Taking the L-Mount to new heights, Panasonic has announced not one, but two new lenses. Big news on its own, but the two lenses are some of the most widely used formats and so offer real excitement in the line-up. Could the Lumix 70-200m F2.8 with O.I.S and the 16-35mm F4 be the answer to your L-Mount prayers?

The Lumix S Pro 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. [S-E70200] is a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens that boasts high performance across the entire zoom range. The LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 is a versatile wide zoom lens that provides high-resolution images and a beautiful bokeh despite its compact, light-weight profile. The optical performance of these LUMIX S PRO lenses is very high to clear stringent Leica standards.

A total of more than 46 interchangeable L-Mount lenses will be available from Panasonic, Leica Camera AG and Sigma by the end of 2021.

Panasonic continues to demonstrate its commitment in designing and developing 11 or more LUMIX S lenses by March 2021, further expanding the S Series lens line-up. A total of more than 46 interchangeable L-Mount lenses will be available from Panasonic, Leica Camera AG and Sigma by the end of 2021. L-Mount thereby opens up an almost limitless spectrum of new creative possibilities.

LUMIX S PRO/S lens line-up as of November 2019:

• [NEW] LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 [S-R1635]
• [NEW] LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. [S-E70200]
• LUMIX S PRO 24-70mm F2.8 [S-E2470]
• LUMIX S PRO 50mm F1.4 [S-X50]
• LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F4 O.I.S. [S-R70200]
• LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 MACRO O.I.S. [S-R24105]

LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S.

The Lumix S Pro 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. is a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens that boasts high descriptive performance across the entire zoom range. It is designed and developed for professional field shooting.

Comprising 22 elements in 17 groups, the use of 2 UED [Ultra Extra-low Dispersion] lenses, 3 ED [Extra-low Dispersion] lenses and optimum 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 descriptive performance from the centre to the corners over the entire zoom range despite its large aperture.

Covering from 70mm to 200mm by itself, the use of a teleconverter allows maximum 280mm [1.4x, with DMW-STC14] and 400mm [2x, with DMW-STC20] super-telephoto shooting, with maximum 480 fps focus control for high-speed, high-precision autofocus. 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 makes it possible to use a 7-stop slower shutter speed. Adoption of a focus clutch mechanism enables instant AF/MF switching and accurate manual focusing.

The constant F2.8 large aperture provides smooth defocus gradation from the focus peak to the neighbouring area of the image to achieve a beautiful bokeh effect. The 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem in all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography.

The sturdy dust/splash-resistant design withstands use under harsh conditions even at 10 degrees below zero for high mobility. The filter size is 82mm, with an 11-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4

The Lumix S Pro 16-35mm F4 is a versatile wide zoom lens that provides high-resolution images despite its compact, lightweight profile.  It boasts high descriptive performance in both photo shooting and video recording.

Comprising 12 elements in 9 groups, the use of 3 aspherical lenses, an ED [Extra-low Dispersion] lens and a UHR [Ultra-High Refractive Index] lens and the optimum alignment achieves high MTF performance despite its compact size and lightweight. It boasts stunningly high resolution toward the corners even at wide open as well as beautiful bokeh, suppressing double line bokeh and vignetting.

For the AF actuator, a double-magnet linear motor is integrated. It features high power despite its small size, achieving a maximum 480 fps high-speed sensor drive. This realizes fast, high-precision AF to ensure that photo opportunities are never missed. Adoption of a focus clutch mechanism enables instant AF/MF switching and accurate manual focusing. The 16-35mm F4 also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem in all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography.

The rugged dust/splash-resistant design withstands use under harsh conditions even at 10 degrees below zero for high mobility. The filter size is 77mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

Pricing and availability

The LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 will be available to buy for £2,599 [RRP] from the beginning of January 2020 and the LUMIX S PRO 16-35mm F4 will be available at £1,49 from the end of December 2019.

See more at Panasonic’s website.