Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm F/1.7 ASPH.

Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm F/1.7 ASPH. – Ultra-wide 9mm with F1.7 aperture and close-focus macro capability

The Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7 combines an ultra-wide field of view with a large F1.7 aperture and exceptional close-focusing ability. It delivers high descriptive performance, smooth bokeh and a compact design. Use it for dramatic wide-angle stills and controlled, professional-looking video where subject presence and background context both matter.

Close focusing and magnification

The lens focuses down to an exceptionally short distance of 0.095 m. At that distance it achieves a magnification ratio of 0.25x, which corresponds to 0.5x on a 35mm camera. Consequently, you can emphasize a nearby subject while still capturing a sweeping background, creating striking wide-angle close-ups.

Optical construction and image quality

The optical design uses twelve elements arranged in nine groups. It includes:

• Two aspherical lenses to correct astigmatism and improve resolving performance.
• Two ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses to reduce axial chromatic aberration.
• One UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) lens to provide uniform image quality from center to edge and to help downsize the lens unit.

These elements work together to suppress chromatic aberration of magnification and maintain high resolving performance across the frame.

Autofocus, focus control and handling

The lens supports smooth, silent operation and works with camera AF systems at up to 240 fps. For manual focus control it offers two focus response modes:

1. Non-linear: focus shift varies according to the rotation speed of the focus ring, allowing fast, intuitive adjustments.
2. Linear: focus shifts by a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for predictable and repeatable control.

Additionally, sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected between 90 and 360 degrees in 30-degree steps. This lets you tailor the focus feel to your workflow and shooting style.

Video-oriented features

The Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7 includes mechanisms that suppress focus breathing, a common drawback of stills lenses when used for video. It also provides micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure transitions. Together, these features enable professional-quality video recording with consistent framing and smooth exposure changes.

Build, filters and coatings

The lens uses a 55 mm filter diameter and a 7-blade circular aperture diaphragm to help render smooth, rounded bokeh. It features a fluorine coating on the front element. The lens weighs 130 g and has a dust- and splash-resistant design to withstand use under harsh conditions.

Key features

• F/1.7 large aperture lens with compact and lightweight design
• Maximum magnification 0.5x (35mm camera equivalent)
• Smooth exposure changes by micro-step aperture control
• Fluorine coating
• Excellent Video Performance
• Splash/Dust/Freeze-resistant

FAQ

question Can I use this lens for dramatic close-up wide-angle shots?

Answer Yes. The 0.095 m closest focusing distance combined with a 0.25x magnification (0.5x 35mm equivalent) lets you capture prominent close subjects while preserving a wide background, ideal for creative wide-angle close-ups.

question Is the lens suitable for professional video work?

Answer Yes. It suppresses focus breathing and offers micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure transitions. It also operates quietly and supports camera AF at up to 240 fps, which helps when recording video.

question How precise is the manual focus control?

Answer The lens provides both non-linear and linear focus modes. You can further adjust sensitivity from 90 to 360 degrees in 30-degree steps, allowing you to fine-tune focus response for repeatable, accurate control.

question Will this lens withstand outdoor shooting?

Answer The lens has a dust- and splash-resistant design and a fluorine-coated front element. It weighs 130 g, making it compact and convenient for outdoor use under demanding conditions.