Panasonic Launches Lightest L-Mount Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

Panasonic’s new LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 is a compact, lightweight wide-angle standard zoom lens with focal length range from wide 20mm to standard 60mm. These focal lengths suit the full-frame category, and make it versatile enough to capture subjects ranging from landscapes to street photography to close-ups.

The lens is based on the L-Mount system for the LUMIX S Series range of full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras. Weighing 350 grams, the new S-R2060 S Series lens is the lightest L-Mount model that Panasonic has released so far. Combining compact size and mobility with wide-angle capabilities, it gives photographers scope for professional work.

With a close-up capability of 0.15m (maximum magnification 0.43x), the lens’ wide viewing angle makes it easier to shoot in confined spaces indoors, which is a good match for product or food photography. Like Panasonic’s other S Series lenses, the S-R2060 has effective focus breathing suppression needed for smooth, controlled video recording.

Comprising 11 elements in 9 groups (above), the use of two aspherical lenses (ASPH) and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses suppresses both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. The aspherical lenses also correct astigmatism, for high resolving performance. A UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) lens gives uniform image quality from the centre to edges of the image and helps to keep the lens unit small. The filter diameter is 67 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

It has a rugged build to withstand use under harsh conditions down to a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius. The design helps resist dust and splashes, and a fluorine coating on the front lens element repels water and oil. The S-R2060 will be available in July 2020 from retailers, priced at AUD1,099 RRP in Australia.  www.panasonic.com.au