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News Panasonic 100-500mm f5-7.1 announcement

I used an aperture of F/11, but I think at F/16 the sunstars would look even better. I was a bit rushed and excited about my new purchase, so I made some simple mistakes. I was also worried that the lens might not work well with my Panasonic S1, but all my fears turned out to be unfounded. Yes, in low-light conditions, the Panasonic S1’s contrast-detection autofocus sometimes struggles to focus, especially on darker parts of a landscape in the evening. However, during the day I haven’t noticed any focusing issues at all. The autofocus is actually quite fast—about as fast as can be expected with the S1. I believe it would be even quicker and more reliable with the newer Panasonic cameras.
 
DMhalamaha said:
I used an aperture of F/11, but I think at F/16 the sunstars would look even better.
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That’s great to hear. IMO, sunstars have always been weak with Panasonic lenses, and it’s one reason I like Sigma lenses. However, the 28-200 seemed to be a change there, and now with the 100-500, I’m encouraged in what I see from a sunstar standpoint.

DMhalamaha said:
I was a bit rushed and excited about my new purchase, so I made some simple mistakes. I was also worried that the lens might not work well with my Panasonic S1, but all my fears turned out to be unfounded. Yes, in low-light conditions, the Panasonic S1’s contrast-detection autofocus sometimes struggles to focus, especially on darker parts of a landscape in the evening. However, during the day I haven’t noticed any focusing issues at all. The autofocus is actually quite fast—about as fast as can be expected with the S1. I believe it would be even quicker and more reliable with the newer Panasonic cameras.
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That’s good to hear as well. I’m looking forward to experiencing that on my S1RII.
 
GeorgeHudetz said:
That’s great to hear. IMO, sunstars have always been weak with Panasonic lenses, and it’s one reason I like Sigma lenses. However, the 28-200 seemed to be a change there, and now with the 100-500, I’m encouraged in what I see from a sunstar standpoint.


That’s good to hear as well. I’m looking forward to experiencing that on my S1RII.
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Thank you. I photograph people most of the time and usually use prime lenses and zooms up to 200 mm. But lately I’ve become very passionate about landscape photography. Before buying a new lens, I was considering the Panasonic 70–200mm f/2.8 — I’ve wanted it for a long time — but I ended up choosing the Panasonic 100–500mm because it’s more versatile, as strange as that may sound.
 
DMhalamaha said:
Thank you. I photograph people most of the time and usually use prime lenses and zooms up to 200 mm. But lately I’ve become very passionate about landscape photography. Before buying a new lens, I was considering the Panasonic 70–200mm f/2.8 — I’ve wanted it for a long time — but I ended up choosing the Panasonic 100–500mm because it’s more versatile, as strange as that may sound.
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Not strange at all. I have the S-Pro 70-200 F2.8, and I’ll be more likely to carry the 100-500 - once I get it - for landscape. Composition is king for landscape, along with lots of depth-of-field, so the 100-500 is a better partner. Lighter as well. The 70-200 F2.8 does have crazy good micro contrast (mine particularly so at F5.6), so for very large prints it does have that trick up it’s sleeve. But overall the composition flexibility of the 100-500 will be amazing.

I’m increasingly thinking I’ll pair it with the Sigma 20-200, even though one of my life’s goals is to have all my zoom rings twist the same way, LOL.
 
wushuliu said:
Anyone know what the ETA of this lens is for North America?
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Shop Panasonic USA says the estimated shipping is "1 days" if you pre-order. I don't have the courage to try that. Adorama says it is in stock, so it might be worth a call to them
 
GeorgeHudetz said:
I’m increasingly thinking I’ll pair it with the Sigma 20-200, even though one of my life’s goals is to have all my zoom rings twist the same way.
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For some reason different zoom twist directions has never bothered me.
 
CharlesH said:
For some reason different zoom twist directions has never bothered me.
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Ah, I wish it were so for me. I mean, I can manage it to an extent, but when I’m trying to grab a bird or something with my 150-600 and I fiddle with the zoom ring for a few seconds before I remember what direction to twist it, well, that has cost me a few opportunities. Little birdie flies away. For a while I got into the habit of using the 150-600 as a push-pull lens - the tightening knob on the lens hood makes a good handle - but I just don’t shoot with it enough to make it a habit.

Still loving the “idea” of the 100-500 overall, however. The lower weight is huge. I could see myself actually carrying this lens. I’m still a little chapped at the price - Sony’s 200-600 at this price offers internal zoom - but it is what it is.
 
CharlesH said:
Shop Panasonic USA says the estimated shipping is "1 days" if you pre-order. I don't have the courage to try that. Adorama says it is in stock, so it might be worth a call to them
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I thought B&H had it already. I could be mistaken.
 


These images were taken at F11, with the focus point set in the center of the frame. These are just test shots that I wanted to share with you, and you can download them using the link below.
Editing was minimal — only exposure was adjusted, by about +0.65 EV.
To be honest, I’m not yet sure what the best way is to share photos on this forum. If you need additional test shots to evaluate the lens, I will gladly make more.
 
2-HDR-Edit.jpg
There are absolutely no supply issues with this lens in Germany. In fact, I’ve already purchased it at a discounted price of €1949. Thanks to this lens, I was able to capture this shot. I really like how gently it renders midtones and smooth gradient transitions. While processing the image, I noticed moisture evaporation on the mountain — a light, subtle mist. The stabilization works very well, and the lens performs flawlessly even on the older Panasonic S1 camera.
 
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