DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens is an excellent performer, although a bit on the pricey side, particularly when compared with the Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens. But when build quality is taken into account, it represents decent value.

It’s worth emphasizing the fact that full frame 1.4/24 lenses are not only more difficult to design but also, unlike the Panasonic, their optics is responsible for distortion correction without any help from camera’s software.

Solid, metal casing,, Very good image quality in the frame centre,, Sensible image quality on the edge of the frame (meaning values averaged out),, Negligible lateral chromatic aberration,, Quick decrease of vignetting on stopping down the aperture,, Silent, quick, and efficient autofocus.

Distinct difference in sharpness between left and right sides of the frame,, Problems with longitudinal chromatic aberration,, Bothersome coma in the right part of the frame,, High distortion for RAW files,, Performance against bright light could have been better.

The Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH is an outstanding ultra-wide-angle prime lens. It's exceptionally well-built, weather-proof and delivers fantastic image quality at both the centre and edges of the frame, even when shooting wide-open at f/1.4, and the very welcome aperture ring makes...

Regardless of the technical results, this is a lens that produces images that look fantastic. Some might argue that's actually what a lens is for and we need look no further than that.

With its fine optics and robust metal construction, there’s a lot to like about the Summilux 12mm f/1.4 Asph. Its fast maximum aperture should please Micro Four Thirds users who like to shoot in low light, while its robust dust and splash-proof construction will appeal to landscape photographers who...

Specification A Panasonic lens for the Micro Four-Thirds system, marked with the Leica Summilux name, immediately evokes the great Summilux lenses of the past. This suggests something a bit special, something raising its head above the norm and our expectations increasing in a likewise manner.

Panasonic's partnership with Leica continues to bear excellent fruit. The 12mm ƒ/1.4 Summilux provides an excellent shooting experience for Micro Four Thirds users, especially at the wide ƒ/1.4 aperture where it will probably spend most of its time being used.

This is quite a specific lens, but so far, for event work and a brief play with astrophotography, I don't think you'll find a better lens. If I wasn't shooting events, I may consider the f2 from Olympus which is cheaper and smaller, however the f1.4 aperture allows for one extra stop of lights and...