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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.
 
wushuliu said:
Now available at B&H.
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Next time I go to NYC, I might as well just stand there at the corner of 33rd & 9th and throw my checkbook at B&H's front door....

(Pro Tip: if you ever get to The City, visiting the store is an absolute must-do, if for no other reason than to see the overhead merchandise conveyor basket system at work.)
 
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The Rigger said:
Next time I go to NYC, I might as well just stand there at the corner of 33rd & 9th and throw my checkbook at B&H's front door....

(Pro Tip: if you ever get to The City, visiting the store is an absolute must-do, if for no other reason than to see the overhead merchandise conveyor basket system at work.)
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I think I made it in there one of the three years I went to Macworld Expo, but I honestly remember very little of it; I couldn’t afford much of anything at the time, and there was a lot of other things going on.
 
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Hi everyone,
I’d like to share a short real-life experience with my Panasonic Lumix S 100–500mm, which recently went through an unplanned “impact test”.

During a shoot, the camera with the lens mounted fell from a tripod from a height of about 1.6 meters. The fall happened at an angle, and the camera landed on the L-bracket, which clearly absorbed a significant part of the impact. As a result, the lens only received a few minor scratches and is otherwise fully functional. So yes — the L-bracket absolutely proved its value.

The incident was caused by my own mistake. I had mounted the lens foot in such a way that the tripod head’s locking knob was on the same side as the lens foot rotation knob. While adjusting horizontal and vertical framing, I repeatedly (and unintentionally) loosened the wrong knob — not the tilt/pan lock, but the one securing the lens foot to the tripod. Eventually, the setup lost its support.

Lesson learned: I’ve since changed my working habit and now always operate the controls from the opposite side to avoid confusing the locks.

One more question for other S 100–500mm owners:
Have any of you noticed a slight loss of sharpness at the long end (especially near 500mm)? This was present before the fall, so it’s not related to the accident. I’d be interested to hear if others have observed the same behavior in their own tests.

Thanks in advance for your feedback,
Best regards
 
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