Panasonic Announces 12-60mm Image Stabilized Lens for MFT Cameras

Panasonic announces a 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens with image stabilization. The zoom is suitable for micro-four-thirds cameras and gives a range comparable to 24-120mm on full frame. The lens will be on the market in May.

The compact 12-60mm lens is 71mm long, 66mm in diameter and weighs 210g. The housing does extend while zooming. The lens has a filter size of 58 mm and is equipped with seals against dust and moisture, just like the high-end system cameras from Panasonic.

The optical construction consists of eleven groups in nine elements. Panasonic uses three aspherical elements and a low dispersion ed element. The aperture has a maximum value of f/3.5 in the wide-angle position and f/5.6 zoomed in. The diaphragm consists of seven rounded blades.

With the minimum focusing distance of twenty centimeters, a magnification of 0.27x is possible. The lens uses a stepper motor for autofocus. The 12-60 mm is also equipped with Panasonic’s Power OIS image stabilization technology.

Panasonic will launch the 12-60mm in May in the United States for a suggested retail price of $499.99. Converted including VAT, that is about 551 euros, but a recommended euro price is not yet known.