New fast lens

Micro four thirds marches on

Panasonic Revises LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 Lens

Panasonic has just released a revised lens today for their G-series of Micro Four Thirds digital cameras. The LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 II ASPH (model H-H020A) is more compact and lighter than the previous incarnation. It supports Panasonic's Contrast AF for "high precision auto focusing," features a durable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that "minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its optical performance."

The 20mm lens (equivalent to 40mm on a 35mm film camera or full-frame DSLR) uses two aspherical lenses to "minimize both distortion and chromatic aberration." The only real catch is that, when recording video, if you leave Continuous AF on, you will hear some noise. Panasonic recommends leaving AF off for video.

The LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 II ASPH will be available mid-July (2013) for around $399.