Lens Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f/5.0-7.1 O.I.S. telephoto zoom lens

A 100-500mm ultra-telephoto zoom lens offering exceptional mobility and high image quality for distant subjects. With a closest focusing distance of 0.8 m at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0.36× at the telephoto end, this lens supports handheld shooting and is compatible with optional 1.4× and 2.0× teleconverters to extend reach up to 1000mm. The design includes dust-, splash- and freeze-resistance plus a fluorine coating on the front element, and Dual I.S. 2 provides up to 7 stops of stabilization for reliable handheld telephoto work.

Advantages

The lens delivers high-resolution performance from 100mm to 500mm with minimal vignetting and edge outlining, producing smooth, natural bokeh and faithful detail reproduction across the frame. Hybrid Zoom expands the usable telephoto range for both photos and video without changing the wide-end focal length. Lightweight and compact for its class, the lens enables handheld shooting where tripods are impractical, and supports fast, quiet autofocus driven by a Dual Phase Linear Motor. Weather-sealed construction and fluorine coating improve reliability in the field.

Key specifications

• Focal length: 100-500mm
• Closest focusing distance: 0.8 m (wide)
• Maximum magnification: 0.36× (tele)
• Teleconverter compatibility: optional 1.4× (DMW-STC14) and 2.0× (DMW-STC20)
• Image stabilization: up to 7 stops with Dual I.S. 2
• Special features: Hybrid Zoom (optical + crop zoom), Tight‑smooth ring, focus limit switch, customizable focus ring and Fn button, direction of ring rotation selectable
• Autofocus: Dual Phase Linear Motor with optical encoder for fast, precise, quiet AF
• Durability: dust-, splash- and freeze-resistant design; fluorine coating on front element; operating temperature down to −10°C
• Approximate physical size and weight: length ~196.1 mm; weight ~1,285 g

How to use

Mount the lens on a compatible camera and set the focus mode using the focus switch (FULL or LIMIT) to suit subject distance. Use the tight‑smooth ring to select desired zoom torque for precise framing or fast zooming. For panning shots select O.I.S. MODE 2; for general handheld use choose MODE 1. Assign frequently used controls (aperture, exposure compensation, Hybrid Zoom) to the customizable focus ring or the Fn button for quick access. To extend reach, attach the optional 1.4× or 2.0× teleconverter; use Hybrid Zoom when you need additional telephoto range without changing wide-end focal length. For close-up subjects, focus at the wide end down to 0.8 m and for distant subjects use the tele end with stabilization engaged to reduce shake.

Recommendations

Use a camera body with in-body stabilization to take full advantage of Dual I.S. 2 and achieve up to 7 stops of compensation. When shooting in adverse weather, keep the lens front element clean and use the fluorine coating to remove oil or dirt; consider a monopod or support for extended sessions at long focal lengths to reduce fatigue.