The latest L-Mount lens to join the rapidly growing marketplace offers an unusual but potentially very useful 20-60mm range of focal lengths with a f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture.
The Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 is a lightweight, tipping the scales at only 350g, and is dust and splash resistant. It will operate down to minus ten degrees Celsius and the front element has a fluorine coating to repel water and oil. The squat and compact lens has an overall length of 87.2mm and a maximum diameter of 77.4mm, with a filter size of 67mm. It is not stabilised.
Panasonic says that this lens is designed for professional use, although it doesn’t bear the Pro moniker and is presumably not “certified by Leica”. However, the company says that the lens has been designed with the video user in mind, with fast and silent focusing and smooth aperture changes with minimal focus breathing to ensure non-disruptive transitions.
This is what Panasonic’s press release has to say:
With 11 elements in 9 groups, the use of 2 aspherical lenses and 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses effectively suppresses both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. Astigmatism is also corrected with these aspherical lenses, achieving high resolving performance. Furthermore, a UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) lens achieves uniform image quality from the centre to edges of the image while contributing to downsizing of the lens unit.
This new addition, together with the extensive range of lenses from Sigma and Leica, is yet more evidence of the continued investment in the L-Mount by the three principals. Whether you own a Panasonic S, Leica SL or the rather specialised Sigma fp, there is now an unrivalled choice of lenses, ranging from the low hundreds up to Leica’s rather heady thousands. It is becoming a well-rounded and ever more attractive system.
The Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 will be available at the end of July and is likely to cost under £600.
I’m a bit late to this thread but I was reminded of it while looking through eBay at such things as the Vario-Elmar-R 3.5 35-70mm Zoom about which I now know a heck of a lot more than I really wanted to (hello Minolta).
In short the Panasonic here is going on sale for not much more than a decent version of a 38 year old manual focus design for a mount that last had a camera made for it 11 years ago. I’m not sure if that says more about Leica’s ability to hold value or Panasonic’s ability to build to a price point. Perhaps there are many more people than I imagined still shooting with Rs and it’s a seller’s market?
The R lenses have been given a new lease of life on the SL and prices have been rising. Some are outstanding and very sought after.
Absolutely, which was why I started looking. Sadly, though, there are mixed reports about the one I was just mentioning in comparison. It seems the rising value of the primes is pulling up even the average other ones.
For reference, all the internet experts (beware of them!) say go for the 67mm diameter version as they were made in Germany instead of in Japan by Minolta – same Minolta optics, sturdier body.
My point is perhaps poorly made, but where once an L shooter in search of a cost-effective daily zoom lens might have picked up an R lens such as this and an adapter (possibly a third party non ROM one to keep costs down), now that person can pick up the Panasonic for the same money and have a native L lens. Yet still the old ones hold their value.
Yes, it’s an interesting conjecture. The Panasonic lens might well be better than the price indicates, and there is the advantage of autofocus. It is perhaps heresy to mention this, but could it be that the modern design of the Panasonic might produce a better lens than some of the old R glass? It would be a brave
manperson who gave a definitive view on such a contentious issue, but my inclination would be to go with Panasonic. Of course, though, this lens will depreciate while the equivalent R lens, burnished by its reputation, might well appreciate in value.Brian — I too love the Sigma with its 45/2.8 and I have been loving the 16-35/4. But I have also had fun using all my TL lenses -especially the 55-135 and the 35/1.4 – they are not in any way slouches and the larger pixels on the full frame more than compensate for the lower ups.
So, a slightly longer, heavier and broader version of Leica’s TL 18-56. At 1/3 the cost.
Yes, but this one will cover the “full frame” sensor rather than have have to crop to aps-c output. These types of lenses -compact and cheaper – are an excellent development for the system , and hopefully hint at a smaller body being on its way from Panasonic.
Indeed!
Yes, an interesting comparison! Leica may claim that their TL lenses are optically much better, but one does have to wonder. The Sigma and Panasonic lenses (other than the “Leica certified” LUMIX Pros) are really very competitive in price. I am very happy with the 24-105 non-Pro zoom and this new 20-60 is another interesting contender.
I rashly sold my 24-105 as it was part of a kit and somewhat redundant to my amazing Oly M4/3 12-100/4 pro lens. I miss the 24-105 as it had a lovely out of focus rendering and was a joy to use. Eventually, I may purchase it again but I have higher priorities right now.
I think the recent Sigma and Panasonic compact full frame offerings will breath new life into the lovely TL/CL system as well as providing more essential compact full frame options. I find the Sigma 45mm/2.8 a real treat to explore with for extended outings and its rendering is quite attractive to me.
I forgot to mention the 45mm Sigma. It is so right in many ways and the size not only complements the TL and CL, the weight turns the mighty SL into a much more manageable package. As a standard lens, I love it.
Could be more than a few Leica enthusiasts who’ll now regret selling their SL 601 cameras. The Lumix S 20-60mm is a bargain price compared to SL and TL lenses … and the Sigma L mount lenses also offer tempting alternatives. Leica SL / TL enthusiasts have ‘never had it so good’ as regards AF lens choices. Who needs IS? I don’t unless using a very long lens. And I’m wondering how the Lumix S 20-60mm will perform reversed using the Novoflex L mount reverse adapter … cost effective AF macro adapter.
I agree. The SL/TL system is getting a new lease of life. We should all be very pleased with the developments of the last 18 months. Who would have predicted this?
I was delighted to see this announcement. Sigma and Panasonic are providing options that make the L mount system more interesting and provide great options that are affordable and specialized.
I just received the Panasonic S Pro 16-35/4. It is wonderfully compact and light on the Sigma Fp and in my camera bag. I was a bit concerned ordering but my tests have shown it is sharp and has a lovely rendering. I am going to be selling my ultra wide m primes and no longer desire the long awaited SL wide angles.