{"id":20301,"date":"2026-02-10T17:35:51","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T17:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20301"},"modified":"2026-02-10T17:35:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T17:35:51","slug":"panasonic-lumix-s-100-500mm-f-5-7-1-o-i-s-review-slow-and-steady","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20301","title":{"rendered":"Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f\/5-7.1 O.I.S. Review: Slow and Steady"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"fluid-iframe\" style=\"max-width: 800px;\">\n<p><iframe title=\"Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f\/5-7.1 OIS: Can Slow and STABLE Win the Race?\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QFOIQUcQIcc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>For the last several years, if you were an L-Mount user looking for a super telephoto lens, Sigma was your only option (or a Leica version of a Sigma lens). Now Panasonic has introduced their longest full frame lens yet, with the Lumix S 100-500mm f\/5-7.1 OIS. It\u2019s compact and light, but also slow and expensive. Is there a place for this $2,100 lens in the L-Mount lineup? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n<p>What reignited my interest in reviewing this lens was a recent trip to Costa Rica, shooting with Micro Four Thirds. Their excellent stabilization allowed me to shoot video of birds handheld with lightweight 400-600mm equivalent lenses. I was interested in a similar experience with the Panasonic S1 II, and the Lumix S 100-500mm f\/5-7.1 looked like the best option that combines reach, portability and stabilization.<\/p>\n<h2>How It Feels<\/h2>\n<p>One of the standout aspects of this lens is its portability. The size of a 70-200mm f\/2.8 when collapsed, it weighs in at only 1285g (2.8 lbs.) without the hood or collar attached. Also, unlike many super telephoto lenses, it accepts common and affordable 82mm filters. Build quality is excellent, with well damped focus and zoom rings. There is a ring to adjust the zoom tension, but I found the \u201cSmooth\u201d setting offered a good amount of resistance. I like having this function though, as you will be able to tighten up the zoom ring as it loosens over time. <\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" data-perfmatters-preload=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A black Panasonic Lumix 100-500mm camera lens with a tripod mount sits on a wooden surface, with green leaves and a blurred background visible behind it.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-Collapsed-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"A person in a black jacket holds a camera up to their face, looking through the viewfinder and taking a photo against a clear blue sky.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-Collapsed-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-Collapsed-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-Collapsed-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-Collapsed.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>All of the standard controls can be found on the lens barrel, including an AF\/MF selector switch, focus limiter, custom button and stabilization mode selector. One uncommon option is located on the opposite side, a \u201cZoom Limit\u201d switch. This must be enabled when using teleconverters (both 1.4x and 2x are supported), and it prevents the lens from zooming below 150mm and banging against the converter. This is a great way to allow teleconverter use without extending the length of the back of the lens. However, remember to disengage this switch when teleconverters are removed, as you will lose the ability to zoom back to 100mm.<\/p>\n<p>As this is a professional \u2019S\u2019 series lens, it is weather sealed, and includes both a well built locking hood, and easily removable tripod collar with arca-swiss cutouts. While build quality and accessories are usually scaled back on variable aperture, slower lenses, Panasonic has thrown all their best technology into this optic.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8197-534x800.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a camera lens showing three switches labeled &quot;FULL .5m\u2013\u221e,&quot; &quot;AF\u2013MF,&quot; and &quot;O.I.S. MODE 1\/2\/OFF,&quot; with part of the lens barrel and a textured adjustment knob visible.\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8197-534x800.jpg 534w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8197-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8197-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8197.jpg 1067w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8200-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a black Lumix camera lens showing a switch labeled &quot;ZOOM LIMIT&quot; with options for &quot;OFF&quot; and &quot;ON,&quot; sitting on a wooden surface. A small red dot is visible near the lens mount.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838715\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8200-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8200-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8200-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8200-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8200-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8200-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8200.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8203-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A large black camera lens with a lens hood sits on a wooden table. Green leaves and part of a window are visible in the blurred background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838714\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8203-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8203-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8203-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8203-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8203-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8203-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8203.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8209-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the rear mount of a large camera lens resting on a wooden surface, with green leaves blurred in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8209-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8209-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8209-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8209-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8209-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8209-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8209.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8210-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a camera telephoto lens with a tripod mounting collar, resting on a wooden surface.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838712\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8210-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8210-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8210-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8210-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8210-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8210-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8210.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<h2>How It Shoots<\/h2>\n<p>This lens utilizes dual linear motors, resulting in extremely fast and silent autofocus performance. Focus shifts from close up to infinity almost instantaneously, so the motor will never be the limiting factor when shooting wildlife and sports. <\/p>\n<p>The stabilization was the most interesting aspect of this lens for me. When combined with a Panasonic S-Series body, the lenses built in OIS and camera\u2019s IBIS enable \u201cDual 2\u201d stabilization, which I\u2019ve found extremely effective on shorter lenses. This lens is rated at 7 stops of stability in the middle of the frame when used with Lumix cameras, and I found it to be the best stabilization I\u2019ve tested on a full frame body. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_838704\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-838704\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068066-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a crocodile or alligator partially submerged in water, with its rough, textured skin and eye visible above the surface. Green leaves are seen in the water around its head.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-838704\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068066-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068066-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068066-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068066-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068066-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068066-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068066.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-838704\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shot handheld at 400mm at 1\/8 second, this demonstrates the incredibly effective stabilization when used with compatible camera bodies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Furthermore, when shooting video handheld, the footage is extremely well stabilized but avoids the unnatural jerkiness other systems demonstrate when panning or tilting. I would have no concerns about shooting wildlife and sports video handheld with this lens, something I never say about full frame super telephotos. <\/p>\n<p>Generally telephotos don\u2019t excel at capturing subjects close-up, but this lens is interesting in its ability to capture subjects at 0.36x magnification. Usefully, this ability is found at the 500mm range, giving photographers plenty of working distance if you want to capture dangerous insects or animals up close.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_838701\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-838701\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068123-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of fluffy, beige seed heads of a wild plant against a blurred gray background, highlighting the soft texture and intricate details of the seeds.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-838701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068123-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068123-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068123-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068123-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068123-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068123-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068123.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-838701\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You can get pretty good close-up detail shooting at 500mm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Lens breathing, where the field of view changes as focus shifts from close-up to infinity and back again, can be a concern for videographers looking to utilize this lens. There is definitely some breathing at both ends of the zoom range, but it is most noticeable for extreme pulls from near to far. When shifting focus at the longer distances usually required by telephoto lenses, breathing will be very minor.<\/p>\n<p>Flare control is excellent when shooting towards the sun. There is a very minor loss of contrast, but almost no distracting ghosting. Simply put, if a bird or athlete passes in front of the sun while you\u2019re shooting, this lens will still provide contrasty, usable images.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_838709\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-838709\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068007-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A metal butterfly sculpture with intricate wings is silhouetted against the bright sun, with bare tree branches and a pale sky in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-838709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068007-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068007-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068007-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068007-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068007-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068007-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068007.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-838709\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Flare is extremely well controlled when shooting towards a bright light source.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I usually don\u2019t expect nice bokeh on a variable aperture super telephoto lens, but this lens impressed me. Specular highlights are devoid of distracting onion rings, and while a soap bubble effect can be occasionally seen, it is very minor. This translates to very smooth backgrounds, and a pleasing transition from in focus to out of focus areas.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_838710\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-838710\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067974-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Abstract image with large, soft, out-of-focus light circles against a dark background, creating a dreamy and ethereal bokeh effect. Fine particles or dust are visible throughout the image.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-838710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067974-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067974-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067974-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067974-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067974-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067974-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067974.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-838710\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Specular highlights are very smooth and pleasing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_838707\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-838707\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068017-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with long brown hair and sunglasses on her head is outdoors, holding a camera up to her face and taking a photograph, with a blurred, sunlit background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-838707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068017-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068017-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068017-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068017-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068017-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068017-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068017.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-838707\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Backgrounds melt away if you can get close enough to your subject.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In terms of sharpness, this lens is a very strong performer in the middle of the frame. At both 100mm and 500mm it delivers plenty of detail, and not a huge benefit when stopping down. This is valuable, as this optic is already pretty dark to begin with. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_838697\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-838697\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Center-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of engraved text on a metal plaque. The left side is labeled &quot;500mm @ f\/7.1&quot; and the right, &quot;500mm @ f\/10,&quot; showing differences in text sharpness and clarity between camera aperture settings.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-838697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Center-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Center-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Center.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-838697\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">500mm center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_838696\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-838696\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Corner-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of two red poppies on a war memorial, photographed at 500mm using f\/7.1 (left) and f\/10 (right), showing differences in depth of field and image sharpness.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-838696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Corner-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Corner-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Corner-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-500mm-Corner.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-838696\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">500mm corner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Corners are noticeably worse than the center at both ends of the zoom. While there is some improvement when stopping down, corners are never tack sharp. For maximum sharpness, it\u2019s worth keeping your subject in the central region of the frame. That said, these tests were conducted on the 45-megapixel S1R II, the lens will out-resolve most 24-megapixel cameras, which make up the majority of the L-Mount camera catalogue.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_838706\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-838706\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068046-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a collared peccary with coarse, dark fur and a visible ear tag, standing next to a light brown cardboard box in an outdoor setting.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-838706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068046-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068046-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068046-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068046-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068046-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068046-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068046.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-838706\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This lens is capable of capturing tons of detail at 500mm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>The Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f\/5-7.1 O.I.S. Is Impressive But Not for Everyone <\/h2>\n<p>The Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f\/5-7.1 O.I.S. is an impressive compact, portable lens with excellent stability, which makes it a great choice for wildlife and sports videography. However, the lens\u2019 aperture is undeniably on the slower side, which can limit its appeal for wildlife photographers. <\/p>\n<p>The L-Mount system is also fairly crowded in the slower telephoto zoom category, with Sigma offering both 100-400mm and 150-600mm zoom lenses that arguably have more appeal than Panasonic\u2019s new lens for some photographers, while also being more affordable. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-In-Hand-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"A person with short hair and a beard is outdoors, holding a camera with a large telephoto lens, aiming it towards the left. Rocks and some snow are visible in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-In-Hand-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-In-Hand-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-In-Hand-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panasonic-100-500mm-In-Hand.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067969-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up side view of a reindeer with large, branching antlers standing on a patchy, snow-covered ground. The reindeer's fur is light brown and white.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838711\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067969-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067969-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067969-1023x1536.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1067969.jpg 1066w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068050-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A pink flamingo stands in shallow water, bending its long neck down to drink, with grass and rocks in the background. The flamingo has identification bands on its legs.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838705\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068050-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068050-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068050-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068050-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068050-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068050-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068050.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, there is a lot to like about Panasonic\u2019s new zoom, besides its form factor and excellent stabilization. The lens is quite sharp across much of the frame at both 100mm and 500mm, and it also offers nice, clean bokeh despite its slower aperture. It\u2019s not that it\u2019s a bad lens by any stretch, but its limitations mean it\u2019s not an easy sell for everyone. <\/p>\n<h3>Are There Alternatives?<\/h3>\n<p>As mentioned earlier, the only other L-Mount options for dedicated super telephotos are produced by Sigma. Their $1,100 100-400mm f\/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a similar size and weight, and a third of a stop faster at the telephoto end. However, it is 100mm shorter and has less effective autofocus and stabilization technologies. That said, it\u2019s essentially half the price of the Panasonic!<\/p>\n<p>The $1,650 Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports is another strong option, giving more reach, a brighter maximum aperture and similarly excellent build quality. It boasts excellent autofocus and solid stabilization, though not as effective as Panasonic\u2019s system. However, the Sigma is nearly twice the weight, and substantially larger making it less appealing for travel and handheld work. It is significantly more affordable than the Panasonic though.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068088-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A small yellow bird with an orange head perches on a thin branch, looking toward the camera. The background is blurred with shades of green and brown, suggesting a natural, outdoor setting.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838703\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068088-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068088-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068088-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068088-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068088-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068088-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068088.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068150-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A female mallard duck with brown and tan feathers floats on clear, shallow water near a snowy edge. The water is calm and the duck\u2019s reflection is visible.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-838699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068150-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068150-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068150-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068150-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068150-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068150-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/P1068150.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<h3>Should You Buy It?<\/h3>\n<p>Maybe. If your top priorities are portability and stability, with an emphasis on video, the Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f\/5-7.1 OIS offers an unbeatable package. If you are a photographer willing to sacrifice either zoom reach or portability, the Sigma alternatives offer fantastic optical performance for a lower price.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the last several years, if you were an L-Mount user looking for a super telephoto lens, Sigma was your only option (or a Leica version of a Sigma lens). Now Panasonic has introduced their longest full frame lens yet, with the Lumix S 100-500mm f\/5-7.1 OIS. It\u2019s compact and light, but also slow and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20302,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC_8192-800x534.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-20301","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20301","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=20301"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20301\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20302"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20301"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20301"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20301"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fofferexpiration&post=20301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}