Lumix S 24-60 mm F2.8: Finally a F/2.8 Light zoom at Panasonic!

If the first generation of professional panasonic zooms dedicated to its 24×36 mm sensor hybrids took the form of beautiful massive pebbles, video uses and the lightness needs of the general public influence Japanese strategy. Who is launching its zoom in Lumix S 24-60 mm f/2.8 today.

With 544g on the scale, this zoom is much more practical than the brand’s 24-70 mm. If he loses a little growing power, it is almost 400 grams lighter than his big brother (935g!).

Designed around 14 lenses organized in 12 groups (3 aspirial lenses, 2 ED lenses, 1 UED lens), this zoom benefits from attractive minimum focusing distances: only 19 cm to 24 mm and 33 cm at 60 mm. Enough to effectively blur the rear plans – but the blurs will have to offer beautiful transitions.

Overbidding point on the diaphragm, since a 9 strip mechanism is entitled. Here, Panasonic does not go as far as Sony which grows more and more at 11 strips. But according to the first photos of tests, the blurs does not seem to be dramatically.

True to the original DNA of optics accompanying the S1 and S1R, this zoom is protected both against dust and humidity. But also against temperature differences (from -10 ° C to +40 ° C).

Finally, in accordance with the brand’s video know-how, the zoom was designed to reduce the effect of Focus Breathing-a frame of frame that appears when you change your focusing distance. An optical defect that all the rest of the industry is correct.

It will be necessary to wait for the test to find out if Panasonic has managed to keep a sufficient level of image quality in its weight and size reduction. But we note that, in the wake of its 100 mm macro, the Japanese seems to have started a real work of production of its optics. This time taking into account the uses – and the fact that not all photographers are culturalists!

The Lumix S 24-60 mm F/2.8 will be marketed in June at € 999.

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