Panasonic unveils new telephoto zoom lens with macro capability for LUMIX S Series

Panasonic has introduced a new interchangeable telephoto zoom lens, the LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. (S-R70300) based on the L-Mount system for its LUMIX S Series full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The new LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. offers impressive image quality across the frame. It also provides high-speed, high-precision AF and Dual I.S. for agile mobility in a wide range of shooting situations including sports, animals, portraits, aircrafts and vehicles.

Adopting state-of-the-art optical technology, the optimum alignment of 17 lens elements in 11 groups including one UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) lens, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses and one UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) effectively suppresses both axial chromatic aberration at the tele-end and chromatic aberration of magnification at the wide-end. Specifically, the UHR lens achieves uniform image quality from the centre to the edges of the image while contributing to the ability to optimise the compact size of the lens unit.

With a minimum focusing distance of 0.54m^*1, the LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. achieves maximum magnification of 0.5x (at 300mm), realising half life-size macro photography and videography. The rounded aperture with its 11-bladed iris diaphragm provides a beautifully circular bokeh over the entire zoom range.

Combining the O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabiliser) in the lens and the Body I.S. in the LUMIX S Series cameras, the Dual I.S. (Image Stabiliser) system  compensates for handshake, making it possible to use a 5.5-stop slower shutter speed^*2. The focus control with a maximum 480 fps high-speed sensor drive realises fast, high-precision AF.

Despite that the LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is compact and light-weight allowing for comfortable mobility. The rugged dust/splash-resistant^*3 design withstands use under harsh conditions even at 10 degrees below zero. In addition, the fluorine coating on the front element repels water and oil. The filter diameter is 77 mm.

The LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 will be available from the beginning of May at RRP £1259.99 (€1349.99 Ireland).

LUMIX S Series lenses excel in video recording performance with a mechanism that minimises focus breathing, a phenomenon which poses a problem when using interchangeable lenses purely designed for creating still images. Furthermore, focus shift is suppressed during zooming so that the subject is always in clear focus leading to professional-grade video footage.

Newer L-Mount lenses, including three more F1.8 large-aperture lenses, are in development to further enhance the LUMIX S Series lens line-up.