Specs
PR
Panasonic is introducing a new zoom interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (35 mm camera equivalent: 24-120 mm) for the LUMIX G line of Micro Four Thirds System cameras. Featuring a splash/dust-proof design, the new lens offers a versatile 5x zoom range of 24-120mm (35mm camera equivalent) that covers a variety of daily shooting situations from dynamic landscapes to portraits.
For everyone interested in a modern alternative to bulky DSLR interchangeable lenses, Panasonic LUMIX Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds lenses deliver impressive, no-compromise optical performance. The durable, all-weather LUMIX 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens features the highest standards of detail and sharpness. Built for travel and great photo and video capture, it comes complete with a splash and dustproof sealed body.** And with Dual I.S. (Image Stabilization) compatibility, you'll shoot with unprecedented hand-held stability anywhere you go.
Incorporating an inner focus drive system and a stepping motor, the new LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at max. 240 fps to take maximum advantage of cameras with high-speed AF. This stunning AF performance is able to record 4K video, where precise focusing is required.
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.
It also features 0.54x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification capability for impressive macro close-up shots. Comprised of 11 elements in 9 groups, the lens system features three aspherical lenses and an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens which effectively suppresses spherical distortion or chromatic aberration to achieve stunning picture quality.
The LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. will be available in May at www.shop.panasonic.com and valued channel partners in metallic black for $499.99.
It is too dim.
new kit lens ?
Same old same old.
It is not the source, source address is present on image.
Official now, added photo and PR to first post.
Pretty pointless lens, can pick up a 14-42 or 14-45 for less than £60 these days which over pretty much same coverage, desperatley need a stabilised 25mm 1.4/1.7 lens
Pointless to you maybe, but I can totally see myself replacing my 14-42mm II with this lens, the extended range is really useful as a hiking lens.
To dim indeed. Panasonic was dim witted to make these lens instead of a faster f4 lens. If Nikon can do f4 for a full frame lens with that focal range then Panasonic sure can for m4/3!!!
100 bucks too much ...next years kit lens
The internal lens elements are very small, I think they could do this lens at fixed f4 aperture, but it would hurts selling the 12-35 2.8 and the 35-100 2.8...
if we see the 12-35mm 2.8, the internal elements are also small, maybe it could be f2.0
if sigma can do, panasonic could do also, but this way no prime lens would sell anymore...
For the same money surely everyone considering this lens would buy the 14-140 instead? I can't think of one reason why you would want half the range for the same amount of bucks???
@Sph1nxster....well one the 14-140 is 200 bucks more, and two ...12mm vs 14mm
@Sph1nxster Weather sealed ....
For anyone who'd use the powered zoom function on a video shoot (e.g. outdoor events), this is a 12-60mm f5.6 zoom. That makes it a highly compact focal length equivalent to a Nikon 24-120mm f4 zoom on a full frame camera, which is an unpowered and bulky lens. Downsides of the Panasonic are its autofocus probably isn't fast enough to stay in focus while power zooming, and f5.6 isn't really adequate indoors and at dusk. With a Nikon DSLR, f4 is fast enough because you can get acceptable results up to ISO 3200. With a GHx camera, you're pushing the limit at ISO 1600 and f5.6 puts you two stops down in the shadows.
I use a 24-120 F4 Nikkor on both a D600 (for stills) and paired with a 0.71x speedbooster on a GH4 making it an effective: 17-85mm F2.8 Big yes, but for a constant aperture zoom and a fast-ish f2.8 I'll take it! I use the mounting foot on the SB to help balance & stabilize the weight/mass. It's smaller than the Tamron 28-105 constant f2.8 (Nikon mount) I used to use, lol.
I do wish Pana would make something similar: 5:1 zoom constant f2.8 in MFT mount with AF. Unfortunately this 12-60mm doesn't do for me what my Nikkor does.
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