The Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 is the fastest interchangeable lens under the Micro Four Thirds standard

Image: The news lens from Panasonic and Leica, now available as a commercial product

It’s a big news day for Panasonic – hot on the heels on the unveiling of the new Lumix GX7, we also have word of the commercial release of the Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2.

The Nocticron continues the trend of large diameter high quality lenses from Leica, but with its commercial release it will also be the fastest interchangeable lens available for the Micro Four Thirds system.

It follows in the footsteps of such lenses as the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Asph Mega O.I.S. and the Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 Asph, two pricey but impressive lenses that we rated at 91% and 92% respectively when they were released. The Nocticron – a name Panasonic says was coined to denote its status as a new type of lens – looks set to continue in this tradition.

A UK price and release date for the lens are yet to be confirmed.