Panasonic has introduced the first ultra-telephoto zoom lens for its 35mm full-frame mirrorless system with the Lumix S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. This long-range optic, a member of the L-Mount alliance, offers an equivalent focal range of 100-500mm and a variable maximum aperture that opens from f/5 to f/7.1 throughout the zoom. The lens uses an optical formula containing 19 elements in 12 groups, including two UED, two ED, and two UHR elements, and includes a fluorine coating to help repel dust, water, grease, and dirt.
Weather Sealing and Build Quality
The 100-500mm F5-7.1 is fully weather sealed, featuring a metal mount and ten electrical contacts for communication with the camera body. It is both dust- and moisture-resistant, a necessary trait for wildlife and sports photographers who often shoot in difficult environments. The lens weighs 1,285 grams without the hood or tripod mount and measures 196.1mm in length, which grows by 8.5 centimeters when zooming from 100mm to 500mm. This internal barrel movement makes the lens more conspicuous and can affect balance, though the team found it usable with the Panasonic S5 II body, especially when paired with an optional battery grip.
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Control and Stabilization
One of the most distinctive features is the “tight-smooth” zoom ring located between the focus and zoom rings. This ring allows users to adjust the feel of the zoom for better control and to prevent unintended movement. The design offers two settings, though testers noted the transition between them isn’t perfectly distinct. The lens supports Dual I.S. 2 stabilization, which works with the camera body to provide up to seven stops of shutter speed compensation. It also features a focus limiter switch with Full and 5m-infinity options, a Zoom Limit switch, and an AF/MF switch. For video users, the focus breathing is suppressed, and the autofocus uses a dual phase linear motor for silent and precise operation.
While the focus ring uses a focus-by-wire system that feels natural, it does not rotate mechanically. The lens offers a single customizable Focus button for hybrid zoom functions and an 82mm filter thread that doesn’t rotate on focus, which is helpful for using polarizers. It supports the DMW-STC14 and DMW-STC20 teleconverters, extending the reach to 700mm and 1000mm respectively. The lens ships with a large lens hood, tripod mount, and caps.
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Image Performance and Optics
Sharpness and aberration control are generally strong across the zoom range. Chromatic aberrations appear only in high-contrast areas, and pincushion distortion is minimal. Vignetting is noticeable at the maximum aperture, requiring a stop-down of at least three f-stops to fully correct it. The lens produces decent sunstars when stopped down, though flare can be an issue when shooting directly into the sun. For close-up work, the minimum focusing distance ranges from 0.8m at 100mm to 1.5m at 500mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.16x to 0.36x. The aperture consists of 11 rounded blades, contributing to a smooth bokeh quality.
Compared to the company’s previous telephoto offerings, this lens fills a significant gap in the lineup, offering a reach that was previously unavailable in the full-frame S series. The trade-off for that reach is weight and size, but the inclusion of weather sealing and advanced stabilization makes it a practical tool for demanding environments. The Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is priced at £1,799 in the UK and €2,099 in Europe, with availability in late October.
