Image courtesy: ePhotozine
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The Panasonic Nocticron 42,5mm f/1.2 has now been officially announced! And we also got a price: $1,599 or £1,399 or 1499 Euro and shipment in March!
UPDATE: A bit weird but the preorder price a BHphoto (Click here) is $100 higher! Hope it’s just a typo from BH.
Here are some early tests and image samples:
ePhotozine posted a preview and writes: “this new lens has a superior build quality to it compared to previews Leica DG branded lenses”
Camera.reviewed posted an unboxing video and image samples and writes: “This may be the best Micro Four Thirds lens currently in existence.”
German press text at Photoscala. French press release at Focus Numerique. Dutch press text at Digifotopro, Spanish press text at DSLRmagazine.
Image samples at Amateur Photographer.
More samples at polish Digitalcamerapolska.
Press text at Dpreview.
Image samples at Lenstip.
More images via Smallcamerabigpicture.
This is the official Press Release:
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Panasonic is proud to introduce the new LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-NS043) interchangeable lens for the LUMIX G based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard. (35 mm camera equivalent: 85 mm). This incredible lens not only has a maximum aperture of F1.2, but it also incorporates optical image stabilization (POWER O.I.S.) along with full time Auto Focus. Certified by the world-renowned LEICA, exceptional high image quality is guaranteed as well as its sophisticated metal design. The name “NOCTICRON” was newly defined by Leica Camera AG for this lens that achieves a remarkably fast F1.2 aperture among Micro Four Thirds digital interchangeable lenses.
The new lens system is comprised of 14 elements in 11 groups and uses two aspherical lenses, one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The aspherical lenses suppress spherical aberration and distortion. The ED lens enables sharp, high contrast description without color bleeding to the corners while the UHR lens enables high optical performance that renders an image with uniformed descriptiveness from center to edges as well as downsizing of the lens unit.
The popular 42.5 mm medium-telephoto focal distance (Equivalent to 85 mm on a 35 mm camera) is perfectly suited for portraits with rich stereoscopic effect. Together with the high-speed aperture, users can utilize the beautiful soft focus for more impressive, creative shots. Nine blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. It also captures landscape with an extremely natural perspective. In addition, the aperture ring on the lens barrel allows direct, intuitive control over aperture settings.
Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology has been adopted to the NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. Reflection is dramatically minimized at entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) by applying the extra-low refractive index coating with nano-sized structure on the surface of the lens. It results in a super clear image with dramatic reduction of ghost and flare.
Due to the shallow depth of field which is unique to the large aperture lens, even a slight handshake can potentially cause images to be out-of-focus. However, the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) which is integrated in the LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm effectively compensates for not only small, fast movement but also large, slow movement, making it easy to capture super clear shots even when shooting in low-lit situations such as in night time or indoors.
It incorporates superior inner focus system, which enables excellent resolution and contrast from close-up to infinity. The inclusion of newly developed stepping motor makes the focusing action smooth and silent for use in both still and video recording. Notably the performance of Auto Focus is far superior to the phase-difference AF when a fast lens with smaller F value is used. When mounted on LUMIX G cameras, users can take advantage of the high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF system.
The sophisticated metal design of LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S., including the hood, deserves to bear the prestigious LEICA name. A highly reliable metal mount is durable enough for repeated mounting of the lens.
200 Responses
Cool…$100 less than I thought it would be!!! 🙁
http://cameraquest.com/voigt_M43_42.5.htm
$999 and manual focus doesn’t so bad right about now, then, eh? 😉
No…I would not spend $1000 on a MF lens in this range although the Voigt is a great lens…I need/have-to-have the AF. Maybe in about a year it will be occasionally on sale for $1200 range. And then I can’t use the aperture ring on my Olympus cameras!!!! LOL!… Olympus needs to attend to that, it could impact their camera body sales… Looks like a GREAT lens tho!
That converts to about $3000 Australian Dollars when you factor in the Australia Tax.
Omd em1 retailed in Australia for $1599 aud when released which was around $200 more than the states and it sold with the Pro 12-40 lens as a bundle for $2399 aslo around an extra $200 more than the states. I received a free hld 7 battery grip which retails for $300!…so that sweetened the deal.
This lens shouldn’t retail in Australia for more than $1600-$1700 but no store will charge this amount anyway, seriously no retail store charges full price unless you say nothing. The street price will be at least $100 cheaper.
Using Olympus bodies E-M1 and E-M5 I would take the Voigt every time,manual focus is not an issue for me and who needs OIS.
I’m sure this is going to be an awesome lens. However, I think Olympus has the right idea. Build very good lenses that aren’t priced in the stratosphere. Time will tell, and I’m sure this lens is “worth” the price to any comparable lens. However, m43 doesn’t need super high priced lenses just yet, they need advanced camera bodies that are priced at the entry level. They need to focus on getting this system into more people’s hands. Focusing on very niche products like this isn’t going to do it. Only a handful of people are going to look at this lens and think spending an additional $1200 over the Olympus 45 is worth it, and those people have already bought into the system.
so, that makes $1299 retail and $999 on sale in 6+ months 🙂
£1,399 = $2,300… unless the price is balanced for US sales..
Price between US/JP/EU/UK are never true conversion between the currencies
The US price is *without* tax, the European price is *with* tax (20%?)
Lenses are not like camera bodies, their price don’t simply lose value like that
Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm:
$900 – introduction price in 2009
$670-$690 – price in 2013
Well, that doesn’t look like 6 months to me
There is a huge difference in the state of the system now versus then. Also, there wasn’t another 45mm lens or macro lens at the time. Now, there’s the Oly 45/1.8 and the Oly 60/2.8 macro, both of which are cheaper.
PL 45 did drop in price before the Olympus macro came into play.
I remember back when I was monitoring the price, considering to buy it.
I don’t expect that $1700 price tag to last. Everyone knows there is more stability in price of lenses, a drop of 10-15% with some “hot deals” at $1300 is to be expected within a year.
It’s $1599 not $1799, So retail it will be less.
My mistake 😉
Exactly, now you can buy both Oly 45/1.8 and Voig 42.5/0.95 or Oly 75/1.8 for less than Pany 42.5/1.2
1500€…. Impossible.
The price is just unacceptable, 1000€ would have been just right (like the Fuji).
If you had a budget of 1400, and you had neither of these, which would you purchase?
– E-M1
– Nocticron 45mm f/1.2
The Nocti!!!!!!!!!
Depends on what camera you use. The nocti is the better investment for the future, but if you use a older camera with the 12mp sensor, I would update the body, because the e-m1 is such a great camera.
The E-M1. Leaving low light ability aside….compare this lens with the Olympus 45/1.8 as a portrait lens. At 3m, the DOF wide open on the 45/1.8 is 23cm…on the 42.5/1.2, it’s 18cm. An extra $1000 and 309g for a DOF difference you’ll hardly notice? I’m not poor, but this is too rich for my tastes……
A Canon or a Nikon. It’s ok to burn a little cash on a toy but 1500 is too steep.
For 1400$:
Either GX7 or EM-5
+ Oly 45mm f1.8
And there is still some money left for a nice dinner.
noctilux of course, as a panasonic fanyboy ill never buy a olympus body 😛
Ive always used Olympus only with bodies but I just recently purchased my first Panny body, the Gx7 to compliment my em1. Have I committed some taboo I should know about? No interracial mingling between panny and Oly allowed?
Wow.. pre-ordered the Fuji 56/1.2 right away, but guess I’ll have to wait for some real world samples before I even consider this lens!
You need to order the Fuji body as well. Without it the lens will do noting 😉
£1400! Gasp!
$ 1,599.00 pre order on the Panasonic Site:
http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/H-NS043
Whoa…that is $100 more than I thought it would be…but I am not surprised!
I am guessing that is what it will retail for in the US then……..
bummer. I’ll hold off on any lens purchase now. If it comes down in price to around $1200, I’ll buy it, otherwise I’d rather spend my money buying the Oly 45mm 1.8 + a Pana 35-100f2.8 pro. Seems like a more versatile combo anyway…
Panasonic could have had a winner on their hands if they were reasonable and put this in around the $1000 mark, but alas…
Yeah..my best guess was$1499…but that is just too much for this format.
I agree with you…it needs to come down to the $1200 range …and that is a little bit of a stretch or about right for what this camera system is all about. They do have a unique, premium item, I have to give them that.
I will just hold on to my Oly 45mm, read all the reviews- and see what happens…definitely not going to pre order this lens at that price….
lol, I searched the shop for “Nocticron”, but it didn’t find anything because they mistyped it as “NOCTICORON”
This is great, especially the last sentence of the Panasonic announcement! I am relieved to learn that it is not a one-way lens and that it can be mounted repeatedly.
🙂
Ridiculously expensive…..that is all…..
That’s over twice the street price of the gx7 body. For £1.5k you can get the lumix 35-100 f2.8, olympus 45 f1.8 and ‘Leica’ 25 f1.4……well maybe for £1.6, but you get my drift.
Sorry £1.4k. Still way too expensive when the Fuji is <£1k…….
Yeah, but you have to use the Fuji on a Fuji body …
agreed, I can buy a gx-7 and a oly 45mm 1.8 and be off a lot cheaper than just buying this nocticron. (that would also give me Stabilization…..)
+1
At 1599, you can get Oly 45/1.8, and 75/1.8. Or Voight 42.5 and 75/1.8. Smarter investment.
Way too much… I am a m43 user but Fuji got it right, this one is too expensive
The FujiFilm X-E2 is a US$400 premium over the Panasonic GX7, although it’s the same price as the Olympus E-M1. Of course, you get the better sensor, but that’s to be expected.
I don’t see professionals having a problem with the price, and hobbyists probably don’t need the lens.
The XE2 is $999 body only. With the excellent 18-55 F2.8-4 its as much as the EM1 body only.
+1. And that’s who the lens is for.
This is no hobbyist lens. Besides complainer that lean to Fuji, there’s no Fuji body that can compete with both E-M5 AND E-M1 for speed. Even the GX7 and GM1 go rings arund them.
The IQ of the Fuji’s are just marginally better.
Reasonably priced for the great quality!
Really?
Yes Really ! Make the same quality corner to corner sharpness wide open at f1.2 for a Sony A7 and the lens will be twice as big and pricey. So it will look stupid on a sony a7 that’s why Sony will make a 85mm the same size as this 42.5mm with a smaller aperture and software correction to adjust all the problems at the same price. So yes i prefer a 1500 $ on a m43 without any compromise over a 3000$ on FF or a 1500$ on FF That’s needs autocorrection !
You can buy Nikon 85/1.8g at just $500 for the same optical performance.
HAHAHA Nikon 85mm f1.8 sorry not in the same league… The canon 85mm f1.2 and zeiss maybe but not the nikon !
@ Yan
Well, glad that you like the lens + price so much. Guess you’ll show us all the amazing “optically corrected” images once you receive your pre-ordered copy?
E-M1. Overpriced lens.
You never use it to say that the EM-1 is overprice… my old Canon 5D Mk III at 3500$ this one was overpriced ! believe me , there is more then sensor size ! and sorry a Sony A7 at 1700 $ that is overpriced cause except a bigger sensor that’s got nothing else better… same thing for a fuji XE-2. The dream machine will be a EM-1 with a FF sensor … but believe me it will cost more than a 5D or a Nikon D800
Well, $1600 is a bit higher than I was hoping, so I’ll be waiting until MSRP comes down some, or used ones start to hit the market, but while it’s hard to say for sure until proper reviews hit, the initial handful of photos certainly make it look like the image quality is worth a premium price.
You’ve gotta love their cheap-shot about the metal mount plate in the announcement, though.
That’s about half the price of an ounce of gold…
Someone over there must have really lost his mind. Or that we lost ours…
No, that’s a lot More than the price of an ounce of gold (which is under $1250).
I’d be shocked if the retail US price doesn’t get lowered to below that golden mark by spring.
So this is equivalent to an 85/2.4 on FF. The Fuji is equivalent to 85/2 on FF. Given the the Noct’s extra blades, it’ll be interesting to see how DoF and bokeh on these two lenses compare. We’re seeing the downside of m43. In order to have equivalent bokeh and DoF, extremely exotic, large, and expensive lenses must be made. There really is no free lunch. If you want a smaller size, you must sacrifice some bokeh and DoF. The price of this lens is what a typical 85/1.4 FF lens would cost.
BTW, if you don’t care about AF, a used Nikkor 50/1.2 can be purchased for $450.
There are 14 glass elements in the lens in a metal housing AND image stabilization which the Fuji does not have…so I do think that this price is hefty, but it should drop a little in a year or so.
Eqivalent in DOF and VOF to an 85/2.4. But f-stop is independent of sensor size and therefore the light gathering capability
is equivalent to an 85/1.2 (btw, the Canon 85/1.2 retails for 2200$ and is much larger and heavier (1kg) with twice the minimum focusing distance). The Sony 50/1.8 alone is 1000$ already, we can only guess what the 85/1.8 or 85/1.4 would be.
For me its is nevertheless too expensive. For that money I would buy a Nikon 610 (I have a Nikon 85/1.8 and 50/1.8)
or a Sony A7.
But I’m happy with my used 42.5 Voigtländer.
I got my stops wrong. The Fuji is equivalent to 85/1.4. The Noct is equivalent to 85/1.8. Approximately.
Fuji is 1.8 and this is 2.4.
Nope, still wrong.
Nocticron is equiv(for DOF) to 2.4
Fuji is equiv to 1.8
That and more, here: http://howmuchblur.com/#compare-1x-85mm-f1.2-and-1x-85mm-f1.8-and-1.5x-56mm-f1.2-and-2x-43mm-f1.2-and-2x-45mm-f1.8-and-2x-43mm-f0.95-on-a-3m-wide-subject
bro is in the KNow!
For manual focus, I already have a Minolta 50mm/f1.4 which cost me all of $35 (plus the adapter) and produces some very nice pictures (although it’s rather “dreamy” wide open). So I’ve got my “cheap” big-aperture glass covered. The Minolta 1.2 is apparently a really gorgeous lens, and runs about $300, which I’ve been thinking about getting for a while.
But this lens is what I *really* want–really, really good optical quality (the couple of wide-open test shots out so far have been amazingly crisp), AF, and stabilized (though that’s less important now that I have an Olympus body). Given that, I think the MSRP isn’t at all unreasonable. Doesn’t mean I can afford (or justify) it, but it’s not unreasonable.
However, I expect after a while it’ll creep down toward the 3-digit range, at which point it’s going to get a lot more appealing.
I am at the moment writing a test about MFT+Speedbooster+Minolta and I hope to publish it here as well…
Anyway – I can tell you already, that the Minolta 50/2.0 which sells for about 30 Dollars has AMAZING corner sharpness which even gets better with the Speedbooster – and gives you an effective 35/1.4.
And if you like sharp edges with a little dreamy open aperture DOF, go for the 58/1.7 for instance and you will be amazed by the quality.
Sure, it’s no Autofocus but hey, you are under 400 with the Speedbooster plus x for the lens of your choice.
PS
The 50/1.2 gives you a 35/0.8 and was my favourite at christmas indoors 😉
Fuji is now cheap? I can get a Nikon 50 mm F1.4 for 330 euro everywhere. Brandnew.A Sigma: 450 euro. 50 mm F1.4. How is the Fuji cheap?
Look: if m43 were so expensive as a few claim, than why does the F1.8 45mm Oly costs 230 euro? It is not m43 that is responsible here, it is Leica.
Want expensive? Carl Zeiss Otus 55 mm F1,4….Over 3500 euro.
Now that is sexy looking on the black GX7 like I have (the 75/1.8 Oly looks great too). The price is not so sexy . . .
Agree. It would have looked nice on my gh3 too, but not seeing that happening now. I’ll give it 6 months and see what happens to the price though.
Well, thanks Panasonic for ruining this Monday (like Monday’s don’t suck enough to begin with)
What a failure of pricing. That’s really unfortunate that panasonic does this to us.
Agreed. Will be interesting so see how it compares to the Fuji. They may have really smacked themselves in the face with this pricing, at least for prosumers.
Womp womp. Waaay overpriced. I expected $899-999. 1599 is way to much
LOL, 900 for an F1.2 lens? Overprized because you were hoping for less or because you can’t afford it?
The German Panasonic site has the lens construction diagram and MTF chart. BEWARE, though, the page has a bunch of 8000×6000 press pics directly embedded without thumbnails:
http://www.panasonic.com/de/corporate/presse/alle-meldungen/131-2013-Lumix-G-Noctricon.html
Wow. I guess it makes no sense to spend so much money if you have a SONY A7 + SONY / ZEISS 85mm F1.4 and also a Samsung 85mm/F1.4 … and of course the Olympus 75mm F1.8 … too bad …
Yes, though I’m not sure why you bring up the Samsung 85mm and Olympus 75mm as they are completely different FF comparable focal lengths…
So what? They can make great portraits.
So, any good lens can take a good picture if you want to generalize. The lenses you mention are only half relevant at best. Besides, what I liked the Nocticron for was the built in OIS. At this price though, no way. They are trying to charge way too much.
Sorry if that’s your point, then you have no clue about this sort of lenses.
You’re just a hobbyist and for those this is not the lens to buy for “a portrait”.
Clueless.
I can only mile at these stupid comments from people saying it is overpriced. Having had the Canon in the past and knowing that quality I can’t say the price is too high. Besides looking at the full rez samples I think the lens might be worth every penny, but it’s not in the market yet so we will have to wait a little more.
1499 euros ???
Overpriced. I will never buy this lens for more than 1000 euros.
Think to the 45mm f1.8 Zuiko far less expensive, or a 85mm f1.8 on a full frame, better and less expensive…
Yeah, they will get a lot of that reaction, I’m sure. If I wish to spend this much money on m43 lenses, I would go for a Oly 45mm1.8 plus the Pana 35-100f2.8pro. (since the pana will help my video due to OIS)
The same price as Nikon 85/1.4g Nano
http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Nikon-AF-S-85mm-f-1.8G-review-An-awesome-prime-that-doesn-t-cost-the-earth/Nikon-AF-S-85mm-f-1.8G-versus-competition
Basing my statement based on recent posts about the camera industry being in disarray and speculation that mirrorless cameras not doing so hot in sales, how is this high priced lens pushing the system forward for the masses resulting in profit for the company.
I think the lens is great but there is probably only a small percentage of people that are go out of their way to fork over that much dough for it.
I have to agree. Up until about an hour ago, I thought Panasonic was serious about remaining competitive in the mid-to upper amateur/prosumer market, but they have put this squarely in the “portrait lens for pro’s” or a very small sliver of prosumers willing to fork over that much. I won’t buy any more panasonic bodies, rather go for the Olympus 5-axis ibis, and buy more of their lenses. Panasonic clearly isn’t too interested in my money (and quite a few others)
I told you Panasonic will overprice it to ridiculous level. They should stop paying ransom for Leica name already. Absolutely idiotic.
Ok, my apologies for thinking Panasonic had some level of sanity left. 🙁
Maybe this lens is just $900. The rest is for the cost of the license for using Leica and Nocticron name.
The $1500 question:
Will this lens be as sharp as the Olympus 75mm? If not, then you are paying a lot of money mainly for the extra speed, which may not be needed. A max aperture of f/1.2 would be difficult to use due to insufficient DOF and most likely would have ordinary resolution. In terms of bokeh, I doubt there is much difference between 75mm f/1.8 and a shorter 42mm at f/1.2. So, this seems more like a lens for those who buy Rolex watches (which offers little in terms of telling time, accuracy … than any well made alternatives). Still, we need such products because there are a lot of people who buy expensive FF cameras and big expensive zooms and who know little about photography. This lens will help attract DSLR users who likes showing off and change the mentality about M43 having to be cheaper because it is smaller.
Well, I think there is a lot more to this than sharpness. Leica’s have very nice character, the OIS is cool for panasonic owners etc, but the price is just too high for prosumers. Maybe it gives some credibility that they can have a few m43 pro’s using this lens, but really, they should try to get great glass and bodies in the hands of more normal people, that can show their friends and get the system more popular.
Hmmm. . . So 1.5X times the cost of the olympus 45mm + 70mm. . . can’t see this selling too widely. . . .
Shooting at f1.2 in very good daylight can require shutter speed higher than 1/4000. How many m4/3 bodies are there ? E-M1, GX7, G-M1 ???
ND filters..
If you like to shoot quickly, spontaneously and unobtrusively ND’s can be a PITA.
The procedure…
Take your lens hood off and put it somewhere.
Retrieve your ND case from your bag or pocket.
Remove the ND from it’s case.
Fit the ND.
Shoot.
When you move on to your next shot you may find that your shutter speed is too low or your ISO is too high and you may want to shoot without the ND…
Retrieve the ND case from your pocket or bag.
Remove the ND from the lens and place it in the case.
Put the case somewhere.
Shoot.
Move on to your next shot and find that you need to fit the ND.
I find that fitting and removing MD’s slows me down and attracts too much attention and I’d really rather not… What MFT needs IMVHO is fast lenses and the ability to shoot raw at 1/8000 and ISO 100 (or even 50) but AFAIK no MFT body can do that.
I know that years ago we were stuck with shutter speeds much lower than 1/4000 but it’s not 1956 any more and MFT pushes some of us to use wider apertures thus making the issue worse.
This issue has pushed me personally away from MFT. My A7 is happy to shoot raw at 1/8000 and ISO 100 and 50 is available too and I can shoot at f1.4 in daylight. Hallelujah.
EP5 can do it too.
But can it shoot raw at a true ISO 100 or is the 100 just an adjusted 200 that’ll blow your highlights sooner?
I would like to congratulate all those who asked for a $1500 to $2000 price. You got exactly what you wished for. Way to go!
Not sure I’ll ever buy this lens even at half the price.
Here, here. I would have paid $1000 but past that, there is a psychological barrier for me to spend that much money on a lens…
well it’s quite expensive but time will drop the price. I’m more about getting a Wide Angle first.
Any recommendation guys? Panny 7-14?
@Donar Panasonic 7-14mm is a lens I love. At very wide it can offer a really dramatic picture with the right cloudy sky.
Just beware of light sources: lens flare can happen easily and purple and green CA happen too.
You can remove them easily in PP or shot in black and white.
Just an example
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcosartoriphoto/11438415995/sizes/o/in/photostream/
any color samples from you? I just keep reading good things about this lens. All I need now is a good deal 😀
my name is Danor btw 😉 😉
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcosartoriphoto/9598082647/sizes/o/in/photostream/
This required no PP since the light was ok (high and behind me).
I have at least two or three color photos in my Flickr taken with this lens, and three others in b&w.
Check them out if you wish!
As I said, I love this lens. If you can get it at an interesting price, do it.
I would exchange it only for a faster version, an f2.8. (The one from Olympus has been freezed, at the moment)
Oh, I’m sorry for mispelling your name, please forgive me! 🙂
SHARP!
Nice shot of the Vieux Port, Marco.
I took a few shots from almost the same spot back in September.
I LOVE Marseille!
Steamed mussels with Roquefort and a pichet de rosé! YUM!
Funny to see a New Yorker can love my city. And this Roquefort wine too ! 😀
7-14mm Panasonic is one of my favourite lenses, totally fun and lovely IQ. Pricey though.
http://min.us/i/UTxwTwrsLdiT
http://min.us/i/8Pss562a0lrw
http://min.us/i/bpnmMKpGpEyeH
This makes me worry about how much Panasonic is going to want for that “Leica” 15mm f1.7 that was pre-announced..
Maybe that $1000+ listing on some retail website that everyone thought had to be an error was actually true.
The M4/3rds lens do not lose value like the cameras do (unfortunately on both ends). I have too many cameras I can’t give away for 1/4th of what I paid and on the lens’s well I can’t afford too many.
Looking at this new lens on the GX7 (a camera i want to own), I’m thinking, that the M4/3rd format is great for street shooting but not my camera of choice for pro shooting. I carry my GH3 cameras on Pro shoots and when next to the FF or even APC cameras the files do not rate. That said m4/3rds is my favorite format, just not for pro shooting.
So if others are like me and use a Micro 43rds for street shooting then I ask: How often do you use an 85/90mm on the street?
I own the Olympus 85 1.8 and I love it but almost NEVER use it. That lens is tiny and super light so stowing it in the backpack or suitcase is nothing where-as this panny 45 f1.2 looks to be a mutha. I also own a Nikon 50mm f 1.2 AI lens that when adapter to M 4/rds with a Metabones speed booster (now $200) gives me a 90mm f .95 manual focus lens, for $200. For the street I usually use the Oly 12mm or the Panny 20mm pancake. The 85 rarely comes out of the bag.
So will I be ever owning this new sexy f 1.2 lens? I doubt it. I’d buy the Fuji or a Canon 85 1.2 for FF before I would consider this, unless the price is cut in half.
Just saying’…
” The files do not rate ” ??? M43 is not for pro ? RIDICULOUS COMMENTS ! I’m making my living with M43 equipment only, IM a still photographer on movie set ! and my clients says that my pictures are even better then before ( Canon 5D and L lens ) not because it’s better equipment just because i’m a better photographs with M43… maybe it’s the weight or because i shot 3\4 of the time with the LCD so i have better composition frames !
I’m with you.
This lens is just not for hobbyists like most reacting here.
It’s a full spec Pro lens and it’s made for us pro’s.
Thank god Pana and Oly take their business seriously.
For 1500, I can buy 3 superb lenses – Olympus 45mm, Sigma 60mm and Olympus 75mm!
The aperture ring is a nice feature but it does not work on Olympus cameras like the E-M1, which would otherwise make a nice combination. The current Panasonic cameras are however lacking one way or another. The GX7 is a bit small for good handling with this lens and it has a fairly ordinary EVF. The GH3 handles very well but has an even worse EVF and out of date features (no FP or 1/8000 sec). So, this lens needs a newer and better Panasonic body to sell.
I like this lens a lot, but I don’t like it enough to pay twice what an Oly 75 is going for. You can literally buy a used E-M5 with a 75mm for about the same price. Oh well, maybe a price drop is in the cards before too long.
Yeah, good point, and the IBIS will probably be pretty similar to what I would get with a Nocticron on my GH3 too. The pricing just doesn’t make any sense to me.
I believe “Nocticron” is German for “no lens for you!”
haha 🙂 reminds me of a certain Seinfeld character too! 🙂
To top it all off, this imo is an odd focal length to choose to make such a premium lens. Im much more interested in the upcoming 15mm.
I think with this focal length combined with the price aims this lens purely at professionals. The only catch here is that there are very few professionals out there using m4/3. And i doubt that this lens (or anything else) will be a major factor in convincing professionals to make the switch..
Imo m4/3 is mainly the domain of hobbyists/enthusiasts who want to experiment and have some fun with photigraphy.
This was targeted at the Canon lens, as they’ve done with the 12-35mm and the 35-100mm. Nikon already did such a lens for their Nikon 1 system and of course, FujiFilm just announced their equivalent.
Well those days are over. There are ever more professionals coming to m43. It’s light it’s capable and the IQ is there already.
People want foto’s they can show and there’s no use for pixelpeeping.
Storage AND PP time are costly for any pro.
1500 euros vs 800-900 euros for the XF 56mm f1.2 from Fuji…the diffences I guess are the OIS and the Leica badge 🙂 Few will buy those two lenses and if I ever buy a portrait lens for my next camera (E-M1) I should stick to the Oly 45mm f1.8. But wait, better save the money and use the future 40-150 f2.8 Pro zoom which will be ok @ 45-70mm for portraiture even wide open. I shall stick to the Pro zooms and the 60mm f2.8 macro for my shootings (and maybe get the future 25mm f1.8 for indoor use).
I’m heading down a similar path now too(had to completely change pace here, as Panasonic overpriced this so much). Thinking of getting the 35-100 f2.8 panasonic for now (since I need OIS, otherwise the Olympus zoom sounds interesting), and down the line possibly getting the Oly 45 1.8. I already have the Oly 17mm 1.8 and the PanaLeica 25mm1.4, so I’m reasonably well covered anyways.
The difference is 9 blades vs 7 blades for better creamy Bokeh. if you look the bokeh of the 7 blades 23mm f1.4 it is very harsh and busy. another difference is the Pl 42.5 will be larger for a smaller sensor… that means more sharpness corner to corner wide open. + the Pl 42.5 will be heavier means better metal build. The fuji lenses are light and the built are just ok ! not that great like the Pl … Here’s why it cost a little bit more
In Europe best price for the 45mm f2.8 is 650€. It took the price a long time to drop. I doubt this lens will be affordable one day. I’ve been waiting for that price for a year, and now i have to go Olympus for a stabilized body and cheaper lenses (nokton, or olympus ones)
Yeah, I wouldn’t hold my breath… What stinks for me is that I have the GH3 (which has unique video features I need), and I want longer focal length good quality lens with stabilization.
I guess now you have to buy a good old FF lens and the speedbooster. That’s so sad there’s no OIS big aperture lens for GHx !
Now when the hype for f/1.2 stuff is (hopefully) over, why not make a UWA prime. Pana, Oly, anyone??
MFT still misses few essential FL’s. UWA prime and long telephoto. I’m waiting UWA more than telephoto.
+1
P&O should release some more wides.
And yes, 1500 dollars is too much.
Great lens! Looks like a superb additon to the m43 lens line-up : ) Nice to see some “standard” focal lenghts are made in top quality. These lenses are not for everybody of course. The price is steep for an amature shutterbug. But m43 is not for amatures only : )
This lens is a waste for existing m4/3 sensor. This kind of lens requires a proper sensor like the one in D800 or A7r so that it can deliver matching resolution.
Same quality on a D800 will be 3 times bigger and pricey ( cause the space for the miroir ) on a sony A7 2 times bigger and pricey. Physique is physique you can’t change the fact !
You don’t get the point he said. For example, 85/1.8g (1/3 price of this Nocticron) with d800 willl give you very high resolution score. There are lots of results at
Dxomark
Well I did not expect this price….. The portaits at AP looked very convincing, I think this is goin to be a great addition to the lineup, too bad about the missing weather sealing(unless i missed some info).Ofcourse the biggest value of this one IS it’s speed for lowlight and subject isolation.Besides that it is goin to be a showcase product too ofcourse for the mft system. If i had the money I would buy it, instantly. But now, the Voigtlaender 42.5 is suddenly becoming an interesting alternative(i see them at ebay for too much money but one aussie seller still has one for 675 euros…hmmmmm…decisions, decisions, better wait a while I guess
Mainline photography in sydney always have good prices on tge voigt lenses new..
I googled them, thx!
i buy a 1600 dollar lens for a shitty tyin sensor camerta.. right….
Great lens! Looks like a superb additon to the m43 lens line-up : ) Nice to see some “standard” focal lenghts are made in top quality. These lenses are not for everybody of course. The price is steep for an amature shutterbug. But m43 is not for amatures only : )
One last money-grab before micro 4/3rds companies go belly up.
What Digital Camera’s gallery is convincing: http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/galleries/sample-images/panasonic/35245/1/0/leica-dg-nocticron-42-5mm-f-1-2.html#slideshow
It seems like it would be a perfect lens for weddings and other portraiture, and you could make the money quickly to pay for it. If I did that sort of photography, I’d definitely consider it.
The difference between the Voigtländer lens and this lens (besides the electronics) will be the ability to shoot wide open, I suspect. I don’t buy a large aperture lens so I can stop it down to be sharp.
What is the matter with all you penny-pinchers! Are you into m43 solely for the less cost of the equipement? So if you had the doe you would immediately run of to get a D800?!
It’s despicable!
There is a sucker born every 4/3 second.
This is about $200 *less* than I thought it would be. Those of you thinking it would come in at $999 weren’t paying attention. The Leica name is about a 30% up-charge alone. The Voight is MF and $999 – there was no way you’re going to get AF and OIS for free. Canon 85/1.2 is $2199 and doesn’t have stabilization.
I think this will likely drop to $1399 with some rebate within a few months, but it isn’t going to drop below the $1K mark anytime soon, if ever. There is a solution though – don’t buy it. 😀
This looks like a great premium lens. Nice to have as an MFT system option.
Looking forward to shooting events in low light with 2 GM1s – one with the Oly 17mm f1.8 and the other with the new PL 42.5mm f1.2.
With the small, lightweight bodies, discreet, silent shutter and fast lenses results will be stellar and clients will be thrilled.
Currently using the small, high performance Oly 45mm f1.8 on the 2nd GM1 but the PL 42.5mm will be a step up in IQ, subject isolation, low light abilities, color rendition and stabilization. It will obviously be a bit bigger but still a stellar combination of small, discreet format and incredible performance.
If this lens is as sharp as the Oly 75mm f.1.8 it will also provide lot of room to crop. The Oly 75mm is sharper cropped than any zoom lens at 100mm.
So the PL 42.5mm cropped should be just as good as a zoom at twice the focal length so the usable range is effectively much more flexible.
Do you have any idea what this will look and handle like on a GM1?!!!! Lol
Take a close look at that lens, it’s mounted on a GX7!!!!! It’s very large. That thing is nearly as big as the 12-40, it may even have a larger diameter…..
After reading the preview comments, I’m a little confused about the aperture ring. I was assuming it electronically overrode the camera’s aperture setting, so nothing but the “A” mode worked on Olympus bodies (so far, anyway–they’d damn well better add support).
But one of the reviews said that it’s mechanically coupled. That would imply (have to mean, really) that the MANUAL aperture setting works on Olympus bodies, while the automatic “A” mode *doesn’t*. That is, that Oly bodies aren’t capable of automatically setting the aperture, which seems surprising. The alternative is that they’re wrong, and they mistook physical clicks and electronic control for mechanical coupling.
So which is it?
Its electronically set, no Panasonic body has a mechanical aperture arm to trigger a traditional style mechanically aperture.
It doesn’t work on Oly bodies because the firmware doesn’t support it, this could be fixed in the future but who knows if they will. It will work in A mode on Oly bodies.
I don’t think that guy in the video or anyone given a first preview of a just announced camera could be so clueless as not to know whether the aperture works or not. He did say he tried it on more than one Olympus camera and that ring did nothing. Besides, this sounds just as I expected. Panasonic lenses have always had limitations and issues when used on Olympus bodies – blue spots, rattlesnake, banding, uncorrected CA, … Look, while they are both in M43, they are more like enemies, and apparently do not understand that good inter-operability can help M43 and both companies.
I just don’t see the point of the aperture ring with a fully electronic lens. That ship has sailed, in my opinion. Fuji got it right. Nobody else did.
I disagree. If you’re shooting in aperture priority mode, it is much faster to click an aperture ring on the lens itself than to fiddle with the screen/buttons on the camera, no matter how good the interface is. It’s also just that much more satisfying from a UI standpoint, which is important–it feels good as far as control of the camera goes.
I’m all about the electronic lenses, and having an aperture ring control on a fully electronic lens seems like an awesome idea to me–so much so that I’m now surprised it’s not more common. Now, if it *didn’t* have the “A” setting where the camera could take over, it would be stupid, but that’s not the case.
Here goes my kidney…
The same day Fuji announces an amazing 50mm f1.2 lens at $999
Good point!
Fuji is catching up fast in its lenses, if we focus only on lenses with excellent quality. At this rate, Fuji XF system will be a good alternative in another year’s time to M43, if its AF can continue to improve and if you do not mind a bigger system for more quality. Certainly more attractive than FF for those needing more IQ. Time is running out for M43, as it squanders its lead with this kind of pricing. Fuji is doing the opposite lately, offering big discounts for its XE2 and now nice prices for its quality lenses.
So long as Fuji keeps IBIS free they will not attract many Oly users. If they put in a good IBIS then they may attract a lot of oly users. I would be one to have a very good look.
Ditto, no IBIS, no interest for me. I owned a EX1 for a short time with a few lenses, no IBIS and general sluggishness of the system means I get more shots with M43rds gear, 2/3rds a stop DOF/noise performance isn’t worth the downgrade in performance.
I hear the EX2 is better, but I still think they’re a ways off, good for everyone to have the competition though.
IBIS for a 50mm 1.2? Fuij cameras are not made for video, but good for still photography. If one can’t take photos with a 50 1.2 lens handheld without stabilisation with a moern digital camera producing usable results up to 3200ISO, he doesn’t need an enthusiast camera and lens, simple as that.
I can’t hear it anymore, as if IBIS was the holy grail.
Hmm, Fuji is not selling their camera body at a discount out of charity … its because their system is not selling well and they hope to make the money back on the lens. With that in mind, what is that new 56 really worth? Don’t get me wrong, it looks great, however its a good 60% more expensive than the 35mm Fuji prime … so the price of the Body falls and the price of the lens increases – everyone is happy, but how good is the lens actually?
I think panasonic have a great lens concept here, fast prime with OIS, and sounds like a fairly complex lens design too.
Have you actually used Fuji camera’s? Are you insecure because you went m43 instead of Fuji?
60% more expensive than the 35/1.4 is an issue for you? While you have no issue with the price of this lens compared to the equivalent 25/1.4?
Comments like yours, make users of m43 look like fanboys..
It’s 300 Euros (more or less) more than what I thought.
I will wait and see how things are and perhaps buy it. As it is NOW, I wouldn’t .
Leica president said that “leica is a luxury brand”.
Now, I don’t see myself showing off my Leica branded lens just to feel better, and I don’t know how many people here consider m43 a system with luxury cameras.
I don’t question the lens IQ output, but this is not a “miracle of a lens”.
+1
This is my last wasted moment on this lens. I will now turn my direction elsewhere, and let Panasonic keep their precious Leica branded lens 🙂
that bad he? 🙂
Remeber the Panasonic 12-35 and 35-100 for $1299 and $1499 list price, you can get them for $800ish and $1000ish now.
I would really hope so but i dont think that it is goin to happen with this one.
Exactly. I bought Kai Wong (digitalrev HK) the 12-35mm for 1000us$ exactly 12 months ago. Today Kai’s price is 900us$. The price of the 42.5mm is today 1600$, almost 2 new 12-35mm f2.8, more expensive than the Sony A7 !!
The price of the Leica branded pana lenses took a lot of time to drop (25 and 45mm). I truely believe it will take 2 years to have nice rebates…
I think it’s Fuji, here I come. Fuji has three lenses I want, all for under $1,000. A fast (f/1.4) 35mm equivalent (no AF answer for this coming in m43), a high-quality UWA zoom (the Pany 7-14 is riddled with issues) and a considerably cheaper, fast 85 equivalent. I also like being able to know the settings of my camera by just looking at it without having the EVF on. Fuji has the marked dials. Oly or Pany should consider an LCD top screen.
I LCD top screen would be lovely, I like it so much on my Nikon D50 and D90 when I use it!
I guess this is not a hobby for peasants like me. I will bury my sorrow in whiskey.
can i join?
At that price it’s limited in sales, but they’ll make a good profit on each one sold. If Sigma had an auto focus adapter for it’s new 35 and 50 1.4 lenses, I think they could sell many to people who use m43 as a second system.
and fujifilm 56mm 1.2 at only 1000 usd
This is absurd. FF becomes more and more affordable every new day and M4/3 more and more expensive, only for just a few ounces lighter, a few milimeters shorter! And 85mm f2.4 equivalent for $1599. Funniest of all, some people will pay it! This is pure nonsense, folks! I have to say it: there are M4/3 users with more money than brains. You got what you deserve!
Meanwhile, a Canon 6D or Nikon D610 with the Samyang 85mm f1.4 gives vastly superior DOF control and much better high ISO, for few more money than this 85mm f2.4 equivalent. Just absurd…but good for intelligent users!
+1 so true
uuh NO.
Canon FF 85mm F1.2 is $2200!
Price seems way off the mark. A new buyer who wants a mirrorless system with this sort of grade lens (say a dSLR owner wanting something smaller) will be looking at these prices and choosing Fuji all day long.
I’ll give this a miss until the price becomes reasonable, which it will.
LOL overpriced panafail lens just fanboy will buy DOF F 2.4 AND REMENMBER IS NOT A LEICA JUST SAY LEICA jn the lens for sure the fuji is bettter and not even talk of the sensor m43 is dead
No Deal, not happening. At that price, I can buy a couple decent lenses for my 6D.
In this case at least for me, having a full fram camera with a equivalent lens is better, much better.
Not to mention Fuji has a similar lens, cheaper, and cameras with better sensors.
Fuji is calling me…
Why would you be going to Fuji if you use a 6D ???
hahaha priceless.
He has yet to buy a camera first.
It is probably ridiculous to get F1.2 lens where there are few bodies nowadays able to shoot higher than 1/4000 in very very good daylight .
Correct. It’s such a waste. I have E-m5, meaning that if I buy this lens, I may need to get ND filter which has to be hi-grade, expensive brand for matching with this luxury lens. Investment will be even higher. Such a waste design indeed.
It depends on your position. On the beach or any bright reflecting location you get into trouble ofcourse now and then. But I shoot always with aperture wide open (i.1,1.2,1.4,1.8,2.0 lenses),without ND. It has never been a real issue for me.
WOW $1600. Clearly this isn’t aimed at the typical m43 buyer, but if anything it makes the premium/pro lenses look like complete bargains. Compared to this, $900 for the Oly 75mm f1.8, $1000 for the 12-40mm f2.8 and $1000 for Voigtlanders sound quite reasonable…..
Bye bye Pana.
Fuji … See you soon!
is big expensive and will be use with a tiny sensor for that price u can buy new FF camera with a real sensor ppl say about small size but not anymore now lens are big cmeras too just sensor no 😛
I certainly hope micro 4/3 does well, and that Oly and Panny both do well…but it does seem that their pricing at the high end is getting a bit out of control.
As others have noted, at a time when FF equipment is coming down in price, it seems m4/3 is going up, up, up.
If someone buys an EM1 and this new lens, it will cost them about $3000 US dollars. At these prices on can get a Canon 6D or Nikon D610 and a top notch lens. And yes the FF equipment will be larger/heavier, but it will still have a sensor 4 times as large. It will be part of a system that has been around for years, and at the very least the lens will hold its value very well.
So again, best wishes to Panny for selling this lens…
Ofcourse the cameras yuo mentioned have some advantage in IQ. But the E-M1 is the flagship of m43 and it shows in many ways. The Canon and Nikon are lower end 24×36 models and it shows in somoe ways, just check reviews only when they summarise the plus/contras.
Could it be we are starting to see the beginnings of new strategies of companies selling to the wealthy and forgetting the masses that have gone iphone?
“(…) A highly reliable metal mount is durable enough for repeated mounting of the lens.”
Is this a nice reminder to Olympus after all the noise of the 12-40 f/2.8 mount?
I hope Panasonic lowers the price on this lens a few hundred bucks soon. I mean, if the people on this site, many who are happy owners and fans of micro four thirds and were eagerly anticipating the release of this lens for over a year refuse to buy it for $1600, who will?
People with jobs?
wih well paid jobs that is. I would need to sell something before I can get this one. Im now planning to do some series on large format with a kodak aero ektar, this will also need some budget for the film sheets. If i cant make myself comfortable with it, it can always be sold, in order to make a budget for a new lens. But I hope not.
It makes more sense of the official price is $1199 and the market price @ ~$900 after a few months
afterall, it can only match 85 @ f/2.4 in FF term
@Ben, F1.2 = F1.2 on any system!!
I get fed up with the stupid equivalence jabber. It’s NOT F2.4!!
Shallow DOF was and still is a trade of for wanting high shutter speeds. Today high ISO capability helps somewhat.
The stupid and ugly “artsy” pics you see al over the net has become popular for the wrong reasons.
This lens is not for most but for the working pro!
Simply put… I’m just hobbyist therefore can’t justify the price – this coming from an owner of two previous Pana-Leica lenses.
Geez, really? $1600!!, I’ll have a nightmare tonight.
Why not get then oly 45mm? Also really good lens and should work well for hobbyist. Or you mean, if some people can’t afford top glass they should not make them?
I would actually pay $1500 for this lens. I’ve seen the images on a few websites and the image quality is absolutely stellar. This lens is probably over engineered to ensure stellar wide open performance, kind of reminding me of some of the classic four thirds Pro lenses.
It’s a complex design with a lot of beautiful glass elements, lens based IS, a premium metal body and hood and all that doesn’t come cheap, m43 or whatever format.
Seriously for those who don’t want it or can’t afford it move on and buy a cheaper option. Isn’t that great though? That we have so many options from the cheap yet capable Oly 45 f1.8 all the way to this premium offering and let’s just remember that retail price never reflects street price and that Voigtlanders aren’t much cheaper, at least not here in Australia not. The 17.5 & 42.5 Voigtlander in Australia
go for around $1200-$1300 on average, and that’s supposed to be cheap?……I payed a almost $1200 for my 17.5 and I love it so I don’t see a problem with this being no more than $1500.
It’s all good for the format that we love to use.
As always we get people with no known photography bragging THEY have the money with their kleine kollection. Who knows from money laundering or the sale of recycled tyres as if they were new? 🙂
Guess from what country comes the bragging and the bad taste?
I am worried because if these prices are the new trend m4/3 will loose it popular appeal. and people might as well buy the original Leica while peddling dope…
As I own both a m43 and a Fuji: Is this lens so much better than the Fuji 56/1.2?
Probably not.
There is a small trend m43 extra HQ lenses are also relatively big and heavy as well as extra expensive. Are those lenses tailored against next generation of sensors? A 24/36 mpix? Sensor technology evolves and what was impossible yesterday is today standard. Remember the 12mp m43 sensors with extra narrow DR, blown highlights, murky shadows and no high ISO snsitivity? Olympus claimed for a couple of years this was all we would ever need and it was professioonal level.
Current sensors have great DR, no blown highlights, details in shadows and quity good ISO sensityivity. Why would development stop 2013?
I wonder how much of the cost is the leica branding.
Fuji looking good. Its the same focal length, same weight, same size……I’m mystified.
see http://www.laroquephoto.com/blog/2014/1/6/the-razors-edge-fujinon-xf-56mm-f12r
And that’s not a fanboy site?
Why does everybody think this lens is too expensive? While it may be true that many of us can not afford it, I believe that image and build quality justifies it’s price. Besides, for most of us it is overkill!!! What’s wrong with the Oly 45 1.8? Not good enough for your baby shots? Need to go to 1.2 just for more bokeh? Ridiculous.
I’d like to buy a Bugatti but can only afford a Honda to drive to work everyday.
I applaud Panasonic for bringing such a wonderful product to market.