Panasonic Unveils 100-500mm Telephoto Lens for LUMIX S Series

Key Takeaways

1. Panasonic has launched its first ultra-telephoto zoom lens, the LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 O.I.S, ideal for wildlife and landscape photography.
2. The lens features a dust and splash-proof design, a fingerprint-resistant coating, and a compact build at 7.72 inches long and weighing 2.83 lb.
3. It offers Dual I.S. 2 technology with seven stops of image stabilization for stable handheld shots and smooth video recording.
4. The lens includes fast and silent autofocus, customizable manual focusing, and a focus button for additional functions, enhancing user control.
5. The LUMIX S 100-500mm lens is priced at $2,099.99 and is available for pre-order, with shipping starting in October.

Panasonic has broadened its range of full-frame lenses by introducing its first ultra-telephoto zoom lens. This innovative lens, the LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 O.I.S, is ideal for capturing wildlife and landscapes. It is compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, allowing for an impressive optical zoom that can reach up to 1000mm.

Design and Build Quality

The lens features a fingerprint-resistant fluorine coating and is designed to be dust and splash proof. Panasonic has cleverly arranged 19 lens elements into 12 groups to manage chromatic aberrations and spherical distortions. Despite its capabilities, the lens remains relatively compact, measuring 7.72 inches (196.1mm) in length and weighing 2.83 lb (1,285g).

Performance and Features

With Dual I.S. 2 technology, this lens offers an impressive seven stops of image stabilization, rivaling the performance of top models from Canon and Olympus. This feature enables users to take stable handheld shots and create smooth documentary-style videos without needing a tripod. For videographers, the lens provides fast and silent autofocus along with reduced focus breathing, thanks to Panasonic’s Dual Phase linear motor.

Manual focusing is also an option, facilitated by a control ring that can be customized. A focus button allows users to assign different functions, such as hybrid zoom, enabling the LUMIX S 100-500mm lens to exceed its optical telephoto range. Additionally, users can adjust the tension in the zoom ring with a third ring located just behind the focus ring.

Availability and Pricing

The Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm lens is available for pre-order at a price of $2,099.99 starting from September 25th, with shipping set to commence in October. The package includes a removable Arca-Swiss tripod foot and lens hood.

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