With the launch of the compact LUMIX S9 camera, Panasonic surprised the photography fraternity with an additional release – their minutest full-frame lens, the LUMIX S 26mm F/8. This prime lens, equipped with manual focus and a fixed aperture, promises to supersede your camera’s body cap, ensuring easy-on-the-go photography. So, let’s delve into this substantial, yet small piece of technology.
Allied Innovation- The LUMIX S9
To complement the introduction of this innovative lens, Panasonic also unveiled its recent marvel, the “mini S5 II” full-frame mirrorless camera, named the LUMIX S9. Despite its compact size, the LUMIX S9 brings to the table impressive recording capabilities, capturing footage at up to 30 frames per second in 6K Open Gate, up to 60P in DCI 4K/4K UHD, and up to 180P in Full HD. A perfect companion for content creatives who prefer a minimalistic photographic setup or who desire 24/7 shooting readiness.
Panasonic LUMIX S 26mm F/8: Breaching the Ordinary
Catering to full-frame cameras, the LUMIX S 26mm F/8 lens holds an L-mount. Its lightweight and compact structure, measuring a mere 2.6 x 0.7 inches/67.1 x 18.1mm and weighing only 2oz/58g, is predominantly plastic.
The highlight of this lens, completely manual with no autofocus and a fixed aperture of F/8, resides in its practicality. The lens purposefully replaces your camera’s body cap, enabling swift grab-and-shoot sessions without the typical lens-mounting hassle.
Lens Anatomy
According to Panasonic, the LUMIX S 26mm F/8 lens offers an 80-degree field of view. The lens setup includes five elements in five groups along with a solitary UED lens element, designed to minimize the ghosting and flare issues.
The closest focusing distance clocks at 9.8″/24.9cm. It’s important to note; that the lens isn’t compatible with lens filters and lens caps due to its particular design.
Price Point and Availability
The Panasonic LUMIX S 26mm F/8, set for release by the end of June 2024, lands with a reasonable price tag of $197.
For a thorough understanding of this unique lens, please visit Panasonic’s official website. With the new Panasonic LUMIX S 26mm F/8 lens, photography is as straightforward as it gets. This device, compact by size, but not by its capabilities is a true game-changer.
