Wow Images from the 20-60mm For the LUMIX S1
I had the distinct honor as a Lumix Global Ambassador to photograph with the new Lumix 20-60mm L mount Lens for the Lumix S series cameras and build the promotional images for the launch! Since I started shooting full frame earlier this year and enjoying the Lumix S1, I’ve certainly grown to love the full frame characteristics, an enjoyed two lenses: the 16-35mm and the 24-105. Of course, they cover a wide range of scenes, but one must carry both, just in case you need a wide—or something longer.
When they sent me the 20-60mm to try out, it quickly became my handy Go-To Lens for just grabbing and going with one lens because it has a nice wide angle of 20mm AND a decent zoom to 60mm when you need it! Over the last month using it, I found myself carrying just that lens on the Lumix S1 (so wonderful that it is small, lightweight lens too!) and then I would carry my Lumix G9 (Micro 4/3) body with a 50-200mm, which is a full frame equivalent of 100-400! It became the perfect scenario, with a nice WIDE-to-med and a great med-to-LONG without having to carry a lot of weight!
I found myself shooting with the G9 on my hip with the Spider belt and the S1 on my shoulder. (it is the perfect combo for weddings too!)
Its amazingly affordable (only $599) but I feel like there’s no sacrifice in quality or sharpness. With close ups, I used focus peaking and manual focus a lot for very selective and powerful focus. With the Privette (tiny flowers that are only ¼” wide), they are tack-sharp too!
It’s not a stabilized lens but with the IBIS (in-body image stabilization) of the S1, it was fine, even for macro hand- held! I happened upon a stellar location after a rain when I had no tripod—still got amazing shots with precise DOF- hand held!
While the S1 is definitley a heavier body than the Micro 4/3’s I’m used to, but the combo with the 12oz of the 20-60mm makes it a reasonable kit to take even on long hikes. It’s a landscape workhorse, too. Here are a few shots of Mount Shasta and Upper Shasta Lake in Northern California. (the river is in Chiloquin, OR)
While I have a 16-35mm F4, and a 24-105, it cuts down on a lot of weight to be able to just carry the 20-60mm. From one spot, shooting over a fence, I was able to get both these shots with the one lens. That’s pretty sweet and such a great storyteller!
That’s one unique niche this camera would be marvelous for: storytelling and travel blogging! It’s got the perfect wide angle that still focuses VERY close (less than 6”) for gorgeous Macro shots, while it also beautifully shows off the surroundings in context. If you are a marketer (utilizing dead space) or even a book designer, the ability to include your subject with open space and gorgeous bokeh is ideal!
Here are a few “pages” I’m working on for my next BLOOM book:
Check out the reviews on this lens here, and I’m sure there will be more. It was only announced yesterday! (May 27, 2020).
More specs, video, reviews and images here:
https://www.dpreview.com/news/2926845696/panasonic-announces-lumix-s-20-60mm-f3-5-5-6-lens-for-l-mount
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asoSU_znbtI&feature=youtu.be
I was also a guest speaker (the last 20 min) for the LumixLive broadcast today where Sean and Matt from Panasonic discussed more technical aspects of the lens.
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