And here it is the worlds first picture of the upcoming new Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4. I don’t know the exact price yet but it will be certainly below $1000 (some say even below $800). It has a diameter of 63mm and length of 54,5mm. That’s half the size of the older and discontinued Four Thirds version of the lens ([shoplink 16340 ebay]Click here to see it on eBay[/shoplink])
And the image on top shows the new GF3 with built-in flash! The GF3 has 12.1 Megapixel (so no [shoplink 22077]G3[/shoplink] sensor) and records FullHD!
The new Leica 25mm and the GF3 will be announced at 7am London time on Monday. As usual I will be here to give you all the links to previews, reviews, videos and other stuff like that. As usual help is appreciated! If you find some link or something I missed drop me a line at 43rumors@gmail.com! Thanks!
Reminder -> Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
FT1=1-20% chance the rumor is correct
FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
FT4=61-80% chance the rumor is correct
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct
121 Responses
Great job admin!! V interesting the gf3. Looking towards the 25 1.4 for wifey.
The gf3 though is too small for me hands.
looks like it has a bounce flash like the Pansonic L1 😀
Leica 25MM F/1.4; If that a Micro Four Thirds lens or Four Thirds Lens?
Four thirds part number is L-X025
This is H-X025.
The Leica looks like top quality. It inherits some design cues from its predecessor. Lets hope it inherits its image quality too.
According to Photozone http://www.photozone.de/olympus–four-thirds-lens-tests/509-leica25f14
The 43 version of the PL25 was 75X78mm, so this is a good deal smaller, AND no adapter needed.
There is also no aperture ring (expected) and no focus distance window (guess I can live without that anyway, to make it more compact).
Photozone has the PL45 at 62.5X63, so it seems teh same diameter, but a bit shorter. http://www.photozone.de/olympus–four-thirds-lens-tests/490-leica_45_28. I would have expected the PL25 to be MUCH shorter than the PL45, but then again it’s got a wider aperture leading to a short distance to the center, so maybe more optics had to be introduced into the lens?
Finally, Photozone reports the 0.95 CV as 70X58mm. So it bit smaller (and likely lighter) there, too. And with AF (though clearly not as fast). http://www.photozone.de/olympus–four-thirds-lens-tests/601-voigtlander25f095mft
For me, this lens is now even more intriguing if at a reasonable price (i.e. not $1,000 and preferably not over $800)
I’ve been starring at the PL25 for the past 30 minutes, i think I’m in love
+1
lust worthy
FINALLY! I wonder what the weight is. The CV25mm is 409g.
It seems to have lens hood bayonet mount. I’ll be curious to see IQ reviews.
Me? I’ll keep waiting for my Voightländer Nokton 25mm to arrive next month. 😉
Word from Camera Quest is the June shipment will start being sent to people who pre-ordered around July 2nd!
I’m liking the black GF3. Pop-up flash, too! Nice. If the price is right… who knows.
I don’t know if this helps, but I have both the 4/3 Summilux and the Nokton 25. They render quite differently: the Leica has a characteristic soft/sharp bokeh just like a “true” aspherical Summilux. The Nokton’s bokeh is butter smooth. I find the Leica to do better environmental portraits while the Nokton is better for still life and low light. It also focuses much closer, which is useful where extremely shallow DOF is wanted. Since I received the Nokton two months ago it hardly got off the camera. Through it I re-discovered the E-P2 (which was set aside for a while to make room for the E-5).
+2
Interesting. Well it looks like the 25mm Micro 4/3 lens doesnt have a focus distance scale (the 43rds one does) which is a shame. Am I the only one that cares about that?
But aside from that it looks good and hopefully has excellent sharpness.
I don’t see how a focus scale is possible on an auto-focus lens of this sort of design. I have a Nikon 60mm f2.8 AF-D macro lens that is auto-focus, but also mechanical manual focus and a distance scale.
The focus by wire thing is something I’m really not liking about native AF M4/3 lenses.
I am not sure how they put a focus distance scale on a focus by wire designed lens. However isnt the 43rds 25mm lens a focus by wire lens and it has a distance scale?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07030703leica50mmsumm.asp
I was hoping that the high end primes from Panasonic and Olympus might all have distance scales but its obviously not going to happen. I find them very handy.
Actually, all the more decent 4/3 lenses have distance scales. Most of them are focus-by-wire. It’s clearly possible.
Thanks for the info – I wasnt sure about that.
Its one feature that I thought would be wanted by alot of people for higher grade glass. I understand for kit zooms and small pancakes it may not be needed/hard to package in. I wonder why the M43 25mm 1.4 doesnt have it. That would make it a perfect lens. Any one else feel the same?
People just don’t shoot this way anymore. Sadly, most photographers rely exclusively on AF.
Sigh – I know. We must be in the minority. Its a shame they havent had a chance to learn. Nothing like a quick zone focusing at times. I also find it a good way to confirm the auto focus in low light, and other times just to stick a lens to manual focus and decide where I want to quickly focus based on distance.
Perhaps admin could do a poll on who likes focus distance scales on lenses!! At least there will be 2 of us.
Yepp….. AF, is focus help only 😉
This is very true. I thank M4/3 for reacquainting me with manual focus and real metal and glass lenses. It’s a pleasure I’d forgotten about.
I find it amusing to hear all the gnashing of teeth and hand-wringing over lack of this or that convenient electronic doodad being a deal breaker or making the thing impossible to use … OIS, IBIS, auto-focus, EXIF coupling, etc., etc.. Yes, yes, those things can be nice additions, but they’re not going to make better photographs for you.
After using my 40 year old Pentax Super Takumar lenses, my 20mm feels like a piece of junk.
Actually I find focus distance scale is not as important as DoF scale. What’s the point of focus distance scale when you don’t know the DoF would approximately be at a given aperture? I do MF a lot when the camera is on a tripod, and I usually just switch to LiveView and magnify the scene to the point I want the precise focus and do it that way. Much more accurate than by distance (which we rarely could be 100% sure measured by eyes).
Why not just have the focus distance scale show in the EVF or on the LCD screen, it’s far more useful than on the lens barrel if you are taking photos.
Easily done with firmware update as long as the ability for more data information between lens and body has been implemented from the start.
good thinking, maybe in the GH3
Why not E-P3 also 😀
That would eliminate fast zone focusing. If you already compose through the LCD/EVF, it makes more sense to use autofocus.
Correct me if I’m wrong but the focus plane is set at the same distance regardless of if the photographer is using auto or manual focus 1.6m is 1.6m in either method?
Having the focus distance scale done in firmware would mean all existing m4/3 lenses would suddenly have a focus distance scale – this is a very good idea to me.
One of the nice things about a lens distance scale, is using the manual focus technique of setting the focus at a specific distance (+/-) and shooting without slowing down to focus. Results can be mixed, but also you can get some surprising results.
@sneye… Thanks for the distance scale enlightenment.
Would it be such as stretch for companies to add a focus scale to a AF lenses, especially Leica working with Panasonic (45mm and 25mm) and charging what they do? or is there some technical or design restrictions that make it more difficult, if not impossible?
Doesn’t FullHD mean a new sensor?
GF2 didn’t have FullHD?
Oh and I think we can forget about that thought that some had that there is a small, built-in EVF in the GF3. The top part of the camera is all due to the flash.
Leica tag = Overpriced 🙂
But like in 4/3rds, it’s the real only F1.4 worth having. Where’s Olympus F1.4 lenses?
GF3 looks great in black. That metal band looks titanium coloured. If the price is right, a great small body, and the 14/2.5 as a bonus.
“I WANT THAT” Leica
King of auto EVIL lenses. I am turned on.
Suck it in, NEX trolls!
Admin, will the price be release as well tomorrow? For the 25mm…
wow, they are actually calling it a summilux (=f/1.4), very bold!
Yes!
You’re not kidding. It had better be really good.
Without a hotshoe, is there any solution for wireless remote flash?
Haha, the lens is mine! 🙂
This lens will not be less than $800. There’s a minimum $400 Leica tax on anything that bears their name. A full frame equivalent in terms of dof of f2.8 for between $800 to $1,000. Remember when standard primes were the cheapest lenses? Now we get gouged. But hey, it’s a Leica! *sign*
very true..
I don’t really care aout the price tag. If it’s more expensive it’s even better. At least I will be able to get one from the first batch.
Though I think the fact that Panasonic introduces it with the GF3 could be an indication it’s actually cheaper…
Thats a good point. I still hope at some point that Olympus releases a 25mm lens which is a bit cheaper for competition. I dont mind if its only f1.8 if that really brings the cost and size down. But hopefully better optically than the 17mm.
Oly have a pretty big gap from the 17mm up to the new 50mm lens that is supposedly coming.
see.. this is why (m)4/3 is doomed from the start.
this is only like a 50mm f2.8 on fullframe.
the samsung nx 30mm f2 is like a 45mm f2.8 on fullframe.
but it is much smaller (lenght only 22mm) and costs only 180euro.. the leica will probably cost at least 700euro.
here is a review of the 4/3 25mm f1.4
http://www.photozone.de/olympus–four-thirds-lens-tests/509-leica25f14
and here the samsung
http://www.photozone.de/pentax/534-samsung30f2
I think you should hold your doom saying until you see the output. I have seen nothing from Sammy that makes me want any of their photographic products. Most of their stuff has been junk. Not saying they couldn’t some day get it right, but let’s do a head to head first. My money will be on the PL25.
The Samsung 30mm is a definite winner. You can fault Samsung for a lot of things but that is a very nice lens at a very attractive price.
You’re mixing up speed and depth of field.
Speed isn’t affected by sensor size ; and many people are looking for speed for low-light images.
For street photography, a small equipment is a plus, speed a must, and having more than one hair in focus a definite advantage to get context. With the high ISOs of mFT sensors getting very close to APS-C sensors, mFT rules in these categories.
+1 (Chris is making ignorant comments regarding the specs of lens)
Well, I have to say that the GF3 is super small!
But I’m concerned about the price of the 25/1.4. A Nikon 50/1.4 costs 450€, I dont think Panny should price its lens over this limit otherwise it will be to costly for a “standard lens”, even with a wide aperture.
But very cheap for a “summilux.” Even a used one. (I’ll remove the quotation marks from around “summilux” when photozone.de says it’s ok to do so.)
But is not a TRUE summilux. It’s Panasonic which is Leica-branded! It doesn’t worth more than 450€. Even a Leica doesn’t…
I know what you’re saying, and I pretty much agree. (Hence the quotation marks.) But really, Leica are the ones who get to determine what a summilux is and is not. Time will tell if they have done their own name a disservice by using it this way.
I hope you’re right but Leica needs money too… I hope this lens will justify its price, otherwise, I think it will be a failure…
It’s a Leica Summilux, it superior to a basic Nikon prime!
25mm in micro four-third means 50mm in full-frame (35mm) format?
if so, does it mean this is specificly portrait only lens?
e.g. kind of very specific use (not street photography – wide lenses prefered, no gig lens – no zoom, no compact/prime lens to be on GF3 most of the time….no…) – so why that excitement (apart from f1.4)?
But maybe all of you are used to (for whatever the reason) to 50mm,if I would be “portrait-wedding guy” I would carry Canon 5DMK2 not compact camera – because it’s very specific job to do, I would take specific toy to play with.
This brings me to – I would welcome different lenses to micro-four-third than this one, say new primes or expandable zoom lenses like Samsung has (looking forward to NX200).
This is simply a HUGE lens to a small body, no point unless it would be a zoom lens, so I can have a fun in Hyde Park, as my camera is 75% used at gigs (my main hobby).
end of rant, words from amateur photographer but professional oppinions welcome.
enlighten me please
enlightened http://www.flickr.com/photos/youdidntdidyou/4319238125/in/photostream (jpeg straight out camera) even more funny there was a Canon guy standing beside and I have a copy of one of his many crud photos
ah, the guy was at the spot where there’s “no sound”…soooo cloooose
I prefer to enjoy the concert + take few shots/videos. If I’m so close – that means either V.I.P or paying few hundred quids (or thousands – depends) per ticket most of the time, which I did only for Led Zeppelin in O2 ;p
sound was excellent where I was ( I shot video too), anyways numerous examples on flickr and 500px of the versatility of the Leica 25 f1.4 look for the various groups…
It’s a versatile lens with a “standard” angle of view. The wide aperture makes it one of the better choices for portraiture on 4/3 (µ4/3), but it’s not a “portraiture-only” lens.
I have the 4/3 Summilux. Being a prime, it’s less versatile in terms of view compared to a zoom. However, I use it quite extensively because it’s more versatile in terms of lighting (f/1.4 makes a lot of low-light situations possible), and 25mm is a good focal length to be “stuck at” on 4/3.
This isn’t meant to be an ultra-portable lens, it seems, but not everyone who buys into µ4/3 does so purely for the portability. For some people, this is their system camera. And compared to the 4/3 Summilux, there seems to be some major size reductions.
I’ll be interested to see how the image quality compares. I’ll be very surprised if the µ4/3 Summilux is able to even match the 4/3 Summilux for image quality and distortion characteristics. Since size doesn’t matter to me much, I don’t plan to trade in my 4/3 Summilux for this one.
>> 25mm in micro four-third means 50mm in full-frame (35mm) format?
>> if so, does it mean this is specificly portrait only lens?
For portrait, a small tele (eq.75-135 mm) is the focal of choice because it gives the best perspective for faces. So an eq.50 mm as this one is definitely not primarily aimed at portrait. But it can be used for that because of its large aperture (although not “ultra-thin”).
>> e.g. kind of very specific use (not street photography – wide lenses prefered, no gig lens – no zoom, no
>> compact/prime lens to be on GF3 most of the time….no…) – so why that excitement (apart from f1.4)?
Yes, street photography à la Leica: eq. 35-50 mm are usually preferred for that (this one is eq.50, perfect), and its speed is ideal for street photography (where fast movement and shadows are common).
>> This is simply a HUGE lens to a small body, no point unless it would be a zoom lens,
>> so I can have a fun in Hyde Park, as my camera is 75% used at gigs (my main hobby).
If you don’t have the use for it, don’t buy it 😉
thank you for response, exactly, no use no buy, and certainly not for leica price.
I thought street photography is better with wide lenses, wasn’t it the “24 mm” wide optics that made Panasonic LX3 so famous for street photography?
I can imagine I get quite different (close) shots with 50mm, not saying it can’t be done, I’m just learning…
Anyway, the 75mm-135mm for portraits surprised me, I thought many face features would get blended too much with such a lens. Anyway, like you said, excellent lens but not for me.
That lens looks to me like Sigma 30mm for NEX – http://www.43rumors.com/sigma-about-the-future-micro-four-thirds-lenses-very-few-info/
Very good news for m4/3 nevertheless, let’s hope it’s as good as 4/3 version.
GF3 looks nice…
Only that the Leica’s front element is twice the size, which is a huge difference.
Still, I find this lens too close in focal length and aperture to the 20mm f/1.4 yet bigger and more expensive. Where is the 45 or 50mm f/1.4 portrait lens? PanOly are giving away their initial advantage. Even the slooooow Sony NEX system will eat them. Oh, and even Samsung. Panoly are wasting too much time and effort in the wrong lenses and, don’t forget this, releasing exactly the same lenses at almost the same time! Looks like they are fighting each other instead of the system’s enemies (Sony, Samsung and others to come).
I think its nice to have a choice between a small fast 20 mm lens and a bigger fast 25 mm. I would choose the small one for snapshots/carry-your-cam-always-with you situations.
The 25mm one i would prefer for serious modelphotography, where more grip on a bigger lens would be much more convenient during long shootings imho. The 50mm i now use has dimensions i am already used too; very comfortable for the kind of photography i am doing.
BTW…the lumix 25mm 1.4 looks pretty good regarding the size!
+1 Canon has three 50mm lenses I see nothing wrong with Panasonic having two normal primes, it is a good line up – 20mm f1.7 Panasonic, 25mm f1.4 Panasonic/Leica and the 25mm f0.95 Cosina Voigtlander.
I’m still waiting to see what the Olympus 12mm f2.0 will be like before I go ahead on the 7-14mm or the 14mm pancake.
A 12mm/14mm Tilt-Shift with extra shift for stitching still life and architecture would be very interesting but I’m sure it’s far too much of a niche.
Has anyone used the Fotodiox Pro Shift adapters on m4/3 if so I’d really like to know if they are any good for stitching to get higher resolution files for printing big?
I have been using the 7-14 for a month or so now and can tell you that it is a great lens. And when you have experienced the 7mm (14mm eq full frame), you never want to go back to ordinairy wide angles 🙂 Although the 12/2 would be nice, 12mm (24mm eqff) is only the start for wide angle. Look here for some 7-14 pics by me on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/frnkvizr/sets/72157626330961031/
You’ve taken some good photos Frank, thanks for the link. Your images make me want to visit The Netherlands again. I’d love to take some photos in Zeeland of the great efforts to keep the north sea at bay!
I’m still undecided about whether to buy more m4/3 gear or just keep saving to go digital Medium Format. The sensible side of my brain says to only rent MF when needed. I’ve decided not to go for CaNikon unless the new sensors are not restricted by a 3:2 aspect ratio. (I much prefer 4:3, 5:4 and 7:6) I like the GH2 way of dealing with higher quality differences in aspect ratio, the only thing is I’d like higher resolution for printing really big in certain situations and an increase in dynamic range at low iso/good light.
This is not a lens with OIS, though, right?
you’ll not need OIS with this lens
well I’ve tried shooting video with similar lens and it is almost un-watchable.
luckily – there are video-applications that can (if you’re willing to sacrifice resolution/crop a bit) fix that, but yes, you _need_ O.I.S. even on primes (say when you’re walking/running) which are 14mm, so 25mm is even a bigger deal.
you probably don’t need it for taking stills, another note is I probably wouldn’t pay £700 pounds (I guess that will be a price tag here) for m43 format lens, come’n…it would need to talk to me for such a price 😉
I video weddings and concerts with the Leica 25mm f1.4 and many others do too.
If you were running/walking you generally use Steadicams etc or you can now remove a lot of camera shake in post with good results…
On board OIS isn’t going to make a massive difference to video anyway, it’s designed for shaky hands in static positions not running along!
Youdidntdidyou, how you did or didnt do did you remove the camera shake in post processing?
there isn’t any to remove at f1.4 aperture, as you have the higher shutter speed and ISO that still looks good
+1 OIS is made for still images
I don’t know about that.
Zeiss cine lenses cost an arm and a leg, are often slower than f1,4, have no OIS, are constantly used on bodies having no form of IS and yet no one questions their high end utility.
Probably because people using those lenses also have spent thousands on super stiff tripods, steady-cams, dollies and what not.
OIS would have been a justification for the higher price (compared to the 20mm f/1.7). Without it it’s only the 1/2 stop faster aperture and better image quality that must persuade people to spend more money. (I am assuming better IQ, let’s wait for a test by photozone.de to see how much better)
Well, OIS @ f1.4 covering a 43 image circle is unlikely going to happen anytime soon I am afraid..
This has been beaten to death. Many situations need OIS. Not even worth detailing.
It can stabilized on an Oly body (mechanically for stills, digitally for video)
I have an Olympus body too and using IBIS with this lens doesn’t make a blind bit of difference to image or video quality.
Stabilisation whether OIS or IBIS tends to make a difference when shooting telephoto, you generally won’t notice any difference shooting at shorter/wider focal lengths as long as you keep yourself and the camera stablised…
This is incorrect. Pure and simple. It can make a difference. Not in all cases, but it can help.
Ibis makes a difference….
At slow shutter speads regardless of focal length. It makes a difference.
25mm 1.4 no ibis at 1/20th is blurry from hand shake
25mm 1.4 with ibis at 1/20th is much better and sharper because it helps with the camera shake. Period.
look 1/8 of a second f1.4 25mm hand held, manual focus, candid, low light sharp as http://www.flickr.com/photos/youdidntdidyou/5251457809/in/photostream
you don’t need image stablisation for this lens!!!!!!!!!!!
when?real world examples?
Yes, you can get keepers, but that doesn’t mean your hit rate is as high as it could be, nor does it mean everyone can do the same. In fact, lots of older folks have unsteady hands, and there are times where you can’t find a door post to lean on, etc. Of course, IS becomes moot if you need to freeze action anyway, but it’s more handy to have it than not. Again, though, that’s what makes the Oly so nice — stabilizes any lens.
p.s. — do you really want me to post photos of blurry 1/8 second shots? What would that prove? We’re talking keeper rates. Look at the DPR keeper rate reports for any given lens with IS on/off. Good evidence is there.
my hit rate on a pure in focus level etc etc is about 98+%
by shooting at f1.4 you gain shutter speed, coupled with improved ISO performance nowadays.
Panasonic put stablisation into their lenses when it is needed ie local focal lengths…
btw I also own an Olympus (bought for the IBIS when shooting at 100mm+)
QUOTE:
Many situations need OIS. Not even worth detailing.
Fully agreed. The 25/1.4 without OIS is a deep disappointment (the lack of OIS has been announced here long ago, i know).
And while Canon may have three lenses at 50 mm, they built their system over many decades. I also feel with the 20/1,7 available and good, we’d better get another hi-end lens that’s not so closely specced to the 20/1,7.
Admin, nice coup to publish the first photo of that lens.
If it had OIS, it would be very big news. Correct me if I’m wrong, but there are no internally stabilized lenses faster than f/2.0 and those are about $6000… (I’m talking interchangeable lenses, there may be a compact out there, but I don’t pay any attention to that junk.)
There is always a tripod for ultimate stability, and a monopod for less stability but more mobility.
A different solution is the Kenyon Labs KS-4A. Figure $1,800 for the unit, and some amount more for 12 volt batteries (I’ve seen rechargeable 12 volt batteries on ebay for $20-30):
http://www.ken-lab.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KL&Product_Code=KS4A&Category_Code=GS
Or if your camera + lens is under 2 pounds, you could go for the KS-2A for $1,300 plus batteries:
http://www.ken-lab.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KL&Product_Code=KS2A&Category_Code=GS
Of course by the time you get to a Keyon, the camera size is no longer an issue (but then it isn’t as much of an issue if you are talking about big fast zooms), but I could see using the Keyon when you need stability, and then taking the camera out when you need a small camera.
Yeah. Or you could just buy the Olympus.
.
I’m surprised it doesn’t have the G3 sensor. Why do you think Panasonic would do that? Do they have a lot of the 12 mp sensors left over that they need to use? It can’t cost them anymore to make the G3 sensor can it? And the G3 and GF3 are both lower end models right? Just seems like they would share the same sensor.
Maybe they intend to sell this camera for a very low price and want something that differentiates the more expensive G3?
Yeah, but I think there is quite a bit to differentiate them already in terms of build, controls, and features. I heard that the G3 is gonna be sold with the latest version of Lightroom which is also a huge plus. Wonder if they’ll do the same with the GF3? It’ll be interesting to see how much cheaper the GF3 is. Oh well, it’s a pity for consumers- that G3 sensor looks to be pretty nice.
yeah I heard that too 😀 looks like Panasonic is educating the market!
Wow. A summilux!! Time to sell a body part to fund this!
Just tell the wife or bank manager that it is a Leica Summilux lens with a nano surface coating and they will understand.
any news on the filterdiameter and will it be videooptimized? thx
This wont be cheap. At least not in Sweden, the GF2 pricing in Sweden is like a joke.. Cant believe people are buying it.. its way overpriced. And, GF3 will cost even more. I just know it.
If the GF3 would be using the outdated 12mp sensor while having less buttons&no hot shoe= i belive it should be made considerably cheaper then GF2, at least by 100$, thats the only way pana will sell it
The GF2 records full HD and has a built in flash as well. Was that news? The only thing I notice so far is that it is smaller than the GF2.
I would guess the 12MP is either new or much improved along with a new image processor to improve color/reduce noise along with faster AF. If they manage this, not being 16MP becomes much less an issue. Find out tomorrow.
Well, the Sony NEX doesn’t have a flash so the question was wether Panasonic would sacrifice the flash to compete with Sony on (small) size. Evidently, they were able to keep the flash but still reduce the size.
The GF3 seems about the length and width of a credit card and with a pop-up flash. That is an impressive design feat. However, even the female model’s small hands are practically falling off the camera. The camera won’t be that comfortable to hold for people with larger hands.
two great products
the gf3 could become the perfect camera for secondary usage
i hope a new external viewfinder will become soon…
an evf you can’t use with the gf3. 🙂
The lens looks like the 45mm, great!
Hope it has OIS but I think not?
If it has OIS I will sell my 0.95
No OIS
Best bokeh on mFT: Summilux vs. Nokton, FIGHT!
The Summilux will be a more “balanced” lens. If you’re after smooth bokeh, go for the Nokton.
well I am haviga GF1 only because it was small with removable lenses when I bought it (was before GF2) and I have no plan to use eye view finder or the shoe for any other usage
So for me it looks like the perfect camera & form factor.
only scared of the price and mabe to loose too many buttons…
I don’t really understand the point of either. The GF3 is only slightly smaller than the GF2. With the same sensor it seems to be pointless. Panasonic should have focused to create a pro GF cam. And the 25 / 1.4? Almost the same spec like the 20 / 1.7 but _way_ bigger. 63 x 54,5 (if true) is not small at all. And what I really don’t understand: my Canon FD 50/1.4 S.S.C. has same dimensions! And that one is an old full frame lens.
And why they try to reduce the size of the bodies so much? IMHO GF2 is the smallest body which is convenient, and sometimes I find it too small though.
Why should we be excited about a cost below $800?
A 25mm/1.4 for micro4/3 essentially has the same design as a 50mm/1.4 for full frame. It’s just scaled down in all dimensions. The new 50mm/1.4 lenses sell for around $500, so why should this one cost much more? (Except for the Leica badge)
What worries me is that people appear to be convinced that this is an exotic lens, so that they are willing to part with large sums of money for one. It’s great business for Panasonic, obviously, but a $700+ price would feel like a ripoff, unless the lens has incredibly exceptional performance.
@Simon, you obviously haven’t ever used a Leica lens. A $500 prime lens does not compare is regards to color, or image quality – especially IQ wide open (which is where the other lenses will surely fall short). The 20 mm f/1.7 is what you need (it’s $399)!
No focus distance scale or aperture ring so expect (hope) to see it cheaper than the 4/3 version. Will be curious to see how compares to 4/3 in IQ. Also hope (expect) it to focus faster and quieter than 4/3 with adapter – will be an interesting lens to check out.
for me it is a shame that there is no apeture ring – let’s hope as you say that this will bring cost down.
Don’t need OIS on this lens? Really, O this must be because your always going to shoot at f1.4? What about when you want greater depth of field and your shooting up at f12 in less then perfect light? OIS is an advantage period under all conditions except when the cam is on a tripod. It is also very useful for getting smooth handheld pans when shooting video. Get with the future.
Not mentioned one of my favourite technique: when I shot a still subject in the street, I love to chose shutter speed at around 1/5 to have a picture with my motionless subject and let the rest blurred by moving. With OIS you have the chance to take it. Without OIS you don’t.
Pictures at lenstip.com tell that this Leica 25 / 1.4 deserves better sensor…
Anyway, I am hesitating between this and 20 1.7 but right now I would chose the 20mm pencake. I’m not sure I will wait for the first reviews. The image quality of the 20mm is rather good, especially when just watching them on the monitor. And the DOF is not so different when you try to get the same crop (because you stay a little closer with 20mm). Check it at http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html