photography
PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO REVIEW + SHOOT (ON THE LUMIX S5)
Are you searching for a reliable and high-performance lens for your photography needs? Look no further than the Panasonic Lumix 24–70 F2.8 S Pro lens! In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features and capabilities of this lens and explore how it performs on the Lumix S5 camera. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this lens is designed to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility. Join us as we take a closer look at the Panasonic Lumix 24–70 F2.8 S Pro lens and discover why it is a must-have for any photography enthusiast.
PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO REVIEW + SHOOT (ON THE LUMIX S5)
Introduction
Hey everyone, it’s Mitch here. Welcome back to a new video! Today, I want to share with you my behind-the-scenes experience of a recent shoot using the Panasonic Lumix S5 camera and the 24-70 2.8 S Pro lens. Additionally, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the lens, including its performance, pros and cons, and who I think it’s best suited for.
Improved Autofocus
During this shoot, I noticed a significant improvement in autofocus with the Firmware 2.0 update on the S5, particularly with the face tracking in photo mode. I used the face tracking focus mode for the entire shoot, and it worked seamlessly. Panasonic loaned me this lens to review, but I want to assure you that my opinions are honest.
Lens Details
Let’s dive into some details about the lens. The Panasonic Lumix 24-70 2.8 S Pro is a premium offering, priced at AUD 3599. The build quality and optical performance of the lens reflect its premium status. If you’re interested, I’ve included some sample raw files in the description for you to download and check out.
Build Quality
Firstly, this lens is quite hefty, weighing just under one kilogram. It has a mostly metal construction, with the base made of metal and the filter thread made of plastic. Despite its weight, it feels solid and well-built. It does feel slightly front-heavy on the S5, but that’s expected since the camera itself is lightweight and compact.
Filter Thread and Image Stabilization
The lens features an 82mm filter thread, which is standard for lenses of this type. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have optical image stabilization (OIS). However, with the advancements in in-body image stabilization in Panasonic’s S-line of full-frame mirrorless cameras, the lens may not necessarily need it. Adding OIS would only increase weight, complexity, and ultimately the price of the lens.
Manual Focus Clutch
My favorite feature of this lens is the manual focus clutch. By pulling back the manual focus ring, you enter a manual focus mode with linear control. It even has focus distance markings on the barrel, which I love. This feature allows for quick and accurate focusing, and I find it especially useful considering my preference for mechanically geared focus rings.
Optical Performance
This lens offers exceptional optical performance, especially when it comes to sharpness. Even wide open at 2.8, the lens is incredibly sharp throughout the frame, with no need to stop down for sharp images. Vignetting wide open is minimal, and any slight exposure differences across the frame can be easily corrected in Lightroom.
Chromatic aberrations are also well controlled, with no noticeable fringing even in high-contrast areas. I thoroughly tested this lens against various scenarios, including shooting white chairs against grey tiles, and the results were impressive. Furthermore, the lens is dust and water resistant, making it suitable for outdoor shooting even in challenging conditions.
Distortion and Focus Breathing
Distortion is well controlled throughout the zoom range, with almost zero focus breathing. Focus breathing refers to a change in focal length depending on the focus distance of the lens. In this lens, the focal length remains consistent regardless of the focus distance. This lack of focus breathing makes the lens ideal for video shooting.
Barrel Extension and Practicality
One potential challenge with this lens is the barrel extension while zooming, which can affect balance when using a steady cam or gimbal. However, even lenses that don’t protrude while zooming can still present balance issues, as changing the zoom or focus settings can affect weight distribution. This is something to consider when using any 24-70 lens in this price range.
Who Should Buy This Lens?
A 24-70 lens is a versatile, all-in-one option suitable for a wide range of situations. While it may not offer as shallow of an aperture as prime lenses, it still provides decent low light performance and shallow depth of field. It’s the go-to lens when you’re not sure what focal length you’ll need for a given scenario. However, if you prioritize super shallow depth of field and shooting in extremely low light, a combination of two or three prime lenses may be more suitable.
Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix 24-70 2.8 S Pro is a top-performing mid-range zoom lens with minimal compromises. Its weight and size may be a drawback, but its premium performance justifies the investment for those seeking an all-in-one lens. Whether you’re a stills or video shooter, this lens offers excellent optical quality and versatile functionality. Overall, it’s a solid choice for photographers looking for a high-quality zoom lens.
Frequently Asked Questions about PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO
1. What is the PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO?
The PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO is a professional-grade zoom lens designed for the LUMIX S series full-frame mirrorless cameras.
2. What is the focal length range of this lens?
This lens has a focal length range of 24mm to 70mm, providing versatility for a wide range of photographic applications.
3. What is the maximum aperture of the PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO?
The maximum aperture of this lens is f/2.8, allowing for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
4. What kind of image stabilization does this lens offer?
This lens features built-in Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) which helps to minimize camera shake and deliver sharper images, even in challenging shooting conditions.
5. Is this lens weather-sealed?
Yes, the PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO is built with weather-sealing, making it resistant to dust and moisture, perfect for outdoor photography.
6. Is this lens compatible with other camera brands?
No, this lens is specifically designed for LUMIX S series mirrorless cameras, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with Panasonic’s cameras.
7. Can you tell me about the image quality of this lens?
The PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO offers excellent image quality with minimal distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting. It delivers sharp and detailed images throughout the entire focal range.
8. What are the main advantages of using this lens?
The main advantages of using this lens include its professional-grade build quality, weather-sealing, exceptional image stabilization, and wide aperture for low-light capabilities. It is a versatile lens suitable for various genres of photography.
9. Does this lens support autofocus?
Yes, the PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO supports fast and accurate autofocus, ensuring quick and precise focusing in both photo and video mode.
10. Is this lens suitable for videography?
Absolutely! This lens is designed to cater to the needs of videographers as well. With its quiet autofocus motor and smooth focus control, it allows for seamless video recording.
I hope you find useful my article PANASONIC LUMIX 24–70 F2.8 S PRO REVIEW + SHOOT (ON THE LUMIX S5), I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
If you need help with anything join the community or do not hesitate to contact me.
Best of luck! and follow your passion.
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