Panasonic has announced a new addition to its L-Mount lens lineup, and it’s one that tries to strike the delicate balance between portability and professional performance. The new Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f2.8 is a compact standard zoom built with hybrid shooters in mind—those jumping between stills and video, often on the same shoot. It promises constant f/2.8 brightness, close-focusing chops, and the kind of user customization that video shooters, in particular, tend to appreciate.
Built for Hybrid Creators on the Move
The 24-60mm range might sound modest next to the more traditional 24-70mm or 24-105mm options, but Panasonic is betting that the size tradeoff will be worth it. At just 1.2 lb (540g) and under 4 inches (99.9mm) in length, this zoom won’t drag your bag down or throw off your gimbal balance. And with a minimum focusing distance of only 7.5 inches (0.19m) and 0.3x magnification, it also dips its toes into semi-macro territory—a handy bonus for detail shots or B-roll.
Panasonic says image quality is top-tier across the frame and throughout the zoom range. They also highlight the “soft background bokeh” made possible by that constant f/2.8 aperture. While we’ll need real-world samples to know just how smooth that bokeh really is, the promise is certainly there.
Video-Friendly Features Without the Bulk
For video creators, the lens is more than just compact. One standout feature is the dual-function focus ring, which can be customized to control aperture or exposure What is exposure in photography?compensation instead. You can even reverse the rotation direction—something that might seem minor, but for those coming from different systems, it can make a big difference in handling.
Another noteworthy inclusion is the support for both linear and non-linear manual focus modes. The former mimics traditional mechanical lenses with consistent throw, while the latter responds to how fast you turn the ring. It’s a small but welcome touch for anyone trying to pull focus manually.
Manual focus during zoom is also supported—something videographers will appreciate for its ability to keep transitions smooth. And when paired with select Lumix S bodies (like the S5II or S9), Panasonic’s “Hybrid Zoom” feature can digitally extend the focal length up to 187mm. It’s not a substitute for optical reach, of course, but in certain scenarios—especially video—it might be enough to avoid a lens swap.
Panasonic promises the lens is weather-sealed against dust, splashes, and freezing temperatures. That, combined with its compact build, makes it a solid option for outdoor shoots where space and weight are at a premium. And since it adheres to the L-Mount Alliance standard, it should play nicely with Leica and Sigma bodies as well.
Specs
| Feature | Details |
| Focal length | 24-60mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 (constant throughout zoom range) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 7.5″ (0.19 m) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.3x |
| Autofocus | Supported, with manual focus during zoom |
| Focus modes | Linear and non-linear manual focus |
| Custom features | Reassignable control ring, switchable rotation |
| Compatibility | Full-frame L-Mount, Hybrid Zoom with select Lumix S |
| Weight | Approx. 1.2 lb (540 g) |
| Length | 3.93 in (99.9 mm) |
| Weather sealing | Dust-, splash-, and freeze-resistant |
Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 is ready for preorders, priced at $897,99. While it’sn’t trying to replace your entire lens lineup, it might just become the one you reach for most often. Of course, as always, we’ll have to wait for hands-on reviews to see how it performs in the real world. But if it holds up to the claims, this could be a new go-to for L-Mount shooters looking to pack light without compromising quality.
