I’ve been using the Panasonic S5 IIx extensively this year. To my surprise, I’m really enjoying this camera. While it’s not a Leica SL, it certainly performs well above its price point. I’ll delve into these details in a future article.

For now, I’d like to share a few thoughts and photos taken with a lens I’m currently testing on the Panasonic S5 IIx. This lens, the Panasonic 100mm f2.8 Macro, would be an excellent addition for anyone using the Leica SL or Panasonic S system.

I fondly recall my time with the chunky and clunky Canon 5D Mark II. At the time, one of my all-time favorite lenses was the EF 100mm f2.8L Macro. I used it for a variety of purposes, including landscapes, portraits, and of course, macro photography. Despite its “Macro” label, the lens proved to be remarkably versatile tool for more than just macro-photography. It was arguably one of the finest optics in the Canon EF system at that time.

Since switching to the SL system as my primary autofocus digital camera, I’ve found that a macro lens is missing from the lineup, at least one that fit the void left by the Canon 100mm f2.8L. We frequently use the SL system in our photography work for the watch shop and for producing our video production. Consequently, we often find ourselves in need of a good macro option.

The L Mount Macro Options

While the Leica 100mm f2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R lens could be a viable choice, it’s often difficult to find good quality versions of this lens. Additionally, it does not have autofocus. Sigma has released the 70mm and 105mm Macro lenses for the L mount, but there is something about these options that leaves me unsatisfied.

Perfect Dimensions:

Introducing the 100mm f2.8 Macro from Panasonic. The first thing to notice from the spec sheet is its size and in hand. With a 67mm filter, weighing under 300g, and having the same physical dimensions as the 50mm f1.8 S or any of the 1.8 S prime lenses (18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm), it’s impressively compact for a true 1:1 macro lens! These small F1.8 primes have proven ideal for travel, and the new 100mm f2.8 Macro fits in perfectly alongside them.

Proofs of Performance:

But what about the optics? I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Like all Panasonic’s f1.8 prime lenses, they offer excellent value at their price point and work seamlessly with Panasonic S or Leica SL cameras. The Panasonic S 100mm F2.8 Macro is no exception. The following photos, are all shot with the Panasonic S5 IIx using the S 100mm f2.8 Macro lens and showcase the outstanding new Fortis N-42 Novonaut!

The Downsides:

One potential downside of this lens is the construction. Although the plastic materials used are of good quality, this lens isn’t as sturdy as, for example, a Leica 35mm or 50mm Summicron-SL ASPH, which features metal construction. However, the 100mm f2.8 is at a difference price point, and there simply isn’t another option. As long as you don’t plan on smashing your gear about (I’m not saying that if you do that is bad!) the Panasonic S 100mm f2.8 Macro will hold up just fine.

Conclusion:

I’ve become a big fan of this lens. I recommend it if you plan on doing any macro work or if you just want a quick 100mm lens in your kit. I would choose this lens over a fast 75mm, 85mm, or 90mm prime any day because it offers far more flexibility and still gives that lovely longer prime compression quality we look for in a lens of this nature. A 24mm, 50mm, and 100mm prime kit could cover nearly all the focal lengths you need with fast, optically pleasing primes.

I think this lens has become a standard part of my kit!

The Panasonic 100mm Macro is available in Camera West Stores as well as online right here.