The very first mirrorless lens we ever bought was the M.Zuiko 12mm f/2 for our Olympus OM-D E-M5 and for the longest time, it was the only lens we owned for the system. Though we’ve since sold it and the E-M5 to fund other gear, it is still one of our favourite primes because of its excellent optical quality and versatile focal length, which equates to 24mm in full-frame terms.
Update: our 12mm f/1.4 complete review is now online!
Today, Micro Four Thirds users have not one but two 12mm autofocus options to choose between. The new 12mm f/1.4, which arrived on our doorstep a couple of days ago for testing, is the Panasonic’s latest premium lens produced in collaboration with Leica and, without going too in-depth, I can confirm that it is everything you’d expect from a Pana-Leica product: excellent sharpness across the frame even at the fastest aperture, great micro-contrast, fast and silent autofocus, and top-of-the-line build quality.
We should have the full review of this lens up in a couple of weeks but in the meantime, we invite you to look at our first set of sample images to get a sense of how the 12mm performs. All the images were taken at three of our local attractions, the Talyllyn Railway, Dolgoch Falls and Tywyn Beach. Click on any of them to see a full resolution version!
Are you interested in the Pana-Leica 12mm f/1.4? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
Heather Broster says
If you already have the Olympus, I agree that it makes little sense to consider the Pana-Leica. The temptation is that fast aperture but in the end, f/2 is fast enough for most occasions.
Heather Broster says
It is fun but yes, there’s no question that it is an investment to put it kindly.
Heather Broster says
Tall enough that I function as an armrest! 🙂 He’s about 6’2.
Heather Broster says
Thank you!
Jørgen says
Glad I have the 12-35 m f2.8. Just 100 euro or so more expensive than that Oly. weathersealed, stabilised and much more usefull given it is zoomrange. F2.8 vs F2.0 is just a stop.
And if I want something that is stellar that gets me snobbing rights. again weathersealing and two stops better than my Panny I can get the panaleica.
Good to have choice. You are happy wit the Oly and others are happy with something really different. Inlike those 1.7/1.8 duplicates.
Orange says
Great photos!
Pier-Yves Menkhoff says
I am pretty disappointed by the Panasonic 12mm. Not by its possible performances.
I am disappointed by its category and its price. Very TOO expensive in comparison of the Olympus 12mm F/2.0 and for a Wide angle. I do not believe in a big difference for wide landscape shots. The mini details are less visible over a 12 mm than on a 45 or a 60 mm.
I thought we will have a 12 mm in the category of the Panasonic Leica 15 mm F/1.7 with ± the same price.
With a 1 350 € lens in France, I keep my Olympus 12 mm F/2.0. I refuse to pay an extra 700 € for the snobbery of owning a pseudo Leica nickname.
Cheers…
zensu says
I look forward to your reviews because you always include such great photos, including in this preview. May I ask a Personal question? How tall is Mathieu?
HammeredToast says
I mean, yeah, everywhere I’ve looked, it looks great, but I can’t afford this right now. I finally bought the 20mm a couple months back, and, well, I’m sure the Leica is fun.