Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4 O.I.S. review

A well-balanced telephoto zoom for S series cameras

5 Star Rating
Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4 OIS review
(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Smaller and only about two-thirds the weight of Panasonic’s 70-200mm f/2.8 L-mount zoom, this f/4 lens feels well-balanced on S-series full-frame mirrorless cameras for handheld shooting. Even so, it comes complete with a tripod mounting ring, which is usually sold as an optional extra for 70-200mm f/4 lenses. Sharpness is epic throughout the entire zoom range, enhanced in practical terms by the optical image stabilizer which works in tandem with the sensor-shift system in S-series bodies. All in all, it’s a great buy.

Pros

  • +

    Solid and sturdy, weather-resistant construction

  • +

    Autofocus is very fast and virtually silent

  • +

    Removable tripod mounting ring with Arca-Swiss compatible foot

Cons

  • -

    Push-pull focus ring won’t be to everyone’s taste

  • -

    Quite pricey for a 70-200mm f/4 lens

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A 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom is often regarded as one of the ‘holy trinity’ of lenses for full-frame cameras, along with similarly ‘fast’ wide-angle and standard zooms. However, there’s a lot to be said for downsizing to an f/4 zoom. 

• 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.