Panasonic and Leica Camera have launched development of a new Leica D large-diameter telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for digital SLR camera. The new LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-150mm/ F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ MEGA O.I.S., lens offers an exceptionally long zoom range of 14-150mm (35mm equivalent: 28-300mm) and complies with the Four Thirds System to assure wide compatibility with other camera models.

The new lens provides a considerably longer telephoto range than the previously released LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/ F2.8-3.5 ASPH./ MEGA O.I.S. lens, yet is just as compact and lightweight. This impressive downsizing is the result of incorporating four aspherical lenses in the unit. The aspherical lenses also improve optical performance by minimizing distortion, even at the 28mm wide end.

The new LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR lens incorporates Panasonic’s Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilizer, which makes it easy to shoot super-telephoto shots without using a tripod. When the lens is mounted on the Lumix DMC-L1, Panasonic’s first digital SLR camera, or the LEICA DIGILUX 3, you can use the aperture ring provided and enjoy easy, intuitive shooting.

This combination of an extended 28-300mm shooting range, Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilizer, and an aperture ring for intuitive control makes the LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-150mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ MEGA O.I.S. lens perfect for capturing clear, beautiful, expressive images when shooting a wide variety of subjects and in a host of conditions.