Panasonic and Leica used PMA to debut a 14-150mm Four Thirds system lens which boasts Extra Silent Motor technology and the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 28-300mm zoom.
Panasonic claims that the Extra Silent Motor technology delivers ‘quick, quiet control and exceptional responsiveness, accuracy and focusing stability.’
Incorporating Panasonic’s Mega Optical Image Stabiliser (O.I.S) system – which is designed to help reduce camera shake – the 10.7x telephoto features four aspherical lenses and an extra-low dispersion element to help minimise distortion.
A Panasonic spokesman explained that when photographers mount the lens on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 or Leica Digilux 3 cameras, they will be able to use the aperture ring for ‘intuitive shooting’.
UK pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed.
In the United States – where it is available from this month – it is due to cost just under $1,000.
The newcomer’s full title is the Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/Mega O.I.S.
Here are the full specifications as supplied by Panasonic:
Lens Specifications
LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-150mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ MEGA O.I.S.
Lens Construction: 15 elements in 11 groups
(4 aspherical lenses and 1 ED lens)
Mount: Four Thirds mount
Focal length: f=14 mm to 150 mm
(35mm film camera equiv. 28 mm to 300mm)
MEGA O.I.S.
(Optical Image Stabilizer): Yes
Aperture type: 7 diaphragm blades / Iris diaphragm
Number of Blades: 7 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Minimum aperture: F22
Closest focusing distance: 0.50m at all focal lengths
Maximum magnification: Approx. 0.18x (35mm film camera equivalent: 0.36x)
Diagonal angle of view: 75 degree [W] ? 8.2 degree [T]
Filter size: 72 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 78.5mm x 90.4 mm
Weight: Approx. 520 g
