Panasonic Refreshes Four Lenses

credits: Panasonic

Panasonic has announced four refreshed Lumix lenses, with three Micro Four Thirds models and one full-frame L-Mount lens getting a few small updates. The timing is worth noting given all the recent talk about Panasonic potentially pulling back from Micro Four Thirds, especially as several lenses have either been discontinued or become increasingly difficult to find. The refreshed lineup includes the Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 II ASPH., Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH. Power OIS, Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. Power OIS, and the full-frame Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4 OIS.

These are not major redesigns, and most of the changes are very small. Panasonic has added a new fluorine coating to the front elements of the 42.5mm f/1.7 and 12-60mm f/2.8-4, making them easier to clean while also helping repel dust and water. The full-frame 70-200mm f/4 gets the same treatment. Panasonic has also changed the lettering around the front of its Micro Four Thirds lenses to cut down on reflections when shooting close to a subject. On the 25mm f/1.4 II and 42.5mm f/1.7, the previously white lettering is now a darker grey, while the 12-60mm gets engraved lettering with no white fill at all.

All four lenses are expected to become available in mid-September. Panasonic is separating them from the existing versions with new product codes that simply add an “A” to the end of the SKU. The updated Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4, for example, becomes the S-R70200A.