Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 review

The Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 redefines the standard zoom lens, delivering extra-wide viewing

Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6
(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Panasonic full-frame mirrorless cameras and their associated L-mount lenses have been neither compact nor lightweight so far. The S5 body and this 20-60mm standard zoom have changed all that, offering a camera and lens combo that’s much easier to live with. Better still, the zoom lens gives class-leading wide-angle coverage with excellent image quality. The flipside is that telephoto reach is slightly lacking but, ultimately, the zoom range is great for everyday shooting, indoors and out.

Pros

  • +

    Useful and somewhat unique zoom range

  • +

    Relatively compact and lightweight

  • +

    Good, weather-resistant build quality

Cons

  • -

    Slightly limited telephoto reach

  • -

    Variable aperture rating

  • -

    As usual, no focus distance scale

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Think Panasonic full-frame mirrorless cameras and lenses and, if you’re feeling less than generous, a word that might spring to mind is ‘clunky’. Compared with svelte competition from the likes of Canon, Nikon and Sony, full-frame mirrorless kit from Panasonic doesn’t shave off much of the size and weight of a full-blown DSLR. The LUMIX S5 has changed that, with a downsized design, and the 20-60mm zoom follows suit. 

• Read more: Best L-mount lenses

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.