The newest zoom on the block from Panasonic is the Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4 (24-120mm equivalent in 35mm format). It was officially announced alongside the Lumix GH5 at this year’s CES in Las Vegas.
Featuring a solid splash, dust-proof and freeze-proof design, the new 12-60mm is built for use in all weather conditions. It weighs 320 grams, measures 68.4mm x 86mm and features 14 elements in 12 groups with 4 aspherical lenses and 2 ED lenses, allowing for excellent detail and sharpness.
With a minimum focus distance of 20cm (wide angle) or 24cm (telephoto) and 0.3x magnification, the lens can also double up as a semi-macro solution in a pinch, and the 240fps linear motor allows for fast focus tracking.
Thanks to to inclusion of Power O.I.S. optical image stabilisation, the lens is compatible cameras that support with Dual I.S. II, providing excellent stabilisation even at very slow shutter speeds. You can switch the optical stabilisation on and off via a dedicated switch on the side of the barrel.
The Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4 is available to pre-order for just under $1000 US. Two additional Leica lenses are currently under development: an 8-18mm wide angle zoom and a 50-200mm telephoto zoom, whose mock-ups were seen at Photokina last year.
