Panasonic Launches Full-Frame Variable-Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens

2021.02.17

Today, Panasonic unveiled their longest L-mount lens. boosting their growing lineup of Full-Frame lenses. The new S 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS provides the second-longest reach for the mount, slotting itself between the Leica SL Vario-Elmarit 90-280mm F/2.8-4 and Sigma C 100-400mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM in terms of focal-length and maximum aperture-range.

The new Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS is a variable-aperture telephoto zoom lens that covers a short to long telephoto focal-range with a dim maximum aperture. This lens is specialized for closeups and to capture detail with an optical formulation that lets it focus down to 54cm at wide-angle and 74cm at the long end. At 300mm it can achieve a maximum magnification of 0.5X which is not true macro yet adds versatility compared to most telephoto zoom lenses.

All Panasonic lenses built for the Leica L-mount currently offer high-end construction and the new 70-300mm is no exception. This lens is fully weatherproof and freezeproof down to -10C. An 11-blade iris provides smooth bokeh in out-of-focus areas. The front of the lens accepts standard 77mm screw-on filters. Despite its long reach and full-frame coverage, this lens is relatively light, weighing 780g.

Panasonic includes their Mega Optical Image Stabilization technology with combines with IBIS to reach up to 7-stops of compensation, compared to 5½-stops alone. The new S 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS is expected in April for $1250 USD. Preorders are already accepted at:

• Amazon
• Adorama
• B&H Photo

• Lens