Introducing Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.: a large aperture MFT zoom lens for impressive all-purpose photo and video performance

LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.Panasonic is pleased to introduce the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., a versatile large-aperture Micro Four Thirds lens with a 12-35mm zoom range (equivalent to 24-70mm on a 35mm camera) and 58mm filter diameter.

With a compact, high-mobility design, a constant F2.8 aperture and O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) built-in, the lens covers virtually any shooting situation. Designed to replace the outgoing LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35 mm / F2.8 II ASPH. as one of Panasonic’s highest quality LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds lenses, it has been engineered to rigorous optical standards from LEICA and boasts a rugged splash- and dust-resistant[i] design capable of operating in harsh environments and at temperatures down to -10º Celsius – despite weighing just 306g.

The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. is comprised of fourteen lens elements in nine groups including four aspherical lenses, one UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lens and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens to achieve high optical performance. The UHR lens has an updated design with higher transmittance for natural colour reproduction. Panasonic’s unique Nano Surface Coating reduces reflections across the entire visible light range and, working in tandem with a new light-shielding component, minimises ghosting and flare. The filter diameter is 58mm, with a 7-blade circular aperture diaphragm, providing attractive bokeh in out-of-focus areas of the image.

For greater versatility, the new lens features a shorter focusing distance of 0.15m (at wide-end) with a larger magnification ratio of 0.21x (at 17mm), compared to the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 II ASPH which offered 0.25m focusing distance and 0.17x magnification ratio.

The lens offers silent, high precision autofocus. It incorporates a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, and micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure changes during recording. Dual I.S. 2 combines the camera’s Body I.S. and the lens’ O.I.S. to provide effective hand-shake correction. These features make the lens suitable for professional video production as well as still photography.

With lightweight mobility, a rugged design and excellent optical performance across its focal range, the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. sets a new standard for LUMIX G zoom lenses. Panasonic is committed to the development of Micro Four Thirds lenses for the further expansion of its lineup, fulfilling the needs of customers.

The lens will be available in mid-January 2023 from leading photographic specialists.

LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-ES12035GC): RRP $1699

For further information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

  • Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

[i]Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water. To avoid damage when using the camera under these conditions, it must be used in accordance with associated instructions in the manual.