This table compares the basic specifications of the Panasonic S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro with those of other mirrorless macro lenses featuring focal lengths of 100–105 mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. What immediately catches the eye is the low weight and compact dimensions of the lens under review. It is quite rare for a lens to stand out so dramatically in this category compared to its direct competitors. After all, it is two to three times lighter and almost half the length of other lenses in its class. What is more, it achieves all this with an optical design housed in a barrel that does not change in length.
This clearly demonstrates the emphasis Panasonic has placed on matching the dimensions of its macro lens to those of its f/1.8 prime lens series. As a result, the 18 mm f/1.8, 24 mm f/1.8, 35 mm f/1.8, 50 mm f/1.8, 85 mm f/1.8 and 100 mm f/2.8 Macro lenses are practically identical in height and width.
The Panasonic's compact dimensions are clearly visible in the photograph above, where it stands between two other macro lenses. On the left is the DSLR Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8L IS USM, while on the right is the Sigma 105 mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro | Art, which is also available for the L-mount.
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The lens under review starts with a metal mount surrounded by a dark, well-matted ring. The electrical contacts are embedded in it, and it also carries the lens's serial number and information indicating that it was manufactured in China. The rear element is located inside this ring. It is fixed in place and has a diameter of 31 mm. It sits very close to the mount, practically level with the electrical contacts. Everything looks as it should from this side.
The main lens barrel is covered in black plastic. First, we find a red dot that helps align the lens when mounting it on the camera. Moving further along and looking from above, we see a vertical white line. To its left is a large letter "S", while to its right are the focal length marking "100" and the focusing range "0.204m/0.669ft-∞".
At the same level, on the far left, there are two more switches. The first allows you to select the focusing distance range: FULL, from 0.5 m to infinity, or from 0.204 to 0.5 m. The second switch selects the operating mode of the focusing mechanism: AF/MF. Below them are the manufacturer's name, the lens model designation and the mount type, followed further along by the word "LUMIX".
The fixed ring described above widens slightly in diameter before transitioning into another ring, which is used for manual focusing. This ring is 30 mm wide and entirely covered with relatively fine, ribbed rubber. There is no distance scale or depth-of-field scale. The ring operates electronically and moves smoothly while providing an appropriate level of resistance. Moving through the entire focusing range requires a rotation of approximately 220 degrees, which is a substantial amount and allows for precise adjustments. However, it is worth remembering that most of this range is devoted to macro focusing. To move from infinity to 1 meter, we need to rotate the ring by only 30–40 degrees.
The next section of the barrel is only 10 mm wide and features primarily the bayonet mount for attaching the supplied lens hood.
The front element is convex and fixed in place, with a diameter of 39 mm. It is surrounded by a ring bearing the "LUMIX" inscription and the lens specifications, as well as a non-rotating filter thread with a diameter of 67 mm.
When shooting at a magnification ratio of 1:1, the front element is located less than 11 centimeters from the subject.
In terms of optical construction, the lens comprises 13 elements arranged in 11 groups. Two elements are made of ultra-low dispersion (UED) glass, one uses ED glass, and three others have aspherical surfaces. Inside, we also find a circular aperture diaphragm with nine blades, which can be stopped down to a maximum of f/22.
The package includes both lens caps and the lens hood. At this price point, a sturdy carrying case would also be a reasonable addition. It is a pity that Panasonic does not include one.
