Panasonic announces Leica DG 200mm f/2.8 Telephoto Prime Lens

Panasonic has announced Leica DG 200mm f/2.8 Power OIS telephoto prime lens for Micro Four Thirds system cameras.

The optic is weather-sealed and freezeproof. It features 15 elements, 2 of which are ‘ultra extra-low dispersion’. The lens has also built-in image stabilization. The 200mm F2.8 is compatible with the Dual IS systems built into most modern Panasonic mirrorless cameras.

The Leica DG 200mm f/2.8 lens features a triple linear focus motor system with a 240 fps sensor drive speed along with a ‘micro-step’ drive system that allows for precise aperture control. The lens will be available with a 1.4x teleconverter, giving a 560mm (f/4) equivalent, or with a 2.0x teleconverter giving a 800mm equivalent.

The Panasonic Leica DG 200mm f/2.8 Power OIS price is $2999.99 and will start shipping from January 2018 along with the Panasonic G9.

Panasonic announces Leica DG 200mm f/2.8 Power O.I.S.  (H-ES200)

New Compact & Lightweight Super-Telephoto Lens with POWER O.I.S. – For Handheld 400mm Equivalent Telephoto Shooting

• Sharpest-ever corner to corner image quality in LUMIX history
• Highly versatile lens – Perfect for wildlife and sports photography
• High-speed, high-precision lens perfect for the contrast AF system for both photo and video recording

November 8, 2017 (Newark, NJ) – Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is proud to introduce a new telephoto single focal length lens, the LEICA DG ELMARIT 200mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S. (35 mm camera equivalent: 400 mm). The LEICA DG ELMARIT 200mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S. is the first large-diameter ultra-telephoto fixed focal length lens with a name of LEICA DG. It boasts sharpest-ever image quality from corner to corner in the history of LUMIX digital interchangeable lenses. Featuring high mobility in a compact, lightweight design, it also realizes handheld ultra-telephoto shooting.

With its 400mm ultra telephoto focal length and stunning descriptive performance, the LEICA DG ELMARIT 200mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S. is suitable for wildlife or sports photography. The 1.4x Teleconverter (DMW-TC14) is bundled^*1 to extend the focusing distance to 560mm (35mm camera equivalent) for close-up shots.

The fast F2.8 aperture lets you capture fast-moving subjects while the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) effectively compensates for hand-shake movement, making it easy to shoot even without a tripod or in low-lit situations. The lens works with Dual I.S.^*2 (Image Stabilizer) and Dual I.S. 2.0^*3 system when mounted on the compliant Panasonic LUMIX DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) cameras for more powerful hand-shake suppression.

Clearing the stringent quality standard of LEICA, the lens is comprised of 15 elements in 13 groups, featuring two UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) lenses. The use of UED lenses and Panasonic cutting-edge optical technology achieve high resolution, high contrast image from corner to corner while suppressing distortion and chromatic aberration.

Incorporating a triple linear motor system and max.240 fps sensor drive, the new LEICA DG ELMARIT 200mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S. achieves high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. This stunning AF performance is excellent to record 4K video, where precise focusing is required. In addition, the micro-step drive system in the aperture control section helps the camera smoothly catch up to brightness changes when panning.

It boasts a rugged, dust/splash-proof design and are even freeze-proof down to -10℃ (14 degrees F) to withstand professional use under harsh conditions. Offered in sharp, metallic black color, it stylishly matches the LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras.
The LEICA DG ELMARIT 200mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S. can also be used with the 2.0x Teleconverter DMW-TC20 (sold separately), which extends the focusing distance to 800mm (35mm camera equivalent) to capture subjects at a greater distane.

* 1 The 1.4x Teleconverter (DMW-TC14) is also sold separately as an optional accessory.
* 2 Dual I.S. is available on GX8, GX80/85
* 3 Dual I.S. 2.0 is available on GH5, G9, G80/81/85

• Some functions of H-ES200 cannot be used with DC-GH5. The firmware for DC-GH5 to fully comply with H-ES200 is scheduled to be released by the end of March, 2018.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
• LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
• ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

The new ELMARIT 200mm lens and accessories will be available in early January 2018. The lens with the 1.4x teleconverter MSRP will be $2,999.99 and the optional 2x teleconverter is $599.99.