Panasonic Readies Ultra-Bright Zoom

2019.05.31

Having shown a prototype of their most ambitious Micro Four-Thirds lens yet, Panasonic is now announcing its final specification and availability. The new Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH is the brightest zoom lens ever produced for any format, edging itself past a pair of already rare F/1.8 zooms for APS-C cameras.

This new professional grade Micro Four-Thirds lens offers a 10-25mm focal-range which is equivalent to 20-50mm on a full-frame which gives a unique ultra-wide to normal range that is highly versatile. It maintains a maximum F/1.7 aperture throughout the zoom range and can close down to F/16. Optical quality of the 10-25mm is designed to surpass all Micro Four-Thirds zooms with a complex design comprised of 17 elements, include 3 aspherical lenses and 4 Extra-Low Dispersion ones.

While its optical performance is designed for maximum image sharpness, Panasonic has worked closely at how it delivers for video performance. The 10-25mm F/1.7 uses a 240 Hz drive to maximize autofocus performance. Silent operation is made possible by an inner focus drive and de-clicked aperture ring. A continuously variable aperture allow makes exposure transitions smoother than possible using most lenses. Its optical design achieves exceptional barycentric stability to minimize image shifts during zooming.

The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH is built to the highest standard. The lens is fully weatherproof and freezeproof to -10C. Internal moving parts minimize exposure to dust and moisture while providing a truly robust build quality. A focus-clutch allow the lens to switch from fly-by-wire focusing to mechanical manual focusing in an instant. Despite the high build quality, this lens is relatively light for such a bright one, weighed around 690g. This lens accepts 77mm filters at the front.

Panasonic expects this new and unique lens to ship in July for a suggested price of $2300 USD or $2800 CAD. Preorders should begin shortly, so check back the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F/1.7 ASPH specification page often to order yours here.

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