Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7: Panasonic draws a very wide-angle for Micro 4/3 mount

Very close focusing distance

Panasonic’s optical fleet is already well supplied for the Micro 4/3 mount, not preventing the Japanese manufacturer from adding a new reference with the Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7. It is therefore a very wide-angle lens (eq. 18 mm in 24×36) and moreover bright. But these are not its only assets. Indeed, this lens is distinguished by a very close focusing distance, at only 9.5 cm. This gives it a magnification factor equivalent to 0.5x.

Very wide-angle fixed focal length

Regarding the optical construction, the lens uses a formula of 12 elements grouped into 9 groups, including two aspherical elements and two extra low dispersion (ED). The diaphragm has 7 blades. The optic is light with 130 g, but also compact, 5.2 cm long and 6.1 cm in diameter. It is additionally protected against the weather thanks to seals and operates optimally between -10°C and 40°C.

At Panasonic, excluding fisheye, this is the widest fixed focal length for the Micro 4/3 mount. In zoom, however, Panasonic offers the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 8-18mm f2.8-4 ASPH, while at Olympus we have the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9‑18mm F4‑5.6, M.Zuiko Digital ED 7‑14mm F2. 8 Pro and M.Zuiko Digital ED 7‑14mm F2.8 Pro.

Price and availability

The Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7 will be available from June 2022 at a price of €499.

Illustrative images provided by Panasonic