This week Panasonic has announced the new super lightweight LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 macro L-Mount lens which features a newly developed Dual Phase Linear motor and 1:1 life-sized magnification.
Weighing in at only 298g and 82mm tall, this makes it the the world's smallest and lightest mid-range macro lens. It's touted as being half the weight and around two-thirds the height of many other 100mm macro lenses.
Interestingly, the lens is part of a suite of five other Panasonic lenses that all have the same form factor and size. This means it makes it easier for videographers and film makers to swap out lenses when the camera is attached to a gimbal or cage system. Amazingly, not only is the form factor the same, but each lenses centre of gravity are the same!
The mighty 100mm macro.
So why have many camera manufacturers chosen the 100mm to be the ultimate macro lens focal length? The reason is fairly simple – if the lens is too wide (there are a few 35mm macro lenses out there) then it becomes very difficult to light the subject properly with say a light box. Of course you can use a ring flash to get around this issue – though this type of lighting is quite flat and doesn't lend to showing off the subjects shape very well.
Alternatively if you need more room for lights, you can use a 180mm macro lens. This makes it a lot easier to light the subject with a softbox, but then you are stuck with the depth of field being very shallow – even when stopped down to f/22.
Enter the 100mm macro which gives you enough space for a soft box and the depth of field issues are not substantial. And not only is it a great focal length for macro, but it also makes a nice lightweight prime portrait lens.
The lens will be available in Australia in early Feburary 2024 for aproximately $1,899 and $2,000.
You can find our more information on the Panasonic website.
