The Lumix S9 didn’t start out that well. It’s a great, low-cost full frame vlogging/video camera that’s also great for stills photography, but it had a lacklustre response at launch. What’s the problem? Its design and specs are fine but unadventurous and, worse, its small size also works against it and it feels awkward and unbalanced with larger lenses. This means the new Lumix S20mm f/2.5 is a very welcome addition.
The Lumix S 20mm F2.5 is just 40.9mm long and weighs only 142g. Even so, it offers an extra-wide angle of view, a decent f/2.5 maximum aperture and a closest focus distance of just 0.18m. It’s even dust, splash and freeze resistant, with a fluorine dust and grease-resistant coating on the front element. Priced at $498/£429, it’s pretty competively priced, too.
So what are the pancake lens options for the Lumix S9? You can of course fit any L-mount lens, but most regular Lumix S zooms (and even primes) feel just too big and front-heavy on the S9’s compact body.
Panasonic Lumix S 26mm f/8: Launched alongside the Lumix S9, this is essentially a body cap design with a fixed f/8 aperture and basic manual zone focusing. Is this a serious lens? Hard to say, as it depends on your shooting style, but it’s certainly and interesting option that could be handy for street and travel photography.
- Where to get the Panasonic Lumix S 26mm f/8: $298 at B&H | £149 at Wex
Panasonic Lumix S 40mm f/2: Not necessarily designed specifically for the Lumix S9, the 40mm f/2 is nevertheless a very compact ‘standard’ lens with a pretty fast maximum aperture which would make a great match for the Lumix S9 as an everday carry, with a focal length that’s also ideal for street photography.
- Where to get the Panasonic Lumix S 40mm f/2: $398 at B&H | £349 at Wex
Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3: This has become the default kit lens for the Lumix S9. Its ultra-wide to near-standard focal range makes it a great lens for travel and interiors but also for vlogging, where you can get yourself and the background into the frame with the camera held at arm’s length.
- Where to get the Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3: $448 at B&H | £499 at Wex
Panasonic Lumix S 20mm f/2.5: The new lens slots into this line-up quite nicely for fans of prime lenses – it would be great in combination with the Lumix S 40mm f/2 – and for vloggers who need something faster than the Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3.
- Where to get the Panasonic Lumix S 20mm f/2.5: $498 at B&H | $429 at Wex
The Lumix S9 might not have caused the stir Panasonic would have hoped when it was launched, but successive price drops, a choice of colours and a slowly increasing choice of lenses have definitely increased its appeal, both as a vlogging tool and as a compact travel camera. Where else will you get a full frame 4MP sensor, good video features and IBIS at this price?
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