With the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm (35mm equivalent: 24-70mm), Panasonic has introduced a new fast wide-angle zoom lens (F2.8) for the LUMIX G series. It is thus designed for Micro FourThirds standard and is a redesigned replacement for the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 II ASPH.
Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm
Compared to this one, the minimum focusing distance is reduced from 25cm to 15m (at the wide angle). The magnification ratio of 0.21x (at 17mm) is also more pronounced (the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm has 0.17x magnification).
The new, compact lens (weighing around 306g) is said to operate smoothly and quietly to work with the camera's fast contrast AF system with the sensor drive at a maximum of 240 fps. For videography, it is equipped with a mechanism to suppress focus breathing, and there is also micro-step aperture control (7-blade circular aperture). Combined with the Body I.S. and the O.I.S. lens, Dual I.S. 2 is said to provide effective hand shake correction.
The zoom optics consist of fourteen lens elements in nine groups, including four aspherical lenses, one Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion (UED) lens, and one Ultra High Refractive Index (UHR) lens. The UHR lens element's glass material has been updated to a higher transmittance for even more natural color reproduction.
By applying a thin coating with a nanometer-scale microstructure that has a low dispersion ratio, the reflection of the entire 380-780mm wavelength, including the visible light range, is reduced. Together with a newly introduced light-shielding part, this minimizes the occurrence of ghosting or lens flare.
The rugged dust- and splash-proof design is said to withstand use in harsh conditions at 10 degrees below zero. The filter diameter is 58mm.
The Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm is expected to be available in stores from March 2023 for 999 euros (MSRP).
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