Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm F/5-7.1 O.I.S.

Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. – Long-reach Telephoto Zoom with Dual I.S. 2 Stabilization

The Panasonic LUMIX S 100–500mm F5–7.1 O.I.S. delivers a versatile telephoto-to-super-telephoto zoom for L-Mount users who need dependable reach in a compact package. It covers distant wildlife, field sports, motorsport, and compressed landscape views while remaining straightforward to handle for both stills and video.

Key uses and benefits

Use this lens when you need extended focal length without an overly complex setup. The 100–500mm range suits wildlife and sports where subjects are far away, and it also performs well for compressed landscape compositions. In addition, the lens keeps familiar handling for L-Mount photographers and filmmakers, which helps you stay focused on the subject rather than on gear.

Optical design and image quality

The optical design uses 19 elements in 12 groups, including UED, ED, and UHR glass, to maintain resolution across the zoom range. An 11-blade diaphragm produces smooth background blur, helping subjects separate from their surroundings. You can also extend reach using compatible 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, allowing focal lengths up to 1000mm for even more distant subjects.

Stabilization and autofocus

The lens supports Dual I.S. 2 stabilization and is rated up to 7.0 stops (CIPA, at 500mm with a compatible body). This stabilization works in concert with compatible Lumix bodies to help you get sharper images when shooting handheld at long focal lengths. Autofocus is driven by a Dual Phase Linear Motor, delivering precise and quiet focusing suitable for both still photography and video capture.

Video-friendly features

For filmmakers, the lens limits focus breathing and provides micro-step aperture control. These features reduce distracting changes during focus pulls and allow smooth, steady aperture transitions while recording video. As a result, the lens supports controlled and professional-looking video performance when shooting moving subjects or performing focal adjustments.

Close-focus performance and handling

The lens offers close-focus distances of 0.8 m at 100mm and 1.5 m at 500mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.36×. Controls include a customizable focus ring, a focus button, a focus limiter, AF/MF and O.I.S. switches, plus a zoom-limit switch to tailor operation to the subject and shooting conditions. These controls let you quickly adapt the lens to wildlife, sports, or handheld shooting situations.

Construction and carryability

The lens has weather-resistant construction, helping you work in challenging outdoor conditions. Despite its long reach, it remains easy to carry for day-long shoots. The lens measures 196.1 mm in length and uses an 82 mm front filter. Its listed weight is 1,285 g, which balances reach and portability for field use.

In the box

• Lens cap
• Rear lens cap
• Lens hood
• Tripod mount

Specifications

FAQ

Question: Is this lens suitable for wildlife photography?
Answer: Yes. The 100–500mm focal range and optional 1.4x/2x teleconverters extend your reach, making the lens suitable for photographing distant wildlife while maintaining image quality across the zoom range.

Question: How effective is the stabilization for handheld shooting?
Answer: The lens supports Dual I.S. 2 and is rated up to 7.0 stops (CIPA, at 500mm with a compatible body), which helps reduce camera shake when shooting handheld with a compatible Lumix body, especially at long focal lengths.

Question: Will this lens work well for video work?
Answer: Yes. The lens limits focus breathing and offers micro-step aperture control, which helps create smooth focus pulls and steady exposure transitions for video production.

Question: What controls are available on the lens for quick operation?
Answer: The lens includes a customizable focus ring, a focus button, a focus limiter, AF/MF and O.I.S. switches, plus a zoom-limit switch, enabling fast adjustments to suit shooting scenarios like sports or wildlife.

Question: What comes in the box when purchasing this lens?
Answer: The lens ships with a lens cap, rear lens cap, lens hood, and a tripod mount, so you can start shooting with the basic protection and mounting accessories included.