Panasonic S 26mm F8 on LumiX S9
Alongside the new Lumix S9, Panasonic introduced a new L-mount pancake lens, the Panasonic Lumix S 26mm F8. While I understand Panasonic's intention to create an extremely small and lightweight lens to complement its smallest full-frame camera, the S9, the S 26mm comes with significant compromises.
Panasonic S 26mm F8
First of all, it is a manual focus lens. Given that it is used on a full-frame sensor, the focus plane will still be relatively thin, even at F8 so manual focusing will not be very easy. Additionally, the fixed aperture of F8 is a major limitation. You cannot stop it down when needed, such as in scenarios involving video recording under bright light or when aiming to maximize the in-focus plane in landscape photography.
But were these compromises really necessary? We have two great examples of full-frame lenses without these downsides: the Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 and Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM. These lenses are slightly longer and heavier than the Panasonic S 26mm, but they feature autofocus and an adjustable F2.8 aperture.
Here is a scaled-size comparison of these three lenses, followed by a feature and specs comparison:
Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM vs Nikon Z 26mm F2.8 vs Panasonic S 26mm F8
In addition, the Nikon Z 26mm lens is weather-sealed and has a control ring, and the Canon RF 28mm has an AF/MF switch and a programmable control ring. In contrast, the Panasonic lacks these features. Not to mention they both have metal camera mounts in contrast to S 26mm's plastic mount, they make the Panasonic almost look and feel like a 'Toy Lens'.
Sure, the S 26mm at $199 is much more affordable than the $396 Nikon Z 26mm and the $269 Canon RF 28mm lenses, but what good is a cheap lens if it can't be used effectively? I think Panasonic missed a big opportunity to create a more attractive and 'usable' lens. However, it's never too late. I expect Panasonic, or perhaps even Sigma, to come up with a comparable lens in the future.
Panasonic S 26mm F8 vs Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM vs Nikon Z 26mm F2.8 Specs and Feature Comparison
