The Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mmm F2.8-4.0 ASPH. Power O.I.S. ($999.99) is a compact zoom lens with a decently long range of coverage and an even longer name. Optics live up to the Leica name, and build quality is excellent—the lens is housed in a metal barrel and is protected from dust and moisture. It's an excellent performer, but not quite an Editors' Choice. We give preference to the larger Olympus 12-100mm for its longer zoom range, and the Olympus 12-40mm for photogrpahers who want a straight f/2.8 zoom. But if your needs are more in the middle, the 12-60mm might just be the perfect compromise, especially if you like to pack light. Design The 12-60mm covers a 5x range—24-120mm in full-frame terms. Despite the range, and the wide aperture design, it measures just 3.4 by 2.7 inches (HD), weighs 11.3 ounces, and supports 62mm front filters. There's some extension when zooming; the height just about doubles at the 60mm position. The outer barrel is metal and...
Panasonic's top-end 12-60mm zoom lens delivers image quality that lives up to its Leica branding.
Crisp images; Optically stabilized; Compact; Wide aperture; Dust and splash resistant; 1:3 magnification
Some distortion and dimmed corners at 12mm