Whilst the Panasonic GH5 may be taking all the headlines, five new Panasonic lenses have also been announced. Four of these lenses are second generation versions of existing Panasonic Micro 4/3 lenses, however, there is one new lens. The new Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm F2.8-4 (which was first seen at Photokina) is being promoted as the ideal lens to accompany the new Lumix GH5. As you would expect from a Leica branded lens, the 12-60mm f/2.8-4 has a premium quality finish. However, it’s real appeal will be the 24-120mm equivalent focal length, making it a great all round lens for both photographers and videographers alike.
Obviously, the new 12-60mm f/2.8-4 lens is also compatible with the 5-axis stabilisation of the new GH5 (and the older G80). The other four Panasonic lenses that have been announced are:
Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 II POWER O.I.S.
Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 II POWER O.I.S go now.
Panasonic 45-200mm F4.0-5.6 II POWER O.I.S.
Panasonic 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 II POWER O.I.S.
Optically the formulations of the new Panasonic lenses remains unchanged from the original versions. However, the lenses now feature dust and weather sealing, as well as a new black finish. With a focus on video, the 12-35mm and 35-100mm lenses also feature a new aperture mechanism that Panasonic claim will result in smoother aperture transitions.
Again, these new lenses all feature optical stabilisation, and are compatible with the dual 5-axis image stabilisation system of the GH5. The original versions of the 12-35mm and 35-100mm lenses will receive an firmware update for 5-axis compatibility at some point in 2017.
Learn more about planned lens firmware updates here
New Panasonic Lenses: Pricing and Availability
- Available in February 2017
- Panasonic 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 II POWER O.I.S will cost £569.99
- Panasonic 45-200mm F4.0-5.6 II POWER O.I.S. will cost £379.99
- Available in March
- Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm F2.8-4 £879.99
- Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 II POWER O.I.S. £879.99
- Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 II POWER O.I.S.£969.99
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