The H-X015 Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH offers an angle of view equivalent to 30mm on full frame, in a compact and lightweight metal body.

Situated near the front of the lens is an aperture ring, and further back is an AF/MF switch. The company has also given it Nano Surface Coatingto minimise reflections.

With a system comprising nine elements in seven groups the lens utilises three aspherical lenses to suppress spherical aberration and distortion.

The focusing system has been reworked with a new stepping motor that makes the action smoother, quieter and faster.

Panasonic says the lens will therefore be able to take maximum advantage of the fast AF of Lumix G cameras.

The Leica DG Summilux 15mm/F1.7 ASPH will be available as part of a kit with the diminutive Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 (named DMC-GM1L), the total price for which will be £999.99.

The lens will cost £549.99, when it becomes available in early June and comes in either black or silver.