Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Lens Review

Good news for Panasonic Lumix S series full-frame mirrorless camera users: the release of the Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens. This lens provides a new option for ultra-wide-angle shooting with different characteristics from the existing Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f/4 lens. In this review, we’ll examine the performance, features, and real-world experience of the new 14-28mm lens in detail.

Let’s first look at the key specifications:

Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro Specifications

Now let’s examine the key features and performance of this lens in detail.

🌈 The Appeal of Wide-Angle: 14mm Field of View

The most notable feature of the Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens is its 14mm ultra-wide angle of view, providing 2mm wider coverage than the existing Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f/4 lens.

While the difference between 14mm and 16mm might seem small numerically, it creates a significant difference in actual shooting. This 2mm difference can substantially expand compositional possibilities, especially for landscape and architectural photographers.

Practical Applications of Wide-Angle

• Landscape Photography: The 14mm ultra-wide angle excels at capturing expansive landscapes in a single frame. It can dramatically represent majestic mountain ranges or endless beach scenes.
• Architectural Photography: Even in tight indoor spaces, you can capture entire building structures. It’s particularly useful when photographing high-ceilinged cathedrals or modern lobbies.
• Astrophotography: The 14mm wide-angle can capture large portions of the night sky, making it ideal for photographing the Milky Way or constellations.

However, it’s important to note that ultra-wide lenses can create distortion at the edges of the frame. This is a characteristic of the lens type and can sometimes be used creatively.

📷 Image Quality: Sharpness and Color Reproduction

The Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens demonstrates excellent overall image quality. The center sharpness, in particular, shows outstanding performance even at maximum aperture.

Center Sharpness

• 14mm: Already very sharp at f/4, with minimal improvement when stopped down to f/8, demonstrating excellent performance
• 28mm: Good sharpness at f/5.6, reaching peak sharpness at f/8

Corner Sharpness

While corner sharpness is slightly lower than center sharpness, it maintains practical usability.

• 14mm: Acceptable corner sharpness at f/4, reaching best performance at f/8
• 28mm: Decent corner sharpness at f/5.6, improving further at f/8

Chromatic Aberration and Flare Control

The lens shows excellent performance in controlling chromatic aberration and flare. Notably, its chromatic aberration control appears superior to the Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f/4 lens.

• Chromatic Aberration: Minimal color fringing in most shooting situations
• Flare: Well-controlled flare and ghosting in backlit situations, maintaining high contrast images

🎥 Video Performance

The Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens excels not only in still photography but also in video recording.

Vlogging Suitability

While this lens can be used for vlogging, it’s recommended to zoom in to around 18-20mm to avoid excessive distortion at 14mm.

• 4K 60fps Recording: Many full-frame cameras apply a 1.5x crop in 4K 60fps recording, making the 14mm effectively 21mm - an ideal focal length for vlogging.

Focus Breathing

The lens minimizes focus breathing, allowing for natural focus transitions during video recording.

Quiet AF Motor

The internal focusing design means no length changes during AF operation, and the AF motor operates quietly, making it suitable for video recording.

🔍 Macro Performance: 0.5x Magnification

Another standout feature of the Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens is its 0.5x macro capability, an unusual feature for a wide-angle zoom lens that greatly expands close-up shooting possibilities.

Macro Performance Features

• Maximum Magnification: 0.5x macro shooting at the 28mm end
• Minimum Focus Distance: Approximately 3cm, allowing extremely close approach to subjects

Macro Shooting Considerations

• Shadow Issues: Due to the extremely close working distance, lens or camera shadows may fall on the subject
• Lighting: Close working distance can make lighting challenging - consider using ring lights or other supplementary lighting

Image Quality in Macro Mode

• Sharpness: Sufficient sharpness at f/5.6, with optimal sharpness at f/8
• Depth of Field: Very shallow in macro shooting, may need to stop down for adequate depth of field

🛠️ Build Quality and Design

Despite its compact size and light weight, the Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens boasts robust build quality.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 80mm diameter, 96mm length - quite compact
• Weight: Approximately 345g, relatively light for a full-frame wide-angle zoom
• Filter Diameter: Accepts 77mm filters, compatible with common ND and polarizing filters

Durability

• Weather Sealing: Dust and moisture resistant design for use in adverse weather
• Cold Resistance: Operates in temperatures down to -10°C
• Front Element Coating: Fluorine coating repels water droplets and oil smudges

Design Features

• Zoom Ring: Similar position to the Lumix S 20-60mm lens for consistent handling
• Length Changes: No length changes during zoom or focus operations
• AF/MF Switch: Convenient switch on lens barrel for quick mode changes

📊 Comparison with Competitors

Let’s compare the Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens with similar ultra-wide zoom lenses:

Key Differences from Major Competitors

1. Versus Panasonic 16-35mm f/4:

• 14-28mm offers wider angle but shorter telephoto reach
• 14-28mm is lighter and more compact
• 16-35mm provides constant f/4 aperture

2. Versus Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN:

• Sigma offers brighter constant f/2.8 aperture
• 14-28mm provides longer reach and filter compatibility
• Sigma is heavier and larger but may offer superior optics

3. Versus Sony 12-24mm f/4 G:

• Sony provides wider 12mm angle
• 14-28mm offers longer reach and filter compatibility
• Sony maintains constant f/4 aperture

4. Versus Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM:

• Canon offers wider focal range
• Canon includes built-in image stabilization
• 14-28mm is lighter and more affordable

💡 User Experience and Real-World Results

Based on real-world shooting experience, let’s examine the pros and cons of the Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens.

Advantages

1. Wide Field of View: 14mm ultra-wide excels in landscape and architectural photography
2. Compact Size and Light Weight: Excellent portability for extended shooting sessions and travel
3. Superior Image Quality: Outstanding center sharpness with good chromatic aberration and flare control
4. Macro Capability: 0.5x macro shooting adds versatility
5. Filter Compatibility: Accepts 77mm filters, beneficial for landscape photographers

Disadvantages

1. Variable Aperture: Maximum aperture limited to f/5.6 at telephoto end
2. Corner Sharpness: Slightly lower corner sharpness compared to center
3. Ultra-Wide Distortion: Potential distortion at 14mm
4. Zoom Range: Limited telephoto reach at 28mm

Real-World Performance

• Landscape Photography: Excels with 14mm wide-angle for dramatic landscapes. Filter compatibility enables long exposure shooting.
• Architectural Photography: Captures entire structures even in tight spaces. Edge distortion can be corrected in post-processing.
• Street Photography: Light weight makes it comfortable for extended use. 28mm end provides suitable angle for street scenes.
• Macro Photography: Useful for flowers and small objects, though careful attention to lighting is needed due to close working distance.

🎯 Purchase Recommendations and Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens presents an attractive option for full-frame mirrorless camera users interested in ultra-wide-angle shooting.

Recommended for

1. Landscape Photographers: Wide angle, filter compatibility, and excellent image quality
2. Architectural Photographers: 14mm ultra-wide enables capturing broad views in tight spaces
3. Travel Photographers: Light weight and compact size ideal for travel
4. Close-up Photography Enthusiasts: 0.5x macro capability enables various close-up shots
5. Video Content Creators: Minimal focus breathing and quiet AF suitable for video work

Pre-Purchase Considerations

1. Variable Aperture: Consider constant aperture lenses for frequent low-light shooting
2. Focal Range: 16-35mm might be more suitable if you need beyond 28mm
3. Real Estate Photographers: Consider tilt-shift lenses for professional real estate work due to potential ultra-wide distortion

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens offers excellent image quality, compact size, and diverse features at a reasonable price point. It maximizes the advantages of ultra-wide-angle shooting while maintaining practicality, opening new creative possibilities for Lumix S series users.

While the variable aperture and limited zoom range might be drawbacks, these can be seen as reasonable trade-offs for the compact size and light weight. The final choice will depend on individual shooting style and priorities.

For photographers seeking to experience ultra-wide-angle photography or needing wider coverage than the 16-35mm lens, the Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 lens represents an excellent choice. We invite you to explore new perspectives with this lens.