Photography Digest

 The Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 ASPH Incredibly OIS is one of two lightweight relationships for Little Four Thirds that Panasonic declared together with the DMC-GF1 in Sept 2009, the other being the Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Hot sweet. Like its brother it suits a lot into a little space; the 45mm actions just 2.5" in each dimension, yet controls to to consist of both visual picture support and real 1:1 macro concentrating ability. Indeed this relationships can concentrate to just 0.15m without modifying in complete - a procedure developed possible by a complicated inner concentrating program which uses three categories in a sailing agreement. The brief telephoto primary duration (equivalent to 90mm on complete frame) is also perfect for getting head-and-shoulders images with an perfect viewpoint.

The relationships uses a complicated graphics of 14 components in 10 categories, such as an ED cup element to reduce chromatic aberration and (unusually for a macro) an aspheric element. The diaphragm procedure uses seven curved knives, to provide a round aperture for sleek version of out-of-focus locations of the picture. There's a also a concentrate limiter change on the element of the relationships gun gun gun barrel, which allows the individual to limit the tiniest available wide range to 0.5m for quicker auto-focus when getting at time varies.

Now all this flexibility and miniaturization (not to bring up the Leica name on the barrel) creates the 45mm macro an costly relationships, which results in Little Four Thirds customers with an exciting scenario. Because the most immediate opposition for the 45mm is Olympus's Zuiko Electronic ED 50mm F2 Macro for 'regular' Four Thirds, which can be used via an adaptor (the Panasonic DMW-MA1 or the functionally similar Olympus MF-2). This relationships won't auto-focus on Panasonic methods, and will only do so hesitantly on the E-P1; but then again macro digital photography fans almost usually perform using details concentrate. It also doesn't have picture support and only provides 1:2 magnification; but in its benefits it's probably the best relationships we've yet examined. So the big query is whether that Leica banner creates the 45mm macro different to be able to keep its own against such impressive stage of stage of resistance.

Headline features

• 45mm fixed focal length; F2.8 maximum aperture
• Compact design
• Macro focusing: 1:1 maximum magnification (2:1 35mm equivalent) 
• 'Focus by wire' manual focus system
• 'Mega OIS' optical image stabilization
• Micro Four Thirds mount for Panasonic Lumix G and Olympus Pen systems

Angle of view

The picture below illustrates the lens's angle of view (taken from our standard vantage point):

45mm (90mm equivalent)

Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 ASPH Mega OIS specifications

Price	� US: $900 � UK: �590
Manufacturer's code	H-ES045
Date introduced	September 2009
Maximum format size	Micro Four Thirds
Focal length	45mm
35mm equivalent focal length	90mm
Diagonal angle of view	27�
Maximum aperture	F2.8
Minimum aperture	F22
Lens Construction	� 14 elements / 10 groups � 1 ED element � 1 Aspherical element
Number of diaphragm blades	7, rounded
Minimum focus	� Full: 0.15m / 0.50ft � Limit: 0.5m / 1.64ft
Maximum magnification	1.0x (2.0x 35mm equivalent)
AF motor type	� DC Micro motor � 'Focus-by-wire' manual focus
Focus method	Internal
Image stabilization	Yes
Filter thread	� 46mm � Does not rotate on focus
Supplied accessories*	� Front and rear caps � Lens hood � Lens case
Weight	225g (7.9 oz)
Dimensions	63mm diameter x 62.5mm length (2.5 x 2.5 in)
Lens Mount	Micro Four Thirds

* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

Original Article:www.dpreview.com