Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 vs Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH.
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is 25mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. for standard.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 42mm vs 25mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 25mm vs 42mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 200g (7.1 oz) it's lighter than the 425g (15.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 opens to f/1.2 vs the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH.'s f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm, Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is 25mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is 200g (7.1 oz) vs 425g (15.0 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 or the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is 25mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. for standard.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 if you need more reach — it goes to 42mm vs 25mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH.?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. if you shoot wide — it starts at 25mm vs 42mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 200g (7.1 oz) it's lighter than the 425g (15.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 and the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH.?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 opens to f/1.2 vs the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH.'s f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 42mm | 25mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 29° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 85-85mm | 50-50mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.11x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 74mm | 60.4mm |
| Length | 73mm | 50mm |
| Weight | 425g (15.0 oz) | 200g (7.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
