Two new L-Mount zoom lenses for professional users have been added to the choices available for Panasonic’s Lumix S Series mirrorless camera range.


The Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200) lens. (Source: Panasonic.)

The Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/2.8 O.I.S. (S-E70200) is a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens that boasts excellent performance across the entire zoom range. Covering subjects from portraiture through to sports and wildlife its optical design comprises 22 elements in 17 groups, and includes two UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) lenses plus three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses. Optimal alignment effectively suppresses both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. Astigmatism is also corrected with an aspherical lens, achieving high resolving performance. Adoption of a double focus system suppresses fluctuation of aberration even at close distances, which results in high performance from the center to the corners over the entire zoom range despite the large aperture. The filter size is 82 mm, with an 11-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

This lens has a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture that provides smooth defocus gradation from the focus peak to the neighboring area of the image to achieve a beautiful bokeh effect as well as a rich perspective. It also includes a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing for smooth video recording. The use of a teleconverter allows maximum 280mm (1.4x, with DMW-STC14) and 400mm (2x, with DMW-STC20) super telephoto shooting, with a maximum of 480 fps focus control for high-speed, high-precision auto focus. The O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) in the lens complies with the camera’s Body I.S. and the 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2 to support an impressive seven-stop slower shutter speed. Adoption of a focus clutch mechanism enables instant AF/MF switching and accurate manual focusing. The RRP for this lens is AU$4299.

The Lumix S PRO 16-35mm f/4 (S-R1635) lens. (Source: Panasonic.)

The Lumix S PRO 16-35mm f/4 (S-R1635) is a versatile wide zoom lens that provides high resolution and a beautiful bokeh in a compact, light-weight profile. The optical design consists of 12 elements in nine groups and includes three aspherical lenses, an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens and a UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) lens. Optimum alignment achieves high MTF performance despite its compact size and light weight. The lens boasts high resolution toward the corners even wide open as well as a beautiful bokeh, suppressing double line bokeh and vignetting. The filter size is 77 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

A double-magnet linear motor is integrated in the focusing mechanism, providing high power and achieving a maximum 480 fps high-speed sensor drive to achieve fast, high-precision AF. Adoption of a focus clutch mechanism enables instant AF/MF switching and accurate manual focusing. Focus breathing is also suppressed. The RRP for this lens is AU$2499.

Both lenses feature a rugged dust/splash-resistant design to withstand use under harsh conditions down to temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius. They also provide optical performance that meets stringent Leica standards. The new lenses will be available in Australia in January 2020 from photographic specialist retailers.