Panasonic announces Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 9mm f/1.7 ASPH lens

Panasonic has announced a new wide-angle lens for the Micro Four Thirds format, the Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7 lens.

Constructed of 12 elements in nine groups, the 18mm (full frame equiv.) lens features two aspherical elements, two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and one Ultra High Refractive Index (UHR) element.

Promnising 'smooth, silent operation' the 9mm f/1.7 will, according to Panasonic, complement the camera’s 'high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system with the sensor drive at max. 240 fps.'

When manually focusing, the lens can be set to linear mode, which will adjust focus at a fixed rate with the rotation of the focus ring, or a non-linear setting, which will shift focus faster based on the rotational speed of the focus ring. This non-linear setting can be adjusted from 90 to 360 degrees (in 30 degree increments) to fine tune the throw and allow pre-planned focus pulls when shooting video.

The lens has macro capabilities, and offers a focusing distance of 0.095m with an magnification ratio of 0.25x (35mm camera equivalent: 0.5x). The lens weighs in at a lightweight 130g, features a rugged dust/splash-resistant design, and will operate at temperatures as low as 10 degrees below zero. The filter diameter is 55 mm, and the lens has a 7-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

The Leica DG SUMMILUX 9mm F1.7 will be available in July 2022 at usual photographic retailers. It has an RRP of $849.