Panasonic has introduced a new large-aperture, ultra wide fixed focal length lens, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm f/1.7 for LUMIX G Series cameras featuring the Micro Four-Thirds (MFT) standard.
The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm (35mm equivalent focal length of 18mm) is a large aperture, ultra wide-angle lens featuring an exceptionally short focusing distance of 0.095m and a magnification ratio of 0.25x (35mm camera equivalent: 0.5x).
View LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm f/1.7 Lens Pricing and Availability at Vistek
The lens is comprised of twelve lens elements in nine groups including two aspherical lenses, two ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens which effectively suppress both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification.
Astigmatism is also corrected with these aspherical lenses, resulting in high resolution performance and a UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens achieves uniform image quality from the center to edges of the image while contributing to downsizing the lens unit.
It is capable of smooth, silent operation that works in tandem with cameras such as the LUMIX GH6, autofocus systems allowing for high-speed, high-precision AF at up to a maximum of 240 fps shooting speed.
When using the non-linear setting, focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring while shifting the focus by a designated amount according to the rotational quantum (sensitivity can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees in 30 degree increments) of the focus ring for the linear setting.
Panasonic says that the lens also excels in video recording performance thanks in part to a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing and a micro-step aperture control that allows for smooth exposure change.
The compact and lightweight lens weighs approximately 130g and features a rugged dust/splash-resistant design that will work even in conditions down to 10 degrees below zero.