Equivalent to a 24mm on a 35mm format camera, the new Leica DG Summilux 12mm/F1.4 ASPH for Micro Four Thirds enables photographers and videographers to work indoor shooting in low lighting and produces an impressive, natural defocusing effect with its F1.4 aperture.

Integrating two aspherical lenses, two UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and an ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, the lens system is comprised of 15 elements in 12 groups. The adoption of five special lenses makes it possible to meet the stringent LEICA standard for exceptional image quality with high resolution and minimum distortion.

Panasonic indicates that “in general, flare is commonly seen around the periphery of a point source with many high-speed lenses when a large aperture is employed”, however, the new lens achieves high resolution from the center of the image to the corners by suppressing this flare. This means that users can take advantage of this lens to shoot a brilliant night skies or night scenes containing illumination to capture true-to-life images with minimal blurring and distortion at the edges. The multi-coated lens elements also minimize ghosting and flaring.

Incorporating an inner focus drive system and a stepping motor, the new lens is capable of smooth, silent operation. When used in combination with any Lumix G camera and its high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system, both photo and video recording are optimised. Panasonic adds that “it is also compatible with the sensor drive at a maximum of 240 fps to take full advantage of cameras with high-speed AF” and continue stating that “this stunning AF performance is excellent for recording 4K videos, where precise focusing is essential”.

The 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. comes with an aperture ring for direct, intuitive aperture control. Nine blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. A highly reliable metal mount assures durability for repeated use. The lens mount, the barrel and the hood are all made of metal to provide a sleek, sophisticated design that matches the entire line-up of what Panasonic calls the Lumix G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras.

Externally, the lens boasts a rugged, splash/dust-proof design (when combined with splash and dustproof Lumix G Mirrorless camera models) to meet the needs of a wide-range of photographic situations. A highly reliable metal mount assures durability for repeated use. The lens mount, the barrel and the hood are all made of metal to provide a sleek, sophisticated design that matches the entire line-up of Lumix G cameras.