Panasonic has added to its growing LUMIX S series with the new LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. lens designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The L-mount lens joins the S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 ($2,597) O.I.S and S PRO 70-200mm F4 O.I.S ($1,697) in the telephoto lineup. 

Optically, the lens is constructed from 17 elements in 11 groups that include one ultra extra-low dispersion (UED) lens, two extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses, and one ultra-high refractive index (UHR) lens to minimize chromatic aberrations. According to Panasonic, the UHR lens aids in consistent image quality across the entire lens. The telephoto lens has an 11-blade aperture design which will provide a pleasing bokeh. 

Panasonic_70-300mm2Credit: Panasonic

The lens supports autofocus as well as Dual Image Stabilizer (IS) for video and still work. The combination of the Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) and in-body camera stabilization (IBIS) on cameras like the LUMIX S1H provides up to 5.5-stops of shake. Panasonic says they've limited focus breathing when shooting video and minimized focus shifts while zooming, allowing you to keep subjects in focus while tracking them. 

Panasonic has also made this model dust- and splash-resistant and operational in temperatures at  14°F/-10°C. A front fluorine coating also helps repel water and oil. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 21.2" (0.54m) with a maximum magnification of 0.5x at 300mm. 

As for price, it's cheaper than both Pro models, saving you about $500 when compared to the F4. The LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is available to pre-order now for $1,249 with an expected delivery date in April. 

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