Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro Review
The Compact and Lightweight Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is a Positive Surprise
When I review a macro lens, I usually point out that I am not a die-hard macro photographer. I enjoy the odd close-up shot but the world of intense macro photography, although I have the deepest respect for it, never appealed to me on a grander scale.
For the last few years, however, I have used a manual focus macro lens for copying negatives, and I have often dabbled with the idea of replacing it with an autofocus lens for a faster workflow.
The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro features 1:1 magnification and it is also an exciting all-around short telephoto option, as I will attempt to prove in this review.
Panasonic Canada kindly sent me the 100mm f/2.8 Macro for this review and I will ship it back when the review is done. I haven’t received directions or a narrative from Panasonic and I aim to give you my unbiased opinion.
Introduction
The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro was announced and released in January 2024 and joins a long list of S-line prime lenses from Panasonic. Many of these are f/1.8 lenses and are known for a lightweight design in a similar size. The 100mm Macro differs as the maximum aperture is f/2.8 which I am sure was necessary to keep the weight and size down.
At the time this review was posted the the retail price of the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro was $997.99.
Reviewing the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro on a Leica SL2-S
Handling and Build Quality
I am perhaps guilty of claims that a camera or lens is of great build quality just because it is heavy and has some heft to it. The initial impressions of the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro are just the opposite. It is so light that you immediately may question its build quality.
There is however nothing indicating that this lens is not of great build quality. It feels good in the hand, the focus ring is well-dampened, and the AF/MF and focus limiter switches operate the way you would expect.
The included plastic hood has a lock button and it snaps into place with ease and does not wobble.
For what it is, this lens is insanely light at 10.5 oz / 298 g with its hard-plastic construction, and it feels almost airy. It is, however, a joy to use when mounted on my Leica SL2-S, which in itself is a fairly heavy camera.
The nimble size and weight of the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro helps in keeping the overall weight down and it does not feel like the build quality is poor when you operate the lens.
Specs Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro
100mm focal length
Dual autofocus: Linear and stepping motors
Plastic construction
Aperture range: f/2.8 - f/22
13 elements in 11 groups
Two UED elements, one ED element, and three aspherical elements
Dust and splash-resistant
9 rounded aperture blades
Filter size: 67mm
Minimum focusing distance: 8" / 204 mm
Dimensions: 2.9 x 3.2" / 73.6 x 82 mm
Weight: 10.5 oz / 298 g
In Action
I will probably end up mentioning the lightweight nature of the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro ad nauseam but cannot stress this enough. For a lens with these specs, it is a unique experience not being weighed down when you carry this lens around.
As a travel lens perhaps think of it as a super compact alternative to a much heavier and much larger 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom. Sure you won’t have the entire zoom range but I can guarantee that your back will love you, especially if you plan to bring several lenses on a hike.
And keep in mind the macro capabilities. I reviewed the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro during the spring blossom here in Vancouver being able to grab occasional close-up shots was wonderful.
The focus limiter and AF/MF switches on the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro
For our travel project where we visited 50 countries in 50 months, I brought a Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR lens which is terrific. Compared to the Panasonic 100mm Macro it is, however, about 80% heavier at 1.19 lb / 540 g. I know it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison but give you food for thought.
I have enjoyed the 100mm focal length and it is perhaps a bit more versatile than what I had with the XF 90mm with its 135mm full-frame equivalent field of view. Neither is right or wrong and I only wanted to point out a few observations that came to mind.
I was testing the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro at the same time as I had two other lenses for review. This led to frequent lens changes and I came to appreciate how easy it was to dismount the lens using just one hand. The marked white line indicates where to line the lens up with the camera, making mounting the lens so much easier than with other lenses I have used lately.
Image Quality
The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro creates images with sharp and accurate representations of the world around you and with nice colors. My Voigtländer Ultron 75mm f/1.9 MC has more character but is perhaps not as clinically correct as the Panasonic 100mm f/2.8 Macro.
The bokeh is very smooth and even with an f/2.8 maximum f-stop as opposed to faster f/2 or f/1.4 lenses you can still obtain a decent amount of bokeh at this focal length and it delivers bokeh at a variety of distances. Yes, an f/2 lens would be nice but it would come at the cost of more weight, bulk, and a higher price tag.
Please make sure to click on the sample images to view sizes up to 2500 pixels depending on your monitor size or pinch zoom if on your mobile phone.
Copying Negatives With the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro
As mentioned in my opening paragraph a macro lens such as the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro with its 1:1 magnification capability could slide into your workflow for copying negative or slide film.
At the moment I copy negatives using a Fujifilm X-Pro2, an AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D lens, a Skier Sunray Copybox 3, and use a plugin from Negative Lab Pro to convert the files.
With all parameters equal, instead of using my X-Pro2 and Nikkor lens, I tried the 100mm f/2.8 Macro on a Leica SL2-S instead. With this new combination, you can copy a roll of film faster and with increased confidence that every frame is in focus.
Please see the two images below. The Leica/Panasonic combination shows more detail and it is even more evident viewing at 100%.
Negative copied with a Fujifilm X-Pro2 and AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D
Negative copied with a Leica SL2-S and Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Conclusion
Equivalent 100mm Macro lenses from Nikon and Canon weigh at least twice as much as the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro and introduce more bulk. I have not made side-by-side comparisons of image quality but if you are like me, and only need the macro capabilities occasionally this 100mm macro option from Panasonic may fit the bill.
The Panasonic 100mm f/2.8 Macro is not a swoon-worthy lens with its minimalistic no-fuzz design but if you are a working photographer this lens offers a variety of use options.
For a wedding, as an example, you would have a versatile short telephoto lens but also a lens you can use for the ring shots and details of wedding decor. As a travel lens, it would be ideal due to the light weight.
With that said, I would be torn between this and the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 and say this without having tried the 85mm f/1.8. As mentioned, macro photography is not a priority for me and the faster lens giving you even more shallow depth of field is appealing. So is the lower cost. The Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 is currently on sale for around half the cost of the 100mm macro.
The 85mm f/1.8, however, will not allow me to copy negatives and if you count macro photography as one of your important genres it is hard to ignore the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro.
Please see more sample images below.
Pros
Very light for a 100mm macro lens
Compact
Fast and quiet autofocus
Cons
Hard to knock this lens down
Price / Availability
Thank you for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support our site you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below.
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Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro - B&H Photo
Or in Canada at Camtec Photo, Montreal
Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro - Camtec Photo
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Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro Sample Images
Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Lightroom. Some photos are slightly cropped.
Please click to view larger images.
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