Meet Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4

M

maxusa

Well-known member
And here it is, finally, the new native M43 Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm F1.4 ASPH. Official model designation H-X025. Just announced along the GF3 still body. Price is rumored to be $700~850, but not set just yet. Shipping in August. DPreview.com has a nice photo and specs. It does not have the O.I.S., nor a manual iris ring.

EDIT: U.S.-based e-tailers list this lens for $599. Here is the size comparison to the discontinued Leica 25mm f/1.4 FT lens, courtesy of omuser.com.

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it does not meter if old 4/3 version had OIS in terms of using it with af100 it would not work anyway. but you are right from what i read in specifications - new version does not have ois, and cause of it i really see no reasons spending that much on it, i would better buy canon lens that with adopter i ll be able to use with any dslr video camera, but also for photos with my existing 30D or later when i save enough with 5d.

the only lumix lens that i would buy - would be something something similar to 14-140, but with better light sensitivity, angels could be different ...
 
editman said:
How can it be better than Voigtländers 25/0.95? If it had OIS no doubt interesting but I'll stick to the Voigtländer.
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How can it be better? Well, first of all, if you shoot stills, this lens undoubtedly has autofocus. No such thing on the Voigtlander, and it's a huge deal for stills.
Second, at the targeted price of $700-$850, vs. the Voigtlander's current going rate of $1199, that puts it $400-$500 less expensive. That's a big deal for a lot of people.
Third, it claims "circular bokeh", whereas the Voigt gets a little bit of a ninja star shape to it when it gets stopped down.

Not that I'm saying the Leica is better overall. I'm happy with my V and I'm sticking with it. But there are definite reasons why some folks would pick this instead of that, I'm sure.
 
The M43 system is primarily driven by the still photography. This lens is designed to be the premium prime 25mm for the stills M43 enthusiasts. I can see how the M43 system may hold an appeal because it brings together decent stills and decent video, and so this product may be a more attractive investment than the Voigtländer Nokton as a universally versatile lens. AF, circular bokeh, lower price, half the weight, smaller dimensions, common 46mm filter thread, EXIF data, and availability might be substantial enough to tip the purchasing decision for many.

For the AF100 alone, though, it does not appear to be the ideal lens. And just like with all other native M43 lenses in existence today, we will have to make it work with the camcorder giving up something. It would be interesting to compare this lens' performance to the Voigtländer on the AF100.
 
Bloody expensive, when there are cheaper solutions... however ill be very interested in the lens testing. Also, it looks like a better investment then the 20mm :D
 
Pricing update. Japanese retailer Yodobashi reports street prices around ¥58800 ($727), and the U.S. street price may be slightly less dipping below $700.
 
If you're into still photography, this seems like a nice lens (due to autofocus.) But for video work, I think the 25mm Voigtlander has it beat.

Of course, it's much more expensive, but the faster aperture, superb mechanical build and long focus throw of the Voigtlander are worth it, IMO.
 
Jaime Valles said:
If you're into still photography, this seems like a nice lens (due to autofocus.) But for video work, I think the 25mm Voigtlander has it beat.

Of course, it's much more expensive, but the faster aperture, superb mechanical build and long focus throw of the Voigtlander are worth it, IMO.
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Something to keep in mind when discussing the Voigtlander (and it's speed as a selling point) is: I don't know of anyone who's using it wide open.

Disclaimer: I can't speak from direct, hands-on experience - but what I hear a lot is that it only really begins to shine when stopped down a bit.
 
Steve R said:
Something to keep in mind when discussing the Voigtlander (and it's speed as a selling point) is: I don't know of anyone who's using it wide open.

Disclaimer: I can't speak from direct, hands-on experience - but what I hear a lot is that it only really begins to shine when stopped down a bit.
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But that can be said about all photo lenses
 
Steve R said:
Something to keep in mind when discussing the Voigtlander (and it's speed as a selling point) is: I don't know of anyone who's using it wide open.
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Oh, I use mine wide open all the time. Sharpness drops off a bit, but it really gives it a unique, cinematic mojo I love.

Disclaimer: I can't speak from direct, hands-on experience - but what I hear a lot is that it only really begins to shine when stopped down a bit.
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Definitely. But so do all lenses (as reygun said) so to get the new Leica 25mm f1.4 at its maximum sharpness you'd probably have to stop down to f/2 or so. The Voigtlander would still have a 1 stop advantage, even when stopped down to f/1.4 (and I love that I can stop DOWN my Voigtlander to f/1.4!!!)
 
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