Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Review
A Travel-Friendly L-Mount Wide-Angle Zoom Lens From Panasonic
For years I used Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L and f/4L zoom lenses for work gig and travel. The latest iteration I had was the f/4 IS version which I thought was a stellar lens. Back then my camera did not have image stabilization so this was a handy feature to have in the lens.
Fast forward to 2024 and suddenly you can get by without having image stabilization in your lenses as most modern mirrorless cameras now have IBIS, in-body-image-stabilization.
The Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro is a lightweight wide-angle zoom option for either Panasonic, Leica, or Sigma cameras in the L-Mount Alliance. It is almost half the weight of my former Canon lens at about the same cost.
The Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro was released in the spring of 2023 and currently retails for $797.99.
Panasonic Canada kindly sent me the 14-28mm Macro for this review and I have shipped it back to them already. I haven’t received directions or a narrative from Panasonic and aim to give you my unbiased opinion.
Handling and Build Quality
With dimensions of 3.3 x 3.5" / 84 x 89.8 mm and a filter size of 77mm, I wouldn’t categorize the Panasonic 14-28mm as a small lens but it makes up for this with its low weight of 12.2 oz / 345 g. If you plan to use this as a walk-around combination with your camera of choice, the low weight makes a big difference.
The focus ring and zoom ring feel smooth and the zoom ring has the proper amount of resistance and won’t move unintentionally. The lens hood is a good fit and mounts without any issues.
There is an MF/AF switch on the lens barrel. The lens-to-camera balance was excellent with my Leica SL2-S and it is not hard to imagine this lens as a travel companion you could carry for hours without issues.
Specs Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro
14-28mm focal length (full-frame)
Plastic construction
14 elements in 10 group
One aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) element, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements, and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) element
Minimal focus breathing for video
Dust and splash-resistant
7 rounded aperture blades
Filter size: 77mm
Minimum focusing distance: 5.9" / 15 cm
Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.5" / 84 x 89.8 mm
Weight: 12.2 oz / 345 g
In Action
My widest lens currently is the XF 14mm f/2.8 R for my Fujifilm X-Pro cameras translating into a 21mm lens in full-frame terms and I feel a bit rusty when it comes to shooting wider than this.
For sweeping landscapes or interior real estate photography I could, however, see the Panasonic 14-28mm as a useful addition to a kit.
For the photos seen in this review, I didn’t find the somewhat slow maximum aperture, f/4-5.6, limiting but I would put it in a category; “fair weather” lenses. For events, or if you need to stop fast-paced action in low light you may be better served by a faster prime or f/2.8 zoom lens.
Image Quality
Photos from the Panasonic are plenty sharp for what I do and general travel shots and street photos come out with pleasant colors.
The close focusing capability with a minimum focusing distance of 5.9" / 15 cm is quite impressive and I tried my hand at photographing the spring blossoms around Vancouver. I was pleased with the results but perhaps not blown away by the bokeh.
In the two photos below you can see the zoom range from 14mm to 28mm.
Please make sure to click on the sample images to view sizes up to 2500 pixels depending on your monitor size or pinch zoom if on your mobile phone.
Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro at 14mm
Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro at 28mm
Conclusion
The Panasonic 14-28mm is a lightweight and versatile ultra-wide zoom lens with close focusing abilities. It would be excellent for travel or landscape photography alike but consider the f/4-5.6 maximum f-stop which can be limiting in certain scenarios such as event photography or for images where you are aiming for photos with a very shallow depth of field.
If you are utilizing the IBIS in your camera, work with a tripod, and appreciate the low weight, this could be a good choice for hiking.
As I wrap this up, I come back to my old Canon EF 16-35mm as I find this focal length range better suited for my needs. I would be curious to try the Panasonic Lumix S 16-35mm f/4, currently on sale for 997.99 ($500.00 rebate) before I would commit to a lens in this segment.
Please see more sample images below.
Pros
Lightweight construction
Sharp, good colors
Cons
Bokeh
Price / Availability
Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.
Check the current price at B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro - B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f/4 - B&H Photo
Thank you for being supportive.
Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Sample Images
Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Lightroom. Some photos are slightly cropped.
Please click to view larger images.
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Leica SL2-S
Leica SL2-2 First Impressions
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Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro
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