Panasonic Leica 24-70mm S Pro f/2.8 S Review for S5II/S5IIX

Panasonic Leica 24-70mm S Pro f/2.8 S Review for S5II/S5IIX

About this Review

The Panasonic Leica 24-70mm S Pro f/2.8 lens for the L Mount is a versatile workhorse designed to cater to the demanding needs of professional photographers and videographers.  With its wide focal range, constant aperture, and exceptional optical performance, this lens has garnered significant attention in the industry.  If you need a one-and-done lens, this is it!

This article will delve into the key features and advantages of the Panasonic S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 S Pro lens, highlighting its worthiness as an indispensable tool for creative storytelling.  All samples were shot using a Panasonic LUMIX S5II (my review) and S5IIX full-frame camera.  I am primarily a video shooter, but I also tested this for photography, and it’s a fantastic lens.

 

Ethics Disclosure:

Panasonic sent me this lens on loan for one month.  I didn’t get to keep it, and no money changed hands.  All thoughts about this lens are my own.  I am not a LUMIX ambassador, but I love their gear.  Consider this a review from a fan of the LUMIX full-frame system.

Superb Optical Performance

The Panasonic S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for the L Mount boasts impressive optical capabilities that contribute to capturing stunning imagery.  The lens incorporates a sophisticated optical design with aspherical, extra-low dispersion, and ultra-high refractive index elements to minimize aberrations and maximize image sharpness.  The result is exceptional clarity, contrast, and edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the zoom range.

Furthermore, the lens features Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating, effectively reducing ghosting and flare caused by backlighting and other challenging lighting conditions.  This coating ensures images remain clear and free from unwanted artifacts, even in high-contrast scenes.

Panasonic S Pro 24-70mm f2.8 Review Video

Below is my full review and breakdown of the Panasonic Leica 24-70 zoom lens for the L-Mount.  My review video below covers the field of view, low-light performance, autofocus, and optical performance.

Versatility and Flexibility

The 24-70mm focal length range is considered a workhorse for various photographic genres, making the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens an extremely versatile tool.  It covers a wide-angle to short telephoto range, allowing photographers to capture landscapes, environmental portraits, events, and even close-ups with remarkable ease.

The constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range ensures consistent exposure and allows for greater control over the depth of field.  This feature is particularly useful in low-light situations, enabling photographers to shoot handheld without compromising image quality.

 

Professional-Grade Build Quality

Panasonic has crafted the S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 lens with a robust build quality to withstand the demands of professional use.  The lens features a weather-sealed construction, making it resistant to dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures.  This durability ensures that photographers can confidently shoot in challenging environments without worry.

Additionally, the lens incorporates a durable metal mount for secure attachment to the camera body.  The smooth and precise zoom and focus rings provide a satisfying tactile experience, enhancing the overall handling and operation of the lens.

Furthermore, this 24-70mm lens is loaded with a manual focus clutch.  The clutch has soft stops on each side as it is a focus-by-wire design.  The focus clutch also includes a distance meter in both feet and meters.

 

Advanced Autofocus System

The Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens employs a high-speed, accurate autofocus system for capturing fleeting moments and maintaining sharpness during video recording.  The lens utilizes a linear motor for quick and near-silent focusing, enabling photographers and videographers to work discreetly in various shooting situations.

Pairing this 24-70mm lens with the S5II or S5IIX will give you access to the new Phase Hybrid Autofocus system. The video autofocus is far better with the new S5II than with the first-generation S-Series cameras.  Photographers will also see an improved hit rate for burst photography with the new autofocus system.   The result is fast, snappy autofocus when you pair this lens with the LUMIX S5II or S5IIX.

Photography Autofocus is very capable when paired with the S5, S1, or S1R, thanks to the fast DFD contrast detection autofocus system. While the Phase Hybrid AF is better, you can make it work fine with DFD for photography.

Compatibility and Future-Proofing

The Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is designed for the L Mount system, which offers compatibility with a wide range of cameras, including Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless cameras.  This compatibility ensures that photographers can adapt the lens to their existing camera system or explore new options without limitations.

Moreover, the L Mount system has gained significant traction within the industry, with multiple manufacturers embracing this standard.  This compatibility ensures future-proofing, as users can confidently invest in the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, knowing that it will remain relevant as the L Mount ecosystem expands into the future.

Panasonic Leica S Pro 24-70 f2.8 Lens Downsides

While the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for the L Mount offers numerous advantages, it’s important to consider some potential downsides before making a purchase decision:

Size and Weight

As a professional-grade lens with a wide aperture and versatile focal range, the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens tends to be larger and heavier than standard zoom lenses.  This bulkiness may make it less ideal for photographers who prioritize portability and prefer lightweight gear for travel or extended shooting sessions.

 

Price

Professional-quality lenses often come with a higher price tag, and the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is no exception.  It can be a significant investment, especially for enthusiasts or hobbyists with budget constraints.  However, it’s worth noting that the lens’s performance and features may justify the higher cost for professional users.

Lack of Image Stabilization

Unlike competing lenses, the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens does not feature built-in optical image stabilization.  While this may not be a dealbreaker for photographers using cameras with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), those without IBIS might miss the benefits of image stabilization when shooting handheld in low-light conditions or while recording video.

Limited Macro Capability

Although the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens covers a useful range of focal lengths, it is not specifically designed for macro photography.  While it can focus relatively close, dedicated macro lenses offer greater magnification and close-up capabilities for capturing intricate details.

Considering these downsides in the context of your specific photography needs and preferences is essential.  While the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens may have limitations, its overall performance, versatility, and image quality still make it a compelling choice for professional photographers and videographers.

Low Contrast in Certain Situations

Shooting toward the sun, I noticed a lack of contrast present in the images.  You can fix this in editing, but it’s worth mentioning.  This lens can also easily flare when shooting toward direct sunlight.  Most lenses will flare to some extent when presented with a tricky situation such as this.

 

Conclusion

The L Mount’s Panasonic S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 lens boasts impressive optical capabilities, versatility, and professional-grade construction.  Its wide range of focal lengths, constant aperture, and compatibility is essential for any photography genre or shooting situation.  BWhethercapturing landscapes, portraits, events, or producing videos, this lens offers the versatility and image quality required to unleash your creative potential.

The Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is a smart investment for professionals and enthusiasts looking for exceptional performance and flexibility.  Its impressive optical features, weather-resistant build, state-of-the-art autofocus technology, and compatibility with future advancements make it an invaluable addition to any photographer or videographer’s toolkit.

Official Panasonic Leica 24-70mm f2.8 Lens Specifications