Almost ten years ago, Panasonic marketed its Lumix G Vario 12-35 mm F2.8 II ASPH Power OIS, a light trans-standard zoom 24-70 mm in 35 mm equivalent. At the end of 2022, the Japanese firm announces a small renewal for its zoom. The “pebble” gains a new look, especially characterized by the 12-35 mm logo flocked in gold and the mention Leica DG Vario-Elmarit in the name of the optics.
Marginal differences
On paper, in fact, the differences with the original zoom are tenuous. The main one concerns the focusing distance, which increases to 15 cm at the widest angle (25 cm at full zoom) against 25 cm over the entire focal range previously. Similarly, the maximum wide-angle magnification ratio increases to 0.21x, compared to 0.17x on the old model.
The optical formula remains unchanged, with 14 elements divided into nine groups, as well as the combination of four aspherical lenses, an ultra extra-low dispersion (UED) lens and a UHR lens. The latter has been reworked for better color reproduction. The zoom is always equipped with a command for the autofocus. It is 7.4 mm long and 6.7 cm in diameter (306 g), the filter being 58 mm. This 12-35 mm is of course resistant to splashes and dust, as well as to negative temperatures of up to -10°C.
Price and availability
The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH will be available from March 2023 for €999. The old model is still marketed for 799 €. At the rival Olympus / OM system, you can still find the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO around 800-900 €.