Panasonic announces affordable 24-120mm eq. weather-sealed Lumix G lens

Panasonic has announced this evening a new zoom lens for their Lumix G line of Micro Four Thirds cameras. The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. Power O.I.S. lens provides a 5x zoom range and is targeted for shooting a wide variety of situations, such as wide-angle landscape shots and portraits. While featuring the same aperture range as the Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH lens, the new 12-60mm lens adds both focal length and Power O.I.S. capabilities for an extra $150, which should give Micro Four Thirds shooters something for serious consideration.

The new 12-60mm lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-120mm and features splash and dustproof construction. This compact lens weighs 7.41 oz. (210 g) and is 2.8 inches long (71 mm) excluding the included lens hood. Filter fans should take note that this lens accepts 58mm filters.

Including eleven elements in nine groups, the 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 has three aspherical lenses and one ED lens. Multi-coated lens elements aim to minimize flare and ghosting to provide users exceptional optical performance. The lens is designed to achieve smooth out-of-focus areas by incorporating a seven blade aperture.

 

 

When mounted to a Lumix G camera, the lens is able to utilize the 240fps sensor drive to provide high-speed autofocus. While we need to test the lens to see how quickly it autofocuses, the lens does include an inner focus drive system and a stepping motor.

For photographers looking to get close to their subjects, the 12-60mm lens has 0.54x magnification capabilities. Its close focusing distances for wide and tele focal lengths are 0.66 feet (0.20 meters) and 0.82 feet (0.25 meters) respectively.

 

 

The new Panasonic 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH POWER OIS LUMIX G lens will be available in May for US$499.99 and will come in a metallic black finish. Included with the lens are front and rear lens caps, a lens hood, and a lens storage bag.