Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 Lens

The Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 is the longest zoom in the S Series, extending up to 1000mm with optional teleconverters. It debuts Panasonic’s Tight-Smooth Ring and is the first S Series zoom to support 7-stop Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation. A dual-phase linear motor delivers fast and silent autofocus, while the 19-element construction ensures high resolution. Compact at 196mm, it marks Panasonic’s entry into super-telephoto reach for wildlife and sports.

Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 Lens Key Features:

• Longest S Series zoom lens covering a 100–500mm focal range
• Balances super-telephoto reach with a 196.1mm portable form factor
• Premium construction featuring 19 elements in 12 groups
• Includes 2 UED, 2 ED and 2 UHR elements to suppress aberration
• 11-blade diaphragm creates naturally circular bokeh
• Closest focusing distance of 0.8m (wide) and 1.5m (telephoto)
• Maximum magnification of 0.36x at 500mm for semi-macro compositions
• Dual Phase Linear Motor for high-speed, precise and silent autofocus
• Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation system achieves up to 7 stops of compensation
• Tight-Smooth Ring adjusts zoom resistance to suit shooting style
• Manual focus support during zoom operation with linear or non-linear response
• Focus breathing suppression and micro-step aperture control
• Weather-sealed body resistant to dust, splash and freezing down to -10°C
• Fluorine-coated front element repels oil and dirt for easier maintenance
• 82mm filter thread for attaching optional accessories

What’s new?

The Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 is the longest zoom in the S series and the first lens specifically designed for wildlife and sports photography. Extending to 1000mm with the optional DMW-STC14 or DMW-STC20 teleconverters, it brings super-telephoto reach to the LUMIX S line in a compact 196mm design. The lens debuts Panasonic’s Tight-Smooth Ring, which allows photographers to change zoom resistance from light for fast action to firm for precise framing or to prevent zoom creep when pointing upwards. It is also the first S Series zoom to achieve 7-stop Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation, thanks to a newly designed O.I.S. unit with dual-side ball support that improves shake detection accuracy and actuator responsiveness. Together, these advances make the S 100-500mm a milestone release in the LUMIX lineup.

Advanced optical design

Despite its compact size, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 features an advanced optical construction with 19 elements in 12 groups, including two UED, two ED and two UHR lenses. This arrangement minimises axial and lateral chromatic aberration, maintaining consistent resolution across the zoom range. The UHR elements control field curvature for edge-to-edge sharpness, while the 11-blade circular diaphragm produces naturally circular bokeh and clean starburst highlights. A minimum focusing distance of 0.8m at the wide end and 1.5m at the telephoto end enables magnifications up to 0.36x, supporting detailed close-ups of smaller subjects.

Autofocus and 7-stop stabilisation

A dual-phase linear motor delivers fast, precise, and near-silent autofocusing, supported by an advanced optical encoder that enhances resolution and thermal stability compared to conventional GMR sensors. The built-in O.I.S. works with compatible LUMIX camera bodies to provide 7-stop Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation, reducing handshake during handheld super-telephoto shooting. Users can select Mode 1 for standard correction or Mode 2 for panning, where the system automatically detects the direction of movement and stabilises only on the perpendicular axis to keep moving subjects sharp.

Optimised for video

This super-telephoto zoom integrates dedicated features for hybrid shooters. Focus breathing suppression ensures that framing remains consistent during pulls, while micro-step aperture control delivers smooth exposure transitions. The Dual Phase Linear Motor operates with minimal noise, reducing distractions during recording. Photographers can select linear focus ring behaviour for predictable, mechanical-style pulls or non-linear control for variable speed adjustments, ensuring precision when adapting to different shooting styles.

Handling and controls

With the LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 marking Panasonic’s entry into the super-telephoto wildlife and sports market, the company has tackled long-standing handling challenges through targeted optimisations for stability and control. The new Tight-Smooth Ring allows photographers to adjust zoom resistance, keeping movements light and responsive when tracking action, or firm and steady to prevent zoom creep at high angles. A customisable focus ring can be reassigned to functions such as aperture or crop zoom, while a focus button and dedicated switches for AF/MF, O.I.S. and focus limiting ensure key settings stay close to hand. The rotating tripod collar maintains balance and allows for quick switching between portrait and landscape orientations without disturbing the composition.

Weather-resistant build

To provide users with enhanced protection in the field, Panasonic has designed the LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 with a dust- and splash-resistant build and freeze resistance down to -10°C. A fluorine coating on the front element repels water, oil, and dirt, making the lens surface easier to keep clean when working outdoors. Despite its extended telephoto reach, the lens remains compact, measuring 196mm in length and weighing 1285g.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 Lens
• 1 x Front Cap
• 1 x Rear Cap
• 1 x Lens Hood
• 1 x External Tripod Mount

Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 Lens Product Video:

FAQs:

Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 lens compatible with teleconverters?

Yes. The lens supports both the DMW-STC14 and DMW-STC20 teleconverters. With the STC14, the range extends from 210 to 700mm at f10, while the STC20 provides a range of 300 to 1000mm at f14. On compatible LUMIX cameras, crop zoom can be combined with these teleconverters, increasing the effective field of view to 3125mm equivalent without altering the aperture value when switching between crop and standard modes.

Is the minimum focus distance dependent on the focal length?

Yes. At the wide end of 100mm, the lens can focus as close as 0.8m. At the telephoto end of 500mm, the closest focusing distance extends to 1.5m. This variation is common in long zoom lenses, allowing closer focusing at shorter focal lengths while still maintaining accurate optical performance at maximum reach.

Does the tripod mount allow both portrait and landscape orientations?

Yes. The tripod collar rotates, allowing users to switch between portrait and landscape orientations without needing to move the tripod head. This design maintains balance and ensures stable framing at longer focal lengths.

Can I use filters on the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 lens?

Yes. The lens accepts standard 82mm screw-in filters. The large filter thread supports accessories, such as neutral density and polarising filters, without requiring step-up rings, giving photographers direct control over exposure, reflections, and contrast.

What types of photography is the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm f5-7.1 lens suited to?

The 100–500mm focal range makes this lens suitable for wildlife, sports, motorsports, and aviation photography, where extended telephoto reach and fast autofocus are critical. Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation supports handheld shooting for landscapes at long focal lengths, while the 0.36x magnification at 500mm allows semi-macro close-ups of smaller subjects.