Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogJune 11, 2025Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 review, Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 sample images, Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 sample photos, Panasonic 24-60mm review, Panasonic 24-60mm sample images, Panasonic 24-60mm sample photo, Lumix 24-60mm review, Lumix 24-60mm f2.8 reveiw, Lumix 24-60mm samples, Lumix 24-60mm sample photos, Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 vs. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art IIComment

Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 Review

The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 and Leica SL2-S — The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 shown on a Leica SL2-S

I Got Panasonic’s New Standard Zoom

…Says the Guy Who Never Had a Standard Zoom Lens Before

I have managed to do photography for more than forty years without a standard zoom lens. Wait a sec. That is not the whole truth. In 1986, I had a Tamron 28-200mm zoom lens, but I won’t count this as a standard zoom.

Surprisingly, I enjoyed that Tamron 28-200mm zoom when I first came to British Columbia, skied for a season, biked along the West Coast from Vancouver to Los Angeles (at least some of the way), and then traveled across the US in an Oldsmobile 88.

As much as I adore prime lenses for their superior image quality, a zoom lens does the job just fine at times. Of course, it is flexible due to its varied focal length range.

To this point, I have never owned a standard zoom lens. However, I have tested quite a few and often rented them for gigs when the situation called for it.

Let’s see how I get along with the Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8.

Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 front element mounted on a Leica SL2-S — The front element of the Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 showing the 77mm filter thread

Introduction

The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 hit store shelves in June 2025, and I believe I got one of the first copies that arrived in Canada.

The 24-60mm f/2.8, $897.99, sets itself apart by being much more affordable than the Panasonic Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8 option, $1697.99. It weighs only 58% of the 24-70mm, is significantly less bulky, costs about half, but is missing 10mm of reach on the long end.

The Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 was released simultaneously as Panasonic Lumix S1R II and S1 IIE cameras; generally, YouTubers were excited about the 24-60mm performance.

My goal with this review is to showcase sample images to see what results you can get from this new Panasonic standard zoom option. Testing with my Leica SL2-S should give you a pretty good idea of what you could expect using any of Panasonic’s 24-megapixel options.

A man is out for a morning walk at English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 and Leica SL2-S. — English Bay, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 @ f/8, 38mm

Handling, Specs, and Build Quality

I haven’t tested the 24-70mm S PRO lens, but have tried other Panasonic PRO lenses. The build quality of these PRO lenses is a notch above what I feel with the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8. The 24-60mm is more in line with other Lumix S lenses I have, such as the 85mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8.

Another comparison could be the Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6. This lighter lens is not as solidly built as the 24-60mm f/2.8 but does have the benefit of an extra 4mm on the wide end, which is significant.

I’d say the 20-60mm is a nice fair-weather travel lens, and the 24-60mm f/2.8's max f-stop makes this a more versatile option for low-light photography and images where you strive for a shallow depth of field look in your photos.

The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 in the 24mm and 60mm zoom position shown on a Leica SL2-S

At 1.2 lb (544 g), the Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 will be considered lightweight, especially compared with 24-70mm options. At 24-60mm f/2.8, it’s one of a kind. Sony has the 24-50mm f/2.8, which is about 100 g lighter but shaves off another 10mm on the long end.

On its own, the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 is lightweight but feels hefty. When paired with my Leica SL2-S, it slides into a slightly heavy combo that I'm afraid I will consider when taking it out, riding a bike, or for a longer hike. Of course, it is not as bad as 24-70mm f/2.8, but consider that the 24-60 isn’t a featherweight lens.

The optical formula is 14 elements in 12 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses, 1 UED lens, and 2 ED lenses. I lucked out that I had an old 77mm filter lying around, which fit perfectly.

Here are a few other specs:

L-Mount, fits Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma cameras. DJI is also a member of the L-Mount Alliance
9 diaphragm blades, circular aperture diaphragm
Aperture range: f/2.8 to f/22
Filter size: 77mm
Minimum focusing distance: 0.19m/0.62ft (at focal length 24-30mm) / 0.33m/1.08ft (at focal length 60mm)
Dimensions: Approx. 99.9mm / 3.93 inch (from the tip of the lens to the base side of the lens mount)
Weight: 1.2 lb / 544 g
Price: $897.99

Goslings headed for the beach at English Bay Beach, Vancouver. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 and Leica SL2-S. — English Bay, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 @ f/4, 60mm

In Action

The autofocus feels fast and silent with my Leica SL2-S, which has contrast-detect AF. I imagine it’s even better on the latest Panasonic S1 II, S1R II, and S1 IIE cameras.

The zoom ring is okay, but occasionally slightly sticky, and has a relatively long throw for my taste. The zoom action does not feel cheap or super jerky, but it falls short of top-notch PRO line lenses, such as the S PRO 70-200mm f/4 I tested.

The manual focus ring feels smooth, and the lens hood attaches without wobble. However, I prefer to use the lens without the hood to keep the camera/lens size as small as possible.

I was afraid I would miss the extra 10mm compared to the 24-70mm lenses I have used, but it does not feel that different. That said, if you are expecting to get close to the action or looking for more telephoto compression in your photos, a 24-105mm zoom may be a better option.

I was well aware of the 60mm focal length limitation, and my idea is to pair the 24-60mm with the Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 for the best of both worlds.

Please see the 24mm and 60mm zoom range in the two photos below.

Image Quality

The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 image quality has exceeded my expectations, but not by a landslide. I recognize the signature I have come to know from other Panasonic lenses, which is encouraging.

The colours are warm and pleasing. Where I typically remove all sharpening from photos captured with prime lenses in post-production, I tend to leave sharpening at around 10 in Lightroom for the images in this review.

Images are not as sharp as with Lumix S prime lenses, but this should not be expected. However, it is darn close in many scenarios, and with the 24-60mm, you benefit from the zoom range.

The f/2.8 maximum f-stop yields some decent bokeh, especially with topics at close range. Even at medium range. When shooting at 60mm, you can create separation from your topic, which is a plus.

Please click on the sample images to view them in sizes up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size. You can also pinch-zoom if you use a mobile phone.

A delivery guy by the Buy and Sell store on Granville Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 and Leica SL2-S. — Granville Street, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 @ f/4.5, 28mm

Conclusion

Panasonic broke the rules and thought outside the box with the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8. They shaved off 10mm on the long end compared to your run-of-the-mill 24-70mm and have given us a more compact f/2.8 zoom lens—a lens that is easier to lug around and will take less room in your travel bag.

The build quality and feel of the lens is somewhat down the middle of the Panasonic lineup. It does not feel cheap like some entry-level lenses, nor does it have a flawless, top-notch quality feel.

I appreciate having f/2.8 throughout the zoom range without the bulk you typically associate with lenses in this category. I am not a fan of lenses that protrude when zooming, but with the 24-60mm, it’s kept to a minimum. The lens only protrudes about an inch when zoomed to 60mm.

The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 in the 60mm position, seen on a Leica SL2-S — The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 shown on a Leica SL2-S in the 60mm position with the lens protruding about an inch

Many photographers will debate between the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art II.

The Sigma 24-70mm lens is another $421.00 (47% more expensive), weighs an additional 200 g (37% heavier), is larger, but has the benefit of the aperture ring, better build quality, and the extra 10mm on the long end.

Choosing between the two will probably come down to how vital a zoom lens is in your kit. If you use a standard zoom for more than 50% of your work, I would lean toward the Sigma.

In another scenario (my case), I have prime lenses covering many of the same focal lengths in this range. I would prioritize using these prime lenses whenever possible for the best possible results. The Panasonic 24-60mm makes for a more affordable option in this segment, and I would only use it occasionally when it is more practical to use a zoom lens.

Whether you prefer zoom lenses or primes, the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 offers tremendous value and creates a new interesting segment where portability meets performance at a lower cost.

Please see more sample images below.

Pros

Portable and lightweight option in the segment
Fast constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
Value

Cons

Average bokeh

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.