Lens ReviewMorten ByskovMarch 10, 2025Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 review, Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 sample images, Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 sample photos, Panasonic 20-60mm review, Panasonic 20-60mm sample images, Leica SL2-S Multi-Shot Mode, 96 Megapixel Multi-Shot Mode Leica SL2-SComment

Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 and 96 Megapixel Multi-Shot Mode on the Leica SL2-S

Kamloops, BC, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 @ f/11, 36mm, 96 MP multi-shot mode

Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 and Leica SL2-S in 96 Megapixel Multi-shot Mode

Road Trip from Vernon to Vancouver, BC, Canada

I had a photo gig in the Okanagan last September. The event went well, and on our drive back to Vancouver, we opted to go through the Fraser Canyon, a route we hadn’t taken since the ‘80s.

I borrowed my friend Goran’s Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 for this trip. Since there was no hurry, I used my tripod and captured all images in the 96-megapixel multi-shot mode.

This was my second encounter with the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6, as I had the pleasure of using it for my review of the Panasonic Lumix S5 II that I did a year earlier.

Panasonic 20-60mm Intro

The Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 was released in 2020 and is mostly known as a kit zoom lens bundled with Lumix cameras. When I reviewed the S5 II, I didn’t expect much from this lens, but admittedly, I found the zoom range very handy, mostly because it goes a bit wider than your run-of-the-mill 24mm starting point zoom lenses.

The Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 retails for $597.99, and when this was posted, a $100 rebate was available. However, if you don’t mind a used copy, they are easy to find. I often see them priced as low as $200. Many photographers purchase the lens in a kit and then sell it when they upgrade to better lenses.

Monte Lake, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 and Leica SL2-S in 96 Megapixel multi shot mode — Kamloops, BC, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 @ f/8, 27mm, 96 MP multi-shot mode

Handling and Build Quality

The 20-60mm weighs only 12.35 oz or 350 g, but I wouldn’t call it a nimble kit lens since it measures 3.05 x 3.43" or 77.4 x 87.2 mm. The fit and balance on my Leica SL2-S are surprisingly good, and I can see this as an inexpensive travel companion, a lens you wouldn’t have to worry about leaving in your hotel room.

The optical formula states three ED Elements, one UHR element, and two aspherical elements—not bad for a lens in this price range. Panasonic mentions a fluorine coating, nine diaphragm blades, and weather sealing.

Train cars along Hwy 1 in Kamloops. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 and Leica SL2-S in 96 Megapixel multi shot mode — Kamloops, BC, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 @ f/8, 36mm, 96 MP multi-shot mode

The 20-60mm extends to a total length of 4.71" or 119.7 mm in the 60mm position. This is not unusual, and it's likely wishful thinking to envision a lens like this with internal focusing.

I enjoyed the 20-60mm and found the focal length wonderfully versatile for a road trip like this. If I were in the market, I’d look for a used copy. If I were to pay full price, I’d probably choose something that’s a bit better optically. I usually use only prime lenses, and while I’m quite happy with the images in this review, prime lenses have a way of drawing me in.

That being said, the 96-megapixel multi-shot mode does deliver crisp images.

Train cars, Kamloops, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 and Leica SL2-S in 96 Megapixel multi shot mode — Kamloops, BC, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 @ f/11, 20mm, 96 MP multi-shot mode

96 Megapixel Multi-Shot Mode on the Leica SL2-S

On the Leica SL2-S, go to “drive mode” and pick the last option, multi-shot mode. When I plan to use this mode, I assign a custom button to access it faster.

The camera must be steady for a few seconds before you can engage the shutter. Even when using my tripod, a warning comes up that partially blocks the LCD's EVF, making it hard to compose a photo in multi-shot mode. The slightest movement of the camera will cause the warning to pop up.

As a workaround, I select a single shot in the drive mode while composing the photo, then switch to multi-shot mode when I am ready to capture it.

Kamloops Lake, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 and Leica SL2-S in 96 Megapixel multi shot mode — Kamloops Lake, BC, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 @ f/11, 43mm, 96 MP multi-shot mode

Capturing the actual multi-shot images takes about 10-15 seconds. The Leica SL2-S creates a RAW file in-camera, so you will not need to compile the photos in external software. The RAW file pops up and is ready to be edited in Lightroom.

Even with the few setbacks, such as having to use a tripod or steady your camera on a ledge or fence, this is a great way to obtain high-resolution images. I have mostly used it for landscape photography but could imagine it useful for product photography, where detail in your images is paramount.

Please make sure to click on the sample images to view them in sizes up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size, or pinch zoom if you are using a mobile phone.

Wrap Up

The latest Leica SL3-S and Panasonic SR1 II allow for handheld multi-shot mode images. I see this as a bit of a revelation. Most often, I do not need high-resolution images for portraits, street photography, or action images, but I quite often hike or cycle without a tripod and would love to have the option to capture high-resolution handheld images.

Sony makes an appealing choice with its FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens. It retails for $1.199.00, so I would expect better performance compared to the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6. It also features a wider focal length range with a constant f-stop of f/4.

I realize we are not talking about lenses for the same platform but merely a lens, which has been on my radar as a solid travel lens.

It’s a wrap.

Please see more sample images below.

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 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 - B&H Photo

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