Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6
Announced May 27, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 is a compact, weather-sealed zoom that offers a uniquely wide 20mm starting point for versatile shooting. Although its variable maximum aperture limits low-light performance and bokeh, it remains a high-performing and lightweight option for travel, video, and general photography.
Weighted from 14 reviewer scores
Pros
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- Excellent optical control of distortion and chromatic aberration
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fast, silent, and reliable autofocus
- Versatile focal range with wide 20mm coverage
Cons
- Modest, variable maximum aperture
- Softness in corners at certain settings
- Occasional autofocus hunting or performance drops
- Lack of optical image stabilization
- Noticeable focus breathing during zoom
- Launch price $599.99 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage L-Mount Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 15 cm (0.43x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 350g (12.3 oz) · 77.4 x 87.2 mm (3.05 x 3.43 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 14 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Lumix S 20-60mm is a very welcome addition to the growing collection of L-mount lenses.
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A versatile, well-priced ultra-wide to standard zoom that performs impeccably.
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Photographers may find it hard to get excited about standard zoom lenses with a modest maximum aperture, such as the new Panasonic S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
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Panasonic full-frame mirrorless cameras and their associated L-mount lenses have been neither compact nor lightweight so far.
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The Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6's wider-than-normal coverage, coupled with quality construction, makes it the best starter lens for any full-frame camera system.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
Even as a stand-alone lens, you won’t find many similarly priced lenses as well built as this one.
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I think this is also a very important lens for the Lumix S and also the L-mount system in general. Compared to the typical 24-70 focal length for the other standard zoom lens in the market, the 20-60 is definitely a lot more interesting.
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For a zoom lens, it probably represents the best combination of size, weight, flexibility, and performance available today.
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[T]his is compact, lightweight, relatively sharp, and also weather sealed. The only downside in my opinion is the relatively modest maximum aperture, but then again it's in line with other similar lenses [...]
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Panasonic’s new 20-60mm is a very versatile and lightweight lens which will be a real enhancement for the total L-mount System and especially for the SL2.
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[I]t's designed to be the lens that's with you ready for many subjects in most but not all lighting situations, and if you do purchase it with a camera like the Panasonic S5, you get to take advantage of the $300 add-on price, which [...] is simply too good to pass up [...]
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It's a very good, versatile, good performer lens that is pretty much good for everything, especially travel, architecture, landscape, and vlogging and everything else in between. It's a lens that can deliver.
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In fairness, it's worth more when you think about its versatility and image quality. The lens is really good for shooting video, including shooting myself, I think as we're seeing right now.
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I'm very happy with this lens. Panasonic have created a really nice kit lens here and I think that it does compete very favorably with other kit lenses on the market.
