Panasonic confirms Lumix G 25mm F1.7

Following a development announcement in July, Panasonic is making good on its promise of a 25mm F1.7 lens. With a seven-blade aperture, it acts as a 50mm equiv. on Micro Four Thirds bodies and takes advantage of Panasonic's 240 fps contrast detection AF system. It offers a close focus distance of 0.25m/9.8in, includes seven aperture blades and uses two aspherical lenses as well as an Ultra-High Refractive Index lens. It's the latest in Panasonic's line of mid-priced F1.7 primes, a lineup that includes the well-regarded 20mm F1.7, 15mm F1.7 and 42.5mm F1.7 lenses.

The Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH is listed on the Panasonic US website at an MSRP of $299.99, but is offered for pre-order now at $249.99 with delivery in October.

Press release:

Newark, NJ (September 1, 2015) – In response to the demand from the film production market, log video recording (V-Log L) is now available for the LUMIX GH4, and offers exceptional flexibility as well as wider dynamic range for color grading in post-production process. V-Log / V-Log L were developed to feature similar characteristics to Cineon, which is a characteristic curve for film digitalization. Taking full advantage of Four Thirds sensor, V-Log L boasts a log characteristic with 12 stops. Both V-Log and V-Log L have the same characteristic curve, and LUT (Look Up Table) can be utilized.

Panasonic is also pleased to introduce the new LUMIX G 25mm / F1.7 ASPH. (H-H025) lens. The H-H025 LUMIX G 25mm* interchangeable lens fits LUMIX G DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. Achieving F1.7 high-speed aperture, the LUMIX G 25mm / F1.7 ASPH. keeps its size compact and weight light. The large aperture allows a beautiful soft focus for photo and video to be even more impressive and encourages users to capture the subject without using a flash even in dimly-lit conditions.

*35mm camera equivalent: 50 mm 

The new lens system is comprised of 8 elements in 7 groups featuring two aspherical lenses and an Ultra-High Refractive Index (UHR) Lens. Designed and developed focusing on the low-frequency contrast,  the LUMIX G 25mm / F1.7 ASPH. assures stunning clarity for sharp crisp images. It features uniform descriptiveness from center to edges while suppressing spherical aberration and distortion. It incorporates a superior inner focus system which enables excellent resolution and contrast from the closest focusing distance to infinity. The inclusion of a stepping motor makes the focusing action smooth and silent for use in both still and video recording. When mounted on the Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras of LUMIX G, users can take advantage of the high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF system with a 240 fps digital signal exchange.

Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. A highly reliable metal mount assures durability for active use, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its shooting performance. 

Both the LUMIX GH4 V-Log L Function Firmware Upgrade Kit and New LUMIX G 25 mm / F1.7 Lens will be available at photo retailers and panasonic.com.

Specifications Principal specifications Lens type Prime lens Max Format size FourThirds Image stabilisation No Lens mount Micro Four Thirds Aperture Aperture ring No Number of diaphragm blades 7 Aperture notes Circular blades Optics Elements 8 Groups 7 Special elements / coatings 2 aspherical + 1 UHR element Focus Minimum focus 0.25 m (9.84″) Maximum magnification 0.14× Autofocus Yes Motor type Stepper motor Full time manual N/A Focus method Internal Distance scale No DoF scale No Physical Weight 125 g (0.28 lb) Diameter 61 mm (2.39″) Length 52 mm (2.05″) Sealing No Filter thread 46.0 mm Hood supplied Yes Tripod collar No
Source: Panasonic confirms Lumix G 25mm F1.7