Panasonic has introduced its new LUMIX S 24mm F1.8. This is the third lens in a four-lens series and it now joins the 50mm F1.8 and the 85mm F1.8.
Panasonic has been very slow in bringing out prime lenses for its L-mount full-frame cameras. Other manufacturers have had options available for quite a long time.
Key features
- L-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
- Three Aspherical Elements
- Linear AF Motor
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Weather-Sealed Construction
The optical design of the LUMIX S 24mm F1.8 comprises of twelve lens elements in eleven groups including three aspherical lenses, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses, and one UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lens. The ED lenses and the UED lens are claimed to effectively suppress chromatic aberration. There is also a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.
The 24mm F1.8, just like the other two lenses that are currently available in the series, has the ability to let the user change the amount of focus rotation they want to use. The sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees by 30 degrees. Panasonic also uses a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, as well as a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure changes.
The lens tips the scales at approx. 310g / 10.93 oz. This low weight and small size make it a good fit with cameras such as the S5 and S1H. The front filter diameter is 67 mm.
The exterior of the lens features a dust and splash-proof design.
Price & Availability
The Panasonic LUMIX S 24mm F1.8 will be available in September for $897.99 USD. This makes it almost twice as much as the 50mm F1.8.
As a pricing comparison, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Lens retails for $798 USD, and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S Lens costs $996.95 USD. Canon doesn’t make a 24mm F1.8 RF prime lens, however, there are countless 24mm F1.4 EF mount lenses available.
