(Credit: Panasonic)
Panasonic took out its pen and started drawing outside the typical lines for its latest full-frame L-mount lens, the Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro. The lens is not only smaller and lighter than most others of this type, its focus is tuned for a snappy response, a benefit for video, candid portraits, and other quick snaps. And, for close-ups, the lens focuses extra close for 1:1 magnification, so it earns its macro moniker.
A Micro Macro Prime
The S 100mm F2.8's stout barrel is uncommon among short telephoto macros, most of which are quite a bit longer. The Lumix 100mm is a couple inches shorter than the other macro lens L-mount camera owners will consider, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art, and more than half as light (10.8 ounces).
(Credit: Panasonic)The design decision isn't simply for bragging rights. Panasonic's user base is arguably more interested in moving pictures than stills. The 100mm F2.8 is very similar in size and weight to the other F1.8 primes in the Lumix S lineup, so creators who rely on gimbal stabilization can swap primes without rebalancing the camera.
Focus breathing is corrected optically, another benefit for video use, but also a plus for macro photography. Photographers who rely on focus stacking, a photo technique that merges multiple shots, each with a different point of focus on the same subject to achieve more depth of field in an image, will appreciate it, as it keeps framing consistent through a sequence of images.
(Credit: Panasonic)The breathing control, small size, and promised fast focus response are made possible by a dual-element focus system, uncommon among macro lenses. The Lumix S 100mm Macro uses a newly developed Dual Phase Linear Motor to drive its main focus group, while a stepping motor drives the secondary sub-focus group.
For manual focus, the dual group supports very precise control. The lens is configurable for nonlinear or linear focus response, with adjustable throw available for linear. With up to 1,600 degrees of rotation available to move from 1:1 magnification to infinity, macro photographers will enjoy more precise focus than is possible with a mechanical lens.
(Credit: Panasonic)The lens includes a focus limiter switch, as well as an AF/MF toggle on barrel, and shares its 67mm filter size with the rest of the Lumix S F1.8 prime series. It is protected from dust and splashes, and freeze proof to 14°F too.
Put it all together and you've got a macro lens that looks better suited for general use than specialty work. The promised focus speed improves utility for portrait and candid photo ops, as well as for video. As for trade-offs, Panasonic is up front that central sharpness from the S 100mmF 2.8 isn't quite as good as the Sigma. Optical stabilization isn't included, which makes high magnification handheld photography a little tricky, but the other L-mount macro, the Sigma 105mm, doesn't have it either.
Pricing and Availability
The Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro lens is available exclusively for full-frame L-mount cameras, so it'll work with models from Leica and Sigma as well as Panasonic. It's priced at $999.99 and is expected in stores later this month.