Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogSeptember 08, 2025Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S. review, Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S. sample images, Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S. sample photos, Panasonic 70-300mm review, Lumix 70-300mm review, Panasonic 70-300mm samples, Panasonic S 70-300mm vs. 70-200mm, Lumix 70-300 vs 70-200Comment

Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S. Review

Panasonic Lumix S1 II and 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, and Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Photo by Kevin Kwong (Photo captured with my Leica SL2-2 and Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8)

The Do-It-All Telephoto Zoom

Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS vs S PRO 70-200mm f/4 OIS

Earlier this year, I reviewed the Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/4 zoom, and while I liked it, I concluded that it was a bit on the heavy side of what I prefer. I also pointed out that a bit more reach would be nice.

I have now had the chance to try the Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS lens. I hoped that this would alleviate my concerns without compromising too much on overall image quality and build quality compared to the PRO line 70-200mm zoom.

The 70-300mm is indeed a super versatile zoom range without spoiling too much. I had a good time with this lens.

Let’s see how it went. In my conclusion, I will attempt to pick a favorite between the two options.

Introduction

It’s been about four and a half years since the introduction of the Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6. I would describe this one as the less expensive option in the Lumix lineup, but also as your do-it-all, versatile option. The question would be, how well does it perform?

During my test period, I was lucky not only to have my Leica SL2-S but also to have my friend Goran’s Lumix S1R available. To top it off, I also managed to get a few sample images with fellow Vancouver photographer Kevin Kwong’s S1 II. Kevin also kindly helped out with photos of me in this review.

Panasonic Canada provided the lens for this review. They had no say, input, or narrative in the review. The opinions expressed are mine, and mine only. The lens was returned to Panasonic after the review period had ended.

At the time this review was posted, the Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 retailed for $947.99 (on sale with a $150 rebate).

A Maersk container ship at English Bay in Vancouver by the Stanley Park Seawall. ample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS and Panasonic Lumix S1R. — English Bay, Vancouver, Panasonic S1R, Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS @ f/8, 203mm

Handling, Specs, and Build Quality

The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 weighs 1.7 lb (790 g) compared to 2.2 lb (985 g) for the PRO 70-200mm f/4, or about 25% more. It is also less bulky.

However, the build quality, while still quite good, falls short of the PRO level of the 70-200mm f/4, and this is noticeable. The biggest strike against the 70-300mm lens is the fact that it protrudes significantly when zooming towards the 300mm mark. The 70-200mm has internal zoom, a true mark of a PRO line lens.

Level of protruding shown from the Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS lens — Panasonic Lumix S1R, Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 in the 70mm and 300mm positions. Note the significant protruding

On the side of the lens barrel, you have a focus limiter switch, an AF on/off switch, an OIS on/off switch, and a zoom lock button, which is good to have. Without using the lock switch, I experienced some zoom travel while walking, where the lens inadvertently moved from 70 to 300mm.

With the Macro label on the 70-300mm, you get minimum focusing down to 1.8' (54 cm), giving you a 1:2 macro reproduction ratio with 0.5x magnification. In comparison, the minimum focusing distance for the 70-200mm f/4 is 3.02' (92 cm), resulting in a 1:4 macro reproduction ratio
with 0.25x magnification.

The macro feature is not essential to me, but keep this in mind if you like to get close-ups of your subject.

The filter size is the same 77mm for these two lenses.

Sign for activities and restaurants in Steveston, BC. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS and Panasonic Lumix S1 II. — Steveston, BC, Panasonic S1 II, Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS @ f/8, 300mm

In Action

I got on famously with the 70-300mm f/4.5 during several photo walks and outings. You notice the lower weight and less bulk in this lens right away compared to the PRO 70-200mm lens.

The protruding zoom action is annoying but not unusual for a lens in this price category.

Compared to the PRO 70-200mm, I enjoyed having the extra reach in the 200-300mm range, and as you will see by many photos in this review, I made good use of it. The extra compression and ability to get closer to your subject should not be downplayed.

The 70-300mm is a slower lens, with a maximum aperture range of 4.5-5.6 compared to the PRO 70-200mm f/4, which wins in this category with a constant aperture throughout the zoom range.

I was using the 70-300mm exclusively outdoors in the middle of summer, so never struggled for light, and the slower aperture was a non-issue in these environments. A max. aperture of f/4 would be better, but the two lenses are not light-years apart. If light gathering is a concern, you may be better off with an f/2.8 zoom or even a prime lens at your favorite focal length.

A Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 shown on the Leica SL2-S — Leica SL2-S and Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS

Image Quality

Especially with the Panasonic Lumix S1R, it's clear that the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS will render plenty of detail, and I am generally happy with the photos I was able to create over a couple of weeks. Image quality was better than I expected.

It seems to fall slightly short of the image I was able to create with the PRO 70-200mm f/4 lens, but I don’t find the two vastly different. The edge goes to the PRO zoom, though.

Below are three images, one captured at 70mm, 200mm, and 300mm focal lengths. This gives you a good variety in the telephoto range.

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.

Conclusion

I promised to try to pick a winner between the 70-300mm and PRO 70-200mm lenses, and it is much more complicated than I expected. However, it could come down to this.

If, like me, you own one of the 24 megapixel cameras from Panasonic, Leica, or Sigma, the 70-300mm makes a lot of sense due to the longer focal length. This is especially true if you expect to use either lens mainly at the longer focal lengths.

However, if you own a higher megapixel camera, such as the S1R II or Leica SL3, you can probably get away with cropping images to a certain degree from the PRO 70-200mm lens.

The Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS on the Lumix S1 II — Panasonic Lumix S1 II, and Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Photo by Kevin Kwong (Photo captured with my Leica SL2-2 and Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8)

Much will also depend on how you use the two lenses. If you are looking for a lighter carry, the 70-300mm would be a good fit for hiking or travel. However, if your approach is more meticulous and if you use a tripod, the PRO 70-200 has a tripod collar, and the extra weight may not bother you that much.

If you are a stickler for build quality, you will probably opt for the PRO 70-200mm, although keep in mind that the 70-300mm lens is not poorly put together.

At current sale prices, the two lenses are only $350.00 apart, the PRO 70-200mm being the pricier option.

Whichever way you go, I don’t think you can go wrong with either.

Please see more sample images below.

Pros

Portability
Versatile zoom range
Affordability

Cons

Protruding when zooming

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 links 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 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 OIS - B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/4 OIS - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.