Panasonic 24–60mm f/2.8 S Review: Fast Primes & Versatile Zooms

Is the Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 worth buying?

The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 is worth buying for L-mount shooters who want a constant-aperture standard zoom that starts at a true wide 24mm and stays reasonably light. It weighs about 544 g with a 77 mm filter thread and is cheaper than heavier professional f/2.8 zooms. Its limits are a shorter reach than a 24-70mm, softer corners at 60mm in some reviews, and a size that is not tiny. It suits travel, hybrid photo and video work and owners of smaller L-mount bodies.

Key specifications

Sources: Panasonic's product page and Digital Camera World's review. Prices vary by region, so check current figures.

What is it like to use?

The lens covers the most-used focal lengths from wide landscapes to short portraits. A constant f/2.8 aperture keeps exposure stable when zooming, which suits video, and the 24mm wide end is useful for travel, interiors and street scenes. The minimum focus distance is short for a standard zoom, so close-ups of small objects are possible. It is smaller and lighter than most professional f/2.8 zooms, which helps on smaller bodies.

Reviews note that corners soften at 60mm, and the lens gives up 10mm of reach compared with a 24-70mm.

Who is it for?

• Travel photographers. The weight, size and 24mm wide end are a strong combination.
• Hybrid shooters. Quiet autofocus and limited focus breathing help video.
• Owners of smaller L-mount bodies. It balances well on cameras such as the Lumix S5 series.
• Buyers who want f/2.8 without a heavy lens. It costs less than the largest pro zooms.

What are the alternatives?

The best lenses for the Panasonic Lumix S5 guide covers more options, and the best lenses for the Panasonic S1H guide covers video-oriented choices.

Pros and cons

Check the Panasonic 24-60mm f/2.8 S on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Does the lens work on Sigma and Leica L-mount cameras? It uses the L mount, shared by Panasonic, Leica and Sigma, so it fits compatible bodies. Check the maker's page for features that depend on the body.

Is it weather sealed? Panasonic lists dust and splash resistance for the S series. Check the specification page for the exact rating.

Is it better than a 24-70mm? It is lighter and starts at the same wide end, while a 24-70mm has more reach. Pick based on whether reach or weight matters more.

Is it good for video? Yes. A constant aperture and quiet autofocus suit video, and focus breathing is reported as small.