Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm f/2.8 Macro Released – World’s Smallest, Lightest Lens in Its Class

Lens News

by Jakub HanJanuary 8^th, 2024

The new Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens offers a 1:1 magnification for L-mount full-frame cameras while being the lightest and smallest lens in its category on the market (300g/0.66lbs, 82mm long). For $999, the lens offers quick AF with the newly developed Dual Phase Linear Motor (DPLM), a minimum focus distance of 20.4cm, a 67mm filter thread, and dust/splash/freeze resistance.

As a long-time Panasonic user, I have to admit the LUMIX S series of affordable full-frame f/1.8 prime lenses (18, 24, 35, 50, and 85mm) is a nice lens set that combines good image quality with compact size and weight at an affordable price. You can check our review of the LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 in case you missed it. Why am I talking about these lenses? Well, Panasonic just announced a new L-mount prime lens that, size-wise, fits in line with these primes. Let’s take a look at the new LUMIX S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens.

Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens – small and lightweight, but no OIS

Panasonic’s main focus when designing the new 100mm macro lens was to make it as light and compact as possible while keeping the aperture at f/2.8. Thanks to the optical structure with three aspherical elements, the engineers managed to keep the lens roughly the size of the other LUMIX S prime lenses, which is quite an achievement in my opinion.

With a weight of 300g and the dimensions of Φ73.6 x 82.0mm, the new lens is much smaller and lighter than the existing competition throughout all mirrorless mounts. In fact, Panasonic claims the new LUMIX S 100mm f/2.8 macro is the world’s smallest and lightest macro lens (for full-frame mirrorless cameras with AF, 1:1 magnification, and focal length of 90mm or more).

The compact size comes with one trade-off and that is the lack of optical stabilization. With Panasonic cameras having one of the best in-body image stabilization (IBIS) systems out there, I think it is a bearable trade-off, to be honest.

Quick AF and 1:1 macro magnification

The closest focusing distance is 20.4cm (from the sensor plane) and the lens features a 1:1 life-size magnification. There are 9 diaphragm blades and the aperture is available between f/2.8 and f/22. Panasonic further claims the lens shows very little focus breathing, which is especially useful in video for focus racking, for example.

When it comes to autofocus performance, Panasonic told us the lens features a newly designed (and patented) dual-phase linear motor (DPLM). Thanks to dual-phase drive and dual-face magnet, this technology promises to realize 3 times the output of a conventional linear motor while keeping the high speed and high precision of linear motors.

To further fit seamlessly into the LUMIX S prime lens series, on top of the same dimensions, the new 100mm macro also features the same 67mm filter thread. The good thing is that the lens features a dust- and splash-resistant design, and it can be used at temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F).

Panasonic LUMIX S 100 – key specs

• 100mm f/2.8 macro with 1:1 magnification
• L-Mount full-frame lens
• 20.4cm minimum focusing distance
• Compact body – 300g / Φ73.6 x 82.0mm
• 67mm front filter thread
• 3 ASPH elements
• Dual Phase Linear motor (DPLM) for quick AF
• Dust-, splash-, freeze-resistant until -10°C (14°F)

Price and availability

The new 100mm macro lens can be pre-ordered now for $999 (around €1,099 including VAT in Europe). The lens should also start shipping in January.

Are you using any of the Panasonic LUMIX S lenses for your work? What do you think about the new 100mm macro? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.