To go along with the GX7 mirrorless camera they just introduced (Panasonic Lumix GX7 announcement), Panasonic also announced a fast new prime lens. The new Leica DG Noctiron 42.5mm f/1.2 prime is the fastest Micro Four Thirds format lens yet. The 2x Micro Four Thirds crop factor gives the Noctiron lens an effective focal length of 85mm – traditional for portrait photography. Combined with the large f/1.2 aperture, the new Leica DG Noctiron 42.5mm lens is the ultimate glass for Micro Four Thirds portrait photographers.
To put the new Leica DG Noctiron 42.5mm f/1.2 lens in perspective, I’m going to compare it to some other available lenses. The fastest Micro Four Thirds lens available now is Panasonic’s Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4. When it’s available, the new Noctiron 42.5mm f/1.2 will be half a stop faster than the Summilux 25mm and just hair over half a stop slower than Leica’s revered Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 lens. As far as dedicated portrait lenses for the Micro Four Thirds format, there are two options now: Panasonic’s Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Mega O.I.S., and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8. On paper at least, the Noctiron 42.5mm f/1.2 looks like a much better lens than either of the currently available options. It will probably cost a lot more, too.
No release date or price have been announced for the new Panasonic Leica DG Noctiron 42.5mm f/1.2 lens. According to Micro Four Thirds Lens roadmap on Panasonic’s Web site, it’s scheduled for release “in 2013 or later.”
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