Newark, NJ—Panasonic added an L-mount interchangeable telephoto zoom lens—the Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Macro OIS. Moreover, model S-R70300 is specifically for use with Lumix S series full-frame digital single-lens mirrorless cameras.
Built with professional photographers in mind, the Lumix S series comprises the company’s premium photographic cameras and lenses.
The new Lumix S 70–300mm boasts high descriptive performance and artistic bokeh throughout its entire zoom range, for both photos and video. Its circular aperture with an 11-blade iris diaphragm provides pleasingly rounded bokeh for unfocused lights.
The telephoto lens also provides high-speed, high-precision autofocus (AF). The focus control with a maximum 480-frames-per-sec high-speed sensor drive achieves fast, precise AF. The system is complemented by Dual Image Stabilizer (IS) technology for use in a range of situations, including shooting sports, animals, portraits as well as vehicles.
Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Macro OIS Specs
The construction of the new S-series lens comprises 17 lens elements in 11 groups. Furthermore, they include one ultra-extra-low dispersion (UED) lens, two extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses and one ultra-high refractive index (UHR) lens. Together, they effectively suppress axial chromatic aberration at the tele-end as well as chromatic aberration of magnification at the wide end. Specifically, the UHR lens achieves uniform image quality from the center to the edges of the image. In addition, it contributes to an overall smaller configuration of the lens unit.
What’s more, with a minimum focusing distance of 22 inches, the Lumix S 70–300mm achieves a maximum magnification of 0.5x (at 300mm). As a result, the lens realizes half life-size macro photography and videography.
In addition, the optical image stabilizer (OIS) in the lens works with the body IS in Lumix S cameras. Consequently, the Dual IS system compensates for hand shake during telephoto shooting, making it possible to use a 5.5-stop slower shutter speed.
Despite being a telephoto zoom lens with macro capability, the Lumix S 70–300mm f/4.5–5.6 Macro OIS lens is compact and light weight for mobility. The lens also features a rugged build; its dust/splash-resistant body can withstand use in harsh conditions and temperatures down to 14°F. In addition, a fluorine coating on the front element repels water and oil. The lens also features a filter diameter of 77mm.
Video Performance
What’s more, the Lumix S 70–300mm, like all Lumix S lenses, is a solution for video recording. It integrates a mechanism that minimizes focus breathing, which is a problem in all interchangeable lenses designed for still photography. 
Furthermore, focus shift is suppressed during zooming with impressive zoom-tracking performance, so the subject is always in focus. As a result, the new lens meets the standards required to achieve professional-grade video footage.
The Panasonic S 70–300mm f/4.5–5.6 Macro OIS will reach retail in April. It will have a suggested retail price of $1,249.99.
