Panasonic Leica DG Vario Summilux 10-25mm 1.7

The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH is a new fast standard zoom lens for the Micro Four Thirds camera system. It is the world’s first standard zoom lens to offer a maximum aperture of f/1.7 throughout its range. Featuring silent, high-speed focusing thanks to a 240fps high-speed inner focus drive system, the dust/splash/freeze-resistant Panasonic 10-25mm lens offers a versatile focal range of 20-50mm in 35mm terms.

A superb performance from a highly versatile MFT lens.

The Leica DG 10-25mm f1.7 is a unique and flexible lens for Micro Four Thirds photographers and a dream come true for those who shoot video. The 20-50mm equivalent range isn’t replicated anywhere else, taking you from very wide to standard coverage and making it a surprisingly versatile walkaround lens. The minimum focusing distance allows it to grab useful close-ups, but it’s the constant f1.7 focal ratio that makes it really special - indeed the attractive rendering and crisp results means it could easily replace a bunch of primes in your bag. The range and aperture are perfect for video shooters who’ll also love the clickless aperture ring (at least on Lumix G bodies) and linear manual focusing. If you’re a stills photographer, it remains very attractive, but is up against tough alternatives. Wide-angle fanatics will prefer the Leica DG 8-18mm with its wider coverage, smaller barrel, narrower filter thread and far lower price. The 8-18mm also suffered from less field curvature than the 10-25mm in my tests and I also have to mention the high price which is comparable to a full-frame 16-35mm f2.8. But again if you’re shooting Micro Four Thirds, there’s simply nothing like it. Videographers have found their holy grail, stills shooters could be seriously tempted, and Micro Four Thirds continues as a compelling format.