The new Panasonic lenses and continued updates should make the S1 and S1R more desirable.
If you’re the owner of either the Panasonic S1 or S1R, we have got some news that will make you smile from ear to ear. One thing that has been holding the system back is the lack of lenses. Today, two new Panasonic lenses have been announced that should help alleviate any fears potential new owners may have about buying into the system. Come January, you’ll be able to strap a 16-35mm f4 and a 70-200mm f2.8 lens to the front of your L mount cameras. And on November 19th, you’ll be able to update the firmware of the S1, S1R, GH5, GH5S, and G9. Join us after the break for all the details.
The new Lumix S Pro lenses will add some much-needed variety to the L Mount lineup. These new additions will take the total lineup of Panasonic lenses up to six. The Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f4 is a versatile, wide zoom lens that’s able to resolve a ton of detail and can help maximize the excellent high megapixel sensor found in the S1R. Panasonic claims that this lens can render gorgeous bokeh and its lightweight makes it easy to take everywhere.
The 16-35mm f4 has 12 elements in nine groups, along with nine aperture blades. It uses three aspherical lenses, an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens and a UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) lens. The 16-35mm also has a double-magnet linear autofocus motor, and a focus clutch mechanism which allows the user to switch between manual and autofocus instantly. It’s also rugged with dust and splash-resistant qualities and will operate at 10 degrees below zero. This lens will be available in January with a retail price of $1,499.
The Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f2.8 O.I.S has been designed and developed for professionals shooting in the field. The L Mount Panasonic 70-200mm f2.8 uses two UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses which help control the axial chromatic aberration and CA caused by the magnification. Inside the lens, there are a total of 22 elements in 17 groups and 11 circular aperture blades. The O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) in the lens can provide up to seven stops when it is used in conjunction with the IBIS found inside the S1 and S1R. Like the 16-35mm f4, the 70-200mm f2.8 also uses a focus clutch mechanism that enables instant AF/MF switching.
The LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm f2.8 O.I.S. should also perform well for videos, thanks to a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing. Just like the 16-35mm, the 70-200mm f2.8 has a rugged, dust and splash-resistant design that can withstand use in harsh conditions even at 10 degrees below zero. The Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f2.8 O.I.S will also be available in January, with a shelf price of $2,599.
The two new Panasonic lenses will also be joined by a new firmware update. Panasonic has decided to update not just the S1 and S1R, but also some of their cameras from the Micro Four Thirds world. S1 and S1R users will be able to take advantage of expanded media compatibility (will be able to use CF Express Type B cards), and expanded compatibility with Profoto wireless transmitters. Owners of the S1 and S1R will also find that there is better compatibility with the Sigma MC-21 converter, improved AF performance, improved performance in high-speed video, and several other general usability functions. S1 owners specifically should find that the blue clipping effect in V-Log recording has been improved.
The Panasonic GH5S and G9 will receive improvements in autofocus and animal detect AI upgrades. There are also updates for these cameras to help them achieve better compatibility with Profoto transmitters too. All of the firmware updates will go live on November 19th, 2019. For more information about the two new Panasonic lenses and the firmware updates, head over to the official Panasonic website.