Panasonic Unveils a Compact, Lightweight LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 (S-S35)
Panasonic has announced a new large-aperture wide prime lens, the Lumix S 35mm f/1.8. This is the fourth of four promised lenses in the f/1.8 fixed focal series that also features 85mm, 50mm, and 24mm, all announced in the last year. The center of gravity of these lenses is comparable, allowing easy and quick exchanging of lenses with minimum balance adjustment when the camera is on a gimbal. Consistent diameter also enables the use of common filters, and users will benefit from its descriptive performance.
The LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 is comprised of eleven lens elements in nine groups including three aspherical lenses and three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses. The use of three aspherical lenses realizes both high descriptive performance and beautiful bokeh, which are common advantages to the series of all f/1.8 lenses. The ED lenses also effectively suppress chromatic aberration. The LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 is suitable for versatile situations including landscapes, street photography, and portraits. The minimum focusing distance of 0.24m also produces high-quality close-ups.
The LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 is capable of smooth, silent operation, working with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system with the sensor drive at max.240 fps. For the non-linear setting, the focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring, while the focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Sensitivity, or the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum, can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees by 30 degrees to enable intended focus operation. The LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography. Together with micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change, the lens achieves professional-quality video recording.
Here some sample pictures:
With its approximately 295g compact size and lightweight, the LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 features stunning mobility to fit the S5, LUMIX’s smallest full-frame model. The rugged dust/splash-resistant design withstands use under harsh conditions even at 10 degrees below zero for high mobility. The filter diameter is 67 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.
The LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 (S-S35) will be available at the end of November for $699.99
More info on Panasonic’s website.
