Skip to main content

Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7, the brightest zoom lens yet, is like five primes in one

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Panasonic may be forging ahead with full frame mirrorless, but as proof that its Micro Four Thirds G series isn’t going anywhere, Panasonic today announced the development of the fastest constant aperture lens yet. The Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 is the first lens that achieves a wide f/1.7 aperture through the full zoom range, according to the company. Panasonic announced the lens alongside the new Lumix S1R and S1, as well as the new Lumix Pro service program.

Unlike most zoom lenses that will shoot at every focal length within the zoom range, the 10-25mm lens is the equivalent of five prime lenses in one. By using only five focal lengths within that zoom range, Panasonic says the lens is able to maintain maximum image quality. The zoom will cover the 35mm equivalent of a 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

While most high-end zooms hit f/2.8 and sometimes f/1.8, the upcoming Panasonic stretches that aperture even wider to an f/1.7. The director of Panasonic’s imaging business, Yosuke Yamane, says that the lens is suitable for a range of different types of images as well as video. The lens also has a compact form factor, he says. 

Availability and pricing has not yet been announced.

The lens is good news for anyone worrying about the future of the smaller sensor Micro Four Thirds as full frame mirrorless sensors become available, as it shows Panasonic isn’t planning to ditch the popular G line. Panasonic says the G series will coexist alongside the new S series, with the smaller format offering more portability and speed.

Panasonic is also launching a service program for both Micro Four Thirds and the upcoming S series. Lumix Pro will offer service and support for photographers using the brand. Based on a service program previously available only in Japan, Lumix Pro offers a network of service pros that can provide rapid turnaround times, as well as a help hotline. Maintenance and lens calibration will also be part of the service. The service will also help to build long-term relationships with photographers. 

Lumix Pro will be available in the U.S. and Japan in October, and is expected to launch in Europe in 2019. The service program will be open to Lumix G series owners with the GH4 or newer bodies, as well as owners of the new S series.

Panasonic’s Photokina announcements also included support for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, with the People’s Choice Award being re-named as the Lumix People’s Choice.

Editors' Recommendations

Hillary K. Grigonis
Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…
How to hide photos on an Android phone or tablet
Google Photos

While today's best Android phones are quite secure as long as they remain locked with a passcode or biometrics like a fingerprint, by default those features only protect the front door. If someone picks up your phone while it's unlocked, there aren't typically any barriers that will keep them out of exploring everything from your contacts and emails to your photos.

This can be particularly challenging when it comes to photos, since those are the things we like to show off the most from our phones. We've likely all had those moments when we want to show a friend or co-worker a funny cat meme, so we hand over our phone and trust that they won't swipe right and see the photo of the hairy mole that we sent to our doctor that morning.

Read more
Best Sony A7 III deals: Save $300 on the full frame mirrorless camera
Sony A7 III

Sony A7 III Daven Mathies/Digital Trends / .

Even if you have one of the best camera phones at the moment, if you're a photography fanatic, you're probably feeling the burn for something new and exciting. For example, the Sony A7 III line is like none other in the world of handheld cameras and you can find several cameras in that line on sale right now at Best Buy. Here, we round up the best deals in the sale, then analyze how buying a Sony Alpha A7 III looks at the moment.
Today's best Sony A7 III deals

Read more
How to use (almost) any camera as a webcam for Zoom and more
how to use any camera as a web cam v2 00 58 01 still007

Cameras, even those in phones, brag about megapixels and lens specifications -- but laptops? Not so much. There’s a reason computer companies don’t say much about the webcams that come built into the bezels of their screens. Most of these cameras are low-quality, with tiny sensors and cheap lenses. Sure, they work for basic videoconferencing, but they aren’t very impressive and certainly leave us wanting something more.

While you could just buy a stand-alone webcam that connects over USB, to really take production value up a notch, you can opt for a DSLR or mirrorless camera. You’ll need a few workarounds to get this type of camera to be recognized as a webcam by your computer, but the trouble is worth it for the higher resolution, much better low-light performance, and cinematic background blur.

Read more