The Sharpest Zoom? Leica 12-60mm Lens Test on the Lumix GX9

Is the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 the ultimate versatile compact zoom for Micro Four Thirds? After being underwhelmed by the standard Lumix 12-60mm kit lens, I decided to upgrade to this Leica version to see if the improved optics and build quality made a real-world difference. In this video, I take the Panasonic Lumix GX9 and the Leica 12-60mm into the local woods for a first-look field test. We’ll be pushing this lens to its limits in harsh midday spring light to see if it truly is a "keeper" for travel and landscape photography. What We Cover: • Real-World Handling: How this compact Leica glass balances on the GX9 body. • Image Quality Deep Dive: Checking edge-to-edge sharpness and micro-contrast. • Versatility: Why I’m choosing this over my larger OM-1 and 12-100mm setup for lighter days. • Macro Performance: Testing the "dandelion test" for rendering and bokeh. • Editing Workflow: A look at the RAW files in DxO PhotoLab 9. SOFTWARE & DEALS I process all my images in DXO Photolab 9 ✨ Get 15% OFF at shop.dxo.com using my code: LeighW15 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you enjoyed this walk, consider supporting my work on Ko-fi. I have a monthly Postcard Club where I send out unique, unreleased prints! ☕ Ko-fi : ko-fi.com/leighwphotos WORKSHOPS & MENTORING Want to improve your photography? I offer 1-to-1 workshops and mentoring. 📸 Learn more : leighw.photos/workshops Video Chapters 00:00 Intro: Testing the Leica 12-60mm in the Local Woods 00:30 Lens Overview and the GX9 Setup 00:55 Versatility and Why This Lens Replaces the Standard Lumix 12-60mm 01:26 First Test Shots: Finding Patterns in the Trees 01:49 Dealing with Harsh Midday Light 02:15 Dual Sync Stability and Aperture Range 03:00 Comparison: 12-60mm vs. 12-100mm 03:50 Potential for Street Photography and Close-ups 04:53 Composing in the Early Spring Woodland 05:42 Considering Black and White Photography 06:28 How to Support the Channel & Photography Workshops 07:35 Image Analysis in DxO Photolab 9 07:53 Checking Edge-to-Edge Sharpness (60mm Test) 08:50 Wide Angle Performance (12mm Test) 09:20 The Dandelion Test: Micro-Contrast and Rendering 10:55 Final Verdict: Why It’s a Keeper #LumixGX9 #Leica1260mm #MicroFourThirds #WoodlandPhotography #DxOPhotoLab #CameraReview #PanasonicLumix #MFT