Panasonic
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Micro Four Thirds Mount
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 — 42.5mm f/1.2 for Micro Four Thirds, a popular choice in the panasonic lineup.
$1,599
Launch priceReleased Aug 2014
Sony
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 7.7 years newer.
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Wins
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
TL;DR — Key differences
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 38 cm)
- ALEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Weight (425 g vs 695 g)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 supports it
- ✓
Weight
425 g vs 695 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
110 mm vs 120 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
- ✓Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
- ✓Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
- ✓Excellent close-up magnification
- ✓De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons
Cons
- –No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
- –High launch price
- –Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.