Panasonic has announced the new LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS lens for L-Mount and S-Series cameras. The lens features optical image stabilisation (OIS), and has a close focusing distance, allowing 0.5x magnification at the telephoto end of the lens. The LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 will be available from the beginning of May at RRP £1259.99 (€1349.99 Ireland). Panasonic is also showing a lens roadmap, which you can view below, with details of three new f/1.8 prime lenses.

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Panasonic Announces New Telephoto Zoom Lens with Macro Capability for its LUMIX S Series: LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. (S-R70300)

From Panasonic: 18th February 2021 - Panasonic is proud to introduce 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 LUMIX S Series pursues uncompromising image quality with its range of cameras and lenses designed for the demanding content creator.

The new LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. boasts outstanding image quality across the frame which makes it possible to render exceptionally impressive stills and videos. 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 an outstanding 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)

All 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 f/1.8 large-aperture lenses, are in development to further enhance the LUMIX S Series lens lineup and fulfill the needs of our customers.

The LUMIX S-R70300 is a qualifying product for the LUMIX PRO programme. The LUMIX PRO programme is designed to support LUMIX users when they need it the most, with a range of benefits available to members not only in their own countries but also in countries that they visit for work. Check out www.lumix-pro.com for details and Terms & Conditions, on eligible levels, countries and products.

*1 At the wide-end.

*2 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=300mm, when LUMIX S5 is used.]

*3 Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.