Panasonic has added to its LEICA lens lineup with the announcement of a new standard zoom digital interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. H-ES12060E (35mm camera equivalent: 24-120 mm).
The new lens is the first LEICA F2.8-4.0 lens Panasonic has introduced and the company plans to expand this new LEICA Series with additional lenses. An 8-18mm (16-36mm, 35mm camera equivalent) wide zoom lens and 50-200mm (100-400mm, 35mm camera equivalent) telephoto zoom lens are presently under development.
The LEICA H-ES12060E is a highly mobile lens, with outstanding optical performance for video and still recording across its versatile 5x wide angle to telephoto zoom range. The lens has a rugged splash and dustproof design for field use and is freeze proof down to -10℃. Enhancing the low-light performance of the wide aperture, the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) effectively compensates for blurring, making it easy to shoot in dim lighting.
The LEICA H-ES12060E has a compact internal design with a 9-blade aperture diaphragm that produces bokeh with a smooth, circular shape. The lens incorporates 14 elements in 12 groups, including four aspherical lenses and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses for precise imaging. Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology minimises ghosts and flaring. The lens is available in a stylish metallic black.
In addition, further strengthening the capabilities of its DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) interchangeable lens lineup, Panasonic has refreshed four of its LUMIX G lenses to support the advanced functions of the latest LUMIX G digital cameras
Panasonic’s four stylish new LUMIX G lenses are:
- LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 II ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-HSA12035E)
- LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm / F2.8 II / POWER O.I.S. (H-HSA35100E)
- LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm / F4.0-5.6 II / POWER O.I.S. (H-FSA45200E)
- LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 II / POWER O.I.S. (H-FSA100300E)
These lenses also boast dust and splash-proof durability, bringing to nine the number of LUMIX G lenses that feature a rugged design to withstand use under harsh conditions.
The new LUMIX G lenses and the LEICA H-ES12060E are built for powerful stabilisation in all situations. They offer POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) and also work with the Dual I.S. (Image Stabiliser)*1, 5-axis Dual I.S.*2, and the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2*3 systemi when mounted on an applicable Panasonic LUMIX DSLM camera. They are also compatible with the LUMIX G sensor drive at 240fps to take advantage of the high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF.
Notably, the five new lenses excel in video recording performance. In addition to the silent operation achieved by the inner focus drive system, the micro-step drive system in the aperture control section helps the camera to smoothly catch up to the brightness changes when zooming or panning. The AF tracking performance in zooming is also improved thanks to high-speed frame analysis for focus control.
Pricing and availability
- LEICA H-ES12060E
$1199
March - LUMIX H-HSA12035E
$1199
March - LUMIX H-HSA35100E
$1399
March - LUMIX H-FSA45200E
$599
February - LUMIX H-FSA100300E
$899
February
For further information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au.
[i]
*1 Complies with the LUMIX GX8
*2 Complies with the LUMIX GX85
*3 Complies with the LUMIX GH5 and G85.