Panasonic Expands Lumix S Series

Panasonic has introduced a new large-aperture wide fixed focal length lens, the Lumix S 35 mm f/1.8 (S-S35), as the fourth addition to the series of four f/1.8 large-aperture lenses based on the L-Mount system standard. The lens is comprised of eleven lens elements in nine groups including three aspherical lenses and three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses. It has a minimum focussing distance of 0.24 m.

The lens is capable of smooth, silent operation, working with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system with the sensor drive at max. 240 fps. For the non-linear setting, focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring, while focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Sensitivity, or the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum, can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees by 30 degrees to enable intended focus operation. The lens’ mechanism suppresses focus breathing and comes with a microstep aperture control for smooth exposure change.

The lens weighs approximately 295 g and features a compact size with rugged dust/splashresistant design to withstand use under harsh conditions (even at 10 degrees below zero). The filter diameter is 67 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

Panasonic reports that development is underway for a new 18 mm ultra wide angle fixed focal length lens with f/1.8 large aperture. Alongside the development of new lenses, firmware update programs are also available for the conventional S-R70200, S-E70200, S-R70300 and S-R24105 lenses to improve the stability of Image Stabiliser during video recording. In addition, image stabilisation performance of Dual I.S. 2 has been increased from 6.5 stops to 7.5 stops for photoshoot when the S-R24105 is mounted on the LUMIX S1H, S1R or S1. The Lumix S 35 mm f/1.8 (S-S35) will be available at the end of November for USD 699.99