LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH Lens

PMA 2006: The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens is announced today at PMA. It incorporates Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S (optical image stabilization) system and an aperture ring in addition to the focus ring and zoom ring.

Leica / Panasonic Press Release

World’s First Leica Interchangeable Lens with Optical Image Stabilization System Designed Exclusively for Digital SLR Cameras

Leica Camera AG and Panasonic are pleased to announce the development of a new interchangeable lens based on the Four Thirds standard. Featuring a focal length from 14mm to 50mm　(35mm equivalent: 28mm to 100mm), the new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens is the first interchangeable lens from Leica developed exclusively for digital SLR cameras. The “D” signifies that it is designed for the new digital system. The partnership between Leica and Panasonic has resulted in rigorous quality standards for the development and manufacturing of this interchangeable lens, so that the technology and expertise of Leica Camera and Panasonic will be integrated at their highest levels. Both Panasonic and Leica Camera AG are confident that the results of their cooperative efforts will be successful and highly evaluated by customers.

The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT lens comprises 16 elements in 12 groups, including two aspherical lenses. It provides high definition image rendering that conveys even the finest details and nuances. It minimizes distortion and peripheral vignetting at the wide end.  And to draw the best optical performance out of this compact lens, a large-diameter aspherical glass molded lens is also incorporated. With the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT, users can now experience the unique performance of Leica optical technology in the world of digital photography.

For use in Panasonic’s LUMIX cameras, the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens incorporates MEGA O.I.S. Developed entirely by Panasonic, this advanced optical image stabilization system makes it possible – without using a tripod – to capture clear, beautiful images even in macro shooting or low-lit situations, giving users more shooting flexibility. And to assure precise control over the MEGA O.I.S., the Venus Engine is integrated into the lens unit. Together with the full-time Live View function, these two important features make the DMC-L1 (also being introduced) a digital SLR camera that offers an entirely new kind of photographic experience.

To improve operating ease, there is an aperture ring in addition to the focus ring and zoom ring, giving users more intuitive aperture adjustment. Another distinctive L1 feature is the shutter speed dial on the camera body. Thanks to features like these, the L1 offers a more comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience than conventional digital SLR cameras.

The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH is not simply a standard interchangeable lens for digital SLR cameras, but rather an exclusive one with features such as MEGA O.I.S. and an aperture ring.

Leica Camera AG and Panasonic affirm their commitment to developing innovative, high-performance lenses that meet the latest demands in today’s evolving digital era.

Published: Sunday, February 26, 2006

Reader Comments

1. I'd love to se some LPM data at various focal lenths! This appears to be, maybe, the ultimate portrait lens!

   nick in japan at 06:59am on Wednesday, March 08, 2006

2. What lens mount does the Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens have and can it be used on an R9
   

   Alan Siegle at 10:18pm on Thursday, March 30, 2006

3. The Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 Asph uses the new Four Thirds lens mount. It'll work with Olympus and Panasonic DSLRs.

   maxx at 12:57am on Friday, April 07, 2006

4. Does anyone know if the image stabilization works independently of the camera body? I.e. so the lens will fit Olympus DSLRs but does the image stabilization work on them?

   Ted Kurkowski at 07:24pm on Tuesday, April 18, 2006

5. Yes, Mega O.I.S. still works with Olympus DSLRs, but only in Mode 1 (always active). Mode 2 (activated when shutter button is depressed) is only supported on Panasonic's DSLR.

   maxx at 09:18pm on Tuesday, April 18, 2006

6. Couple of (probably stupid) questions:
   
   Does this lens auto focus? i know thats probably sacrilege, but I have an olympus e300, but im not really happy with the lens that came with it, and i fancy splashing out on a really good lens. Also, does anyone know how much it is?

   Matthew Shore at 08:07pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2006

7. #6.. Assume that it will be auto-focus, if it were not, it would say so. Don't forget that there are adapters that are availavle for other lenses for your e300. You will need to manual focus for an adapted lens from another manufacturer but sometimes we have available to us a quality lens, and autofocus becomes a non- issue. I adapted my 300mm 2.8 Nikkor to my Canon 10/20D and saved it from being stagnant in my collection.
   I have been reading about the e300 in Japanese magazines and I sure am impressed with it and that 4/3rds sensor, I am really interested in the new Panasonic that is coming out and also this lens, appears to be a GREAT lens!

   nick in japan at 09:53pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2006

8. The Leica D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH is an auto-focus lens. Another unique feature is an aperture ring. I believe this is the first lens to have it for the 4/3rds system, and I'm not sure if the ring can be used on an Olympus body. I don't think a price has been announced for it yet.

   maxx at 11:56pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2006

9. I was wondering about the combination of an Olympus E-500 and the D Vario-Elmarit. Can anyone advise?

   Mukul Dube at 04:10pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2007