(From Panasonic lens literature) Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new standard zoom lens LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS12032) based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. Achieving high picture quality, the new LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. designed in stunningly compact metallic profile with retractable structure despite a lens with this versatile focal distance of 12-32 mm (Equivalent to 24-64 mm on a 35mm camera). Starting from 24mm wide angle, this lens is suitable for capturing a variety of scenes from dynamic landscape to casual snapshot taking advantage of its high portability. As offered for a kit lens of newly introducing LUMIX DMC-GM1, LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. in either silver or black color best matches the camera to make sleek, stylish combination.
Comprising of eight lenses in seven groups, the new lens system adopts three aspherical lenses to achieve reduction of substantial length of lens unit while maintaining the optical performance. The ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens also minimizes chromatic aberration to corners at entire zoom range. To pursue further downsizing, every lens element is designed as slim as possible and located in minimum margin while using the fourth and fifth lens group as an O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) lens unit by shifting itself, which is integrated in the LUMIX G digital interchangeable lens for the first time. Moving the two lens groups requires power and a newly developed dedicated actuator supplies it.
Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even at tele end or in low-lit situations by suppressing the blur caused by a hand shake.
Incorporating an inner focus drive system and stepping motor, the new LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at max.240 fps to take maximum advantage of cameras with high-speed AF such as DMC-GM1.
With its minimum focus distance of 0.20m (12-20 mm) / 0.30 m (21-32 mm) even at full zoom, the new lens provides a maximum photographic magnification of 0.13x (35 mm camera equivalent: 0.26x).
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 VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. 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.
