- The longest telephoto lens of Panasonic Zoom, up to 500 mm
- Works with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending the range to 1000 mm
- Optical image stabilization performance of the 7EV industry head
Panasonic finally has a super telephoto lens in its range in L-Mount after the introduction of the Lumix S 100-500mm F5-7.1 Ois
Designed to operate with full cameras such as the Lumix S1 II, the 100-500 mm is the first Panasonic lens which zooms out up to 500 mm, and it works with the Panasonic 1.4x and 2x teleconists, increasing this zoom range up to 1000 mm.
I have used many telephoto lens zooms with this type of focal range before – including the Nikon Z 100-400mm F / 4.5-5.6 VR S – and they are a versatile choice for the photography of the fauna of amateurs and basic sports.
The 100-500 mm has several features that attracted my attention when Panasonic introduced me to the objective. On the one hand, it is particularly compact and light for this type of lens, measuring only 7.72 inches / 196.1 mm in length and based the scales at 2.83 lb / 1,285 g.
It also seems that he takes care very well, with a robust weather -resistant design, a range of external commands useful for zoom and focus, as well as what Panasonic says, these are the advanced optical stabilization performance (Ois).
Thanks to a new double -ball support, Ois is evaluated at 7EV. Associated with a Lumix camera and stabilization based on the sensor, I expect the unrivaled image stabilization performance (in full sensor format), ideal for portable use.
A whole new tight ring adjusts the zoom tension, providing the answer you need according to the scenario, from delicate smooth zooms for filming to quick changes. The objective can also switch between a linear and non -linear response, which means that it is possible to concentrate manually during the zoom.
The minimum focus is 2.62 feet / 0.8 m at the wide end or 4.92 feet / 1.5 m during the zoom, offering a maximum magnification of 0.36x-that is to say decent focus skills. The autofocus is supposedly fast, precise and silent, while focused breathing is also deleted.
Overall, the lens seems to take care of beautifully for fixed images and videos and for a range of scenarios. However, there is a major drawback for me – the maximum opening.
At 100 mm, the maximum opening is f / 5, while at 500 mm, it is reduced to f / 7.1. I have no problem with the opening concerning the depth of field – it will be shallow enough to isolate the subjects and make a beautiful substantive blur at these focal lengths.
The problem I have is the shutter speeds available to these focal lengths. If I photograph fauna, I want the greatest possible opening for the fastest possible shutter speeds to freeze the action, and the 100-500 mm is limited in this regard.
This maximum opening also limits the usefulness of teleconverters, which only further reduces the maximum opening available by 1 and 2 stops, respectively.
I have not yet had my hands on the lens, so I cannot comment on optical quality, but let’s review its price and where it is among the other telephoto objective options now available for L-Mount cameras.
A convincing telephoto lens?
The Ois Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm F5-7.1 objective costs $ 2,099 / £ 1,799 and sales start in October (Australian tabrizer). This pricing, when considering the maximum limited opening, indicates the type of super Sharp optical quality.
It fills a large gap in the range of Panasonic’s frame lens, becoming the super telephoto -draft panasonic lens, with the longest range. However, the L-MOUNT Alliance includes 10 members, most of which manufacture lenses directly compatible with panason cameras. These included Sigma, Leica and, more recently, Viltrox.
Sigma alone offers a certain number of alternatives: the 500 mm F5.6 premium, which is just a little heavier and longer than that of Panasonic, but much more expensive by 50%.
Then there is the versatile 150-600 mm F5-6.3, which is much heavier and much larger, but about 50% cheaper-do not expect the optical quality to correspond to Panasonic.
The most obvious alternative is probably the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3, which costs only 10% more and has a wider range of zoom. However, it is 100% heavier and 50% more.
When you consider these alternatives, it is clear that Panasonic has prioritized a compact and robust design and excellent handling, at the cost of a brilliant opening. If this major drawback does not discourage you, then the 100-500 mm of Panasonic could well be worth it.
