Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH lens announced



Panasonic announced a new version of their 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH lens ($429.95). The new lens is also available in silver:

Specifications:

 Lens Construction  7 elements in 5 groups (2 Aspherical lenses)
 Mount  Micro Four Thirds mount
 Optical Image Stabilizer  No
 Focal Length  f=20mm (35mm camera equivalent 40mm)
 Aperture Type  7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
 Aperture  F1.7
 Minimum Aperture  F16
 Closest Focusing Distance  0.2m / 0.66ft
 Maximum magnification  Approx. 0.13x / 0.25x (35mm camera equivalent)
 Diagonal Angle of View  57°
 Filter Size  φ46mm / 1.81 in
 Max. Diameter  φ63mm / 2.48 in
 Overall Length  Approx. 25.5mm / 1.00 in (from the tip of the lens to the base side of the lens mount)
 Weight  Approx. 87g / 3.07oz (excluding lens cap and lens rear cap)
 Standard Accessories  Lens Cap, Lens Rear Cap, Lens Storage Bag

Features:

MTF chart:

Lens design:

Press release:

New LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 II ASPH Interchangeable Lens

Panasonic is pleased to announce the addition of a new single focal length lens, the LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 II ASPH (H-H020A) featuring a new metallic profile in the Micro Four Thirds standard. It boasts dramatic compactness and light weight despite its F1.7 aperture that enables beautiful soft focus in the background, allowing the subject to stand out impressively.

Comprised of seven lenses in five groups, the new system uses two aspherical lenses to minimize both distortion and chromatic aberration, achieving incredibly high resolution corner to corner. The versatile 20mm focal distance (equivalent to 40mm on a 35 mm film camera) is suitable for wide variety of Photography including scenery such as sunsets and dimly lit indoor shots taking advantage of its beautiful soft focus. It supports the Contrast AF system for high

precision auto focusing.

Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in unsharp areas when shooting at large aperture settings. The new LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 II ASPH. lens also features a highly reliable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its optical performance.