Get all the specs and details on Panasonic’s latest camera announcement, the Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7.

Back in May, we reported that the long-awaited Lumix GH6 was finally announced. No formal information or release date, but the announcement was a welcome one. As Lumix has rightfully gone full steam ahead with their full-frame S series camera line and S Pro Lens range, it seemed as though the GH series had finally been laid to rest. 

However, that beautiful M43 format returned to the spotlight with the tease of the GH6 and the announcement of the GH5 II. At the time, Panasonic also announced the Leica DG 25-50mm F1.7, but no formal information was given. This week the specifications were finally released, and it’s a doozy. 

Introducing The Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH

Joining the ever-popular Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH is the soon-to-be-released Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH. And like the 10-25mm, the f/1.7 is consistent throughout. 

It does appear that this is intended to sit right alongside the 10-25mm as a sister lens because the design and placements of the zoom and function rings are identical. For filmmakers, this is incredibly useful as it allows you to swap over lenses without adjusting your rig you have a follow focus assembled. 

Further highlighting its use for video is the fact it’s stepless. This means you can rack aperture without the lens clicking. However, as noted in the F-Stoppers review, the team points out that it’s not a parfocal lens (meaning you need to refocus upon zooming in or out). 

On the quality of the lens, Panasonic says:

Comprising 17 elements in 12 groups, the lens system features three aspherical lenses and four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses that effectively suppress the axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. Spherical aberration and distortion are also corrected by the aspherical lenses for stunningly high resolution. The use of aspherical lenses and the optimum design of the lens system results in a compact size and lightweight.

The 10-25mm F/1.7 covered the 35mm equivalent range of 20-50mm, which isn’t necessarily a typical focal length range for zoom lenses. Likewise, the 25-50mm covers an unusual range, which will be a 35mm equivalent of 50-100mm. When paired, the lenses nicely cover a significant focal length compared to the typical 16-35 and 24-70mm combo. And often, the 16-35mm and 24-70mm combo is at f/2.8.

Panasonic also says:

In addition to the silent operation achieved by the inner focus drive system, the stepless aperture ring and micro-step drive system in the aperture control section help the camera to smoothly catch up to brightness changes when zooming or panning. The optical design achieves exceptional barycentric stability to minimize image shifts during zooming. A focus ring is equipped for intuitive, precise focusing, and linear/ non-linear setting can also be switched with this ring.

Quick specs 

• Focal Length: 25-50mm
• Max Aperture: f/1.7
• Minimum Aperture: F/16
• Aperture Type: 9 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
• Lens Type: Wide Zoom
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Image Stabilisation: No
• Weatherproof: Splash, dust, and freezeproof design benefits working in inclement weather conditions.

The Lumix G X VARIO II 12-35mm F/2.8 was one of my favorite lenses to use on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k, and if I were ever to revert to that camera, I’d certainly entertain the idea of picking up the 10-25mm and 25-50mm f/1.7 combo. 

The Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH will be available in August and is currently available for pre-order for $1800.

For more Panasonic information, check out the articles below: