Panasonic has unveiled a new version of its Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 "pancake" lens. Comprising seven elements in five groups, the Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH uses two aspherical elements to minimise both distortion and chromatic aberrations and comes with an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded blades. According to the company, the new lens "supports Contrast AF system for high precision auto focusing," although it's unclear if the focusing speed has been improved since the previous iteration. The main novelty seems to be the "newly designed metallic profile" of the lens. The new addition will be available from 29th July 2013, priced at around £350.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic Announces LUMIX G 20 mm / F1.7 II ASPH - Fast Single Focal Length Digital Interchangeable Lens in Sophisticated Exterior Design

Panasonic is pleased to announce the addition of a new single focal length lens LUMIX G 20 mm / F1.7 II ASPH. (H-H020A). Joining Panasonic’s well regarded family of digital interchangeable lenses of LUMIX G based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, this model features a newly designed metallic profile, and sleek, sophisticated design elegantly finished in black and silver. Maintaining the stunning performance of LUMIX G 20 mm / F1.7 ASPH., the new LUMIX G 20 mm / F1.7 II ASPH. is extremely compact and lightweight & its F1.7 brightness that enables beautiful soft focus on the background for the subject to stand out impressively.

Comprising seven lenses in five groups, the new lens system uses two aspherical lenses effectively to minimize both distortion and chromatic aberrations, achieving super high resolution from corner to corner. The versatile 20 mm focal distance (equivalent to 40 mm on a 35 mm film camera) is suitable for a wide variety of occasions from daily snapshots, to beautiful sceneries like sunsets, and dimly lit indoor shots taking advantage of its beautiful soft focus. The new lens supports Contrast AF system for high precision auto focusing.

Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. The new LUMIX G 20 mm / F1.7 II ASPH. lens also features a highly reliable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its optical performance. The new addition will be available from 29th July 2013.

About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and engineering of electronic technologies and solutions for customers in residential, non-residential, mobility and personal applications. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates over 500 consolidated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.30 trillion yen (68 billion euros) for the year ended March 31, 2013. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company strives to create a better life and a better world for its customers. For more information about Panasonic, please visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/

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