Panasonic introduce a new large-aperture ultra-wide fixed focal length lens, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm f/1.7 (35mm camera equivalent: 18mm) for the LUMIX G Series based on the Micro Four Thirds standard.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm (H-X09) is an ultra-wide-angle lens with a large aperture, as well as an unparalleled lens that features an exceptionally short focusing distance of 0.095m with an outstanding magnification ratio of 0.25x (35mm camera equivalent: 0.5x). The combination of these lenses makes it possible to distinguish the subject’s presence against the background. It also boasts high descriptive performance and smooth, beautiful bokeh, clearing the stringent LEICA standards, and is a perfect lens for Street Photography.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm f/1.7 comprises 12 lens elements in nine groups including two aspherical lenses: two ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens to effectively suppress axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. Astigmatism is also corrected with these aspherical lenses, achieving high resolving performance. Furthermore, an Ultra-High Refractive Index (UHR) lens achieves uniform quality from the center to the edges of the image while downsizing the lens unit.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm f/1.7 is capable of smooth, silent operation, complementing the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system with the sensor drive at max 240 fps. For the non-linear setting, the focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring while the focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees by 30 degrees to enable the intended focus operation. The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm f/1.7 also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem for all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography. Together with micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change, professional-quality video can be recorded.