380-780mm range (including visible wavelengths) to be attenuated. Together with the newly designed hood, the chance of flare and ghosting is reduced.
LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH Compared with the conventional LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm/ F2.8 II ASPH, the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm/ F2.8 II ASPH has a closest focusing distance of 0.25m and a magnification of 0.17x. The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S. has a shorter closest focusing distance of 0.15m (wide end) and a larger magnification of 0.21x (17mm) for more scenarios.
The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. operates smoothly and quietly, working in high synergy with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast focusing system, with a sensor driver that can reach a maximum speed of 240 fps. It also excels in video recording performance, effectively suppressing the breathing effect, a serious problem with lenses designed only for still image photography. [Micro Step Aperture Control] enables smooth exposure changes for professional-quality video recording. Combined with body stabilization and optical stabilization of the lens, dual stabilization provides effective shake correction.
The external design has been refined to match the Leica name. LEICA DGVARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm /F2.8 ASPH achieves a lightweight and compact size of approximately 306 grams, with the lightweight portability of the Micro Four Thirds system. It supports a reliable dust/splash-proof design that withstands use in harsh conditions down to -10 degrees Celsius. The lens diameter is 58mm, with 7 aperture blades.
