£999/$999
Panasonic cameras go from strength to strength: it was the fastest-growing full-frame camera brand in 2023. However, Panasonic's Lumix S L-Mount lineup still lags a little behind the competition, with one major omission being the lack of a standard macro lens. Thankfully, the L-Mount Alliance saves the day here for Panasonic shooters, with fellow members Leica or Sigma stepping in to fill this gap with some superb choices, including the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro, as well as Venus Optics and TTArtisan offering some more budget options.
Key features
But what is a camera system without good first-party lenses? Finally Panasonic has seen fit to plug this non-macro-sized hole with the brand new Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens - although with Panasonic being the company of 'firsts' in its Lumix cameras, this isn't your typical macro lens, of course.
Instead, Panasonic hopes to set a new bar for macro lenses everywhere with the world's smallest and lightest full-frame autofocus macro lens over 90mm with 1:1 magnification. The lens also has the world's closest focusing distance for a macro lens of the same description. That is a lot of caveats to being a 'world first', but Panasonic's reduction in size here is genuinely impressive.
Panasonic has achieved this size reduction with a newly developed Dual Phase Linear Motor (the motor used for focusing), which Panasonic claims offers the same performance at a fraction of the size. Eagle-eyed readers will spot fewer elements than rivals and no optical image stabilisation (OIS) as factors that have also most likely contributed to a much smaller body. But has this size reduction also reduced the performance? Let's find out.
Build and handling
Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av Digital Camera UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av Digital Camera UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Walter Moser on Gregory Crewdson
US photographer Gregory Crewdson is famous for his cinematic images. After a recent exhibition of his work, Steve Fairclough discovers more about his career
DJI Neo
Can this 'follow-me' drone be all things to all people without compromise?
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
With some desirable updates, this lens aims to build on the success of the original version.
Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro
A modest zoom range and maximum aperture at a modest price
Ricoh GR III HDF
The 'classic' Ricoh GR III now features a Highlight Diffusion Filter
Lumix GH7
New and improved AF make this one of the best hybrids around
Scanning ahead...
With Chinese brands on the rise, Jon Devo considers the effect on the imaging industry.
Behind the lens
SERGEY GORSHKOV Wildlife photographer
CAMERA CLINIC - Master the art of modern photography
This month: Capturing the coast Let's side-step the autumnal colourful spectacular and head to the seaside
MASTER THE MAGIC OF MACRO
Shoot tiny details close-up and hone in on incredible details hidden to the naked eye. Professional photographer Dan Mold is your guide...