[Lumix Magazine Editorial Department] We Tried Out the LUMIX S 24-105 mm F4 MACRO O.I.S.
Hello, everyone. This is the Lumix Magazine Editorial Department.
Have you had a chance to read the post we shared the other day, "This is the Optical Design Department_Nineth Edition [LUMIX S 24-105 mm F4 MACRO O.I.S.]"?
This article features sample shots taken by our editorial staff using the lenses profiled in "This Is the Optical Design Department", along with the staff's impressions of the lenses.
This is our review of the LUMIX S 24-105 mm F4 MACRO O.I.S.
■ First Impressions
Trying the 24-105 mm on the S1R
Despite being one of the first kit lenses when LUMIX entered the full-frame market, the LUMIX S 24-105 mm F4 MACRO O.I.S. remains extremely popular. I'm a big fan myself.
Although my 'first impressions' are somewhat dated now that I have been using it for several years, I distinctly recall being amazed when I paired it with LUMIX's first full-frame camera, the S1. I was impressed that a kit lens could produce such beautiful results!
Shortly after the launch of LUMIX Magazine, Keng Chi Yang (@keng_chi_yang) featured the lens in an article, describing it as follows:
When I talk with other photographers, there are loads of 24-105 mm fans. It's such a good lens that some people say they use LUMIX because of the 24-105 mm.
Spec-wise, you get the ease of use of a classic 24-105 mm F4 standard zoom, in-lens stabilisation that makes it strong for handheld video, and half-macro capability for close-up work. Its real appeal is just how much it can do.
■ Shooting with the LUMIX S 24-105 mm F4 MACRO O.I.S.
First up, some flower shots. Thanks to the rendering capabilities and half-macro capability of the LUMIX S 24-105 mm F4 MACRO O.I.S., I was able to capture images that convey the intricate details, graceful curves, and sheer vitality of life itself.
S1, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 2 sec., F14, ISO 100
This was my first shot with the LUMIX S 24-105 mm F4 MACRO O.I.S. I was deeply impressed by how rich and saturated the colours were.
S1, S 24-105 F4 / 93 mm, 0.8 sec., F14, ISO 100
The colour gradient, which shifts from cool tones at the centre to yellow at the edges, and the threedimensional overlapping of the petals, are utterly captivating.
S1, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/2 sec., F14, ISO 100
The focal point is crisp and clear, while the background has a natural-looking smooth bokeh effect.
When it comes to skin, the lens beautifully renders each person's unique qualities — softness and firmness, moisture and dryness.
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 80 mm, 1/80 sec., F4, ISO 100
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/125 sec., F5.6, ISO 400
The plump, round, glossy texture you'd expect from a baby's fingers is beautifully rendered.
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/100 sec., F6.3, ISO 1000
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/100 sec., F6.3, ISO 1000
S1R, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/160 sec., F5.6, ISO 5000
S1R, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/100 sec., F4, ISO 4000
The skin tones are natural and beautiful, too. When you get in close, the skin's wrinkles and pores are rendered in fine detail.
Next, some shots from the summer. With just this one lens, I could capture all sorts of shots: brilliant greens and dappled sunlight at the wide end, and a friend in a yukata at the telephoto end.
S1, S 24-105 F4 / 24 mm, 1/500 sec., F5, ISO 2000
You can feel the depth, and it brings back the excitement of walking down that sun-dappled path.
S1, S 24-105 F4 / 92 mm, 1/200 sec., F5.6, ISO 400
S1, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/500 sec., F8, ISO 400
S1, S 24-105 F4 / 61 mm, 1/320 sec., F4, ISO 400
The ball bokeh is lovely, too.
S1, S 24-105 F4 / 90 mm, 1/800 sec., F4, ISO 400
Each individual strand of hair is rendered sharply.
To wrap up, here are some of my favourite shots, taken across different genres and times.
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/500 sec., F8, ISO 200
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 45 mm, 1/400 sec., F8, ISO 200
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 24 mm, 1/1000 sec., F4, ISO 100
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 24 mm, 1/125 sec., F7.1, ISO 100
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 57 mm, 1/125 sec., F4, ISO 200
S5II, S 24-105 F4 / 47 mm, 1/125 sec., F4, ISO 100
S1R, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/160 sec., F4, ISO 100
S1R, S 24-105 F4 / 105 mm, 1/60 sec., F8, ISO 400
■ A high-performance lens that offers outstanding image quality and portability
This lens handles a wide range of subjects and genres: portraits, landscapes, snapshots, food, you name it.
As discussed in previous articles, the S series zoom lenses are versatile and portable, prioritising a balance between 'compactness and lightness' and 'imaging performance'. Among those S series zooms, I'd say this lens is without doubt top-class when it comes to rendering quality.
In terms of portability, although it is longer and heavier than the LUMIX S 28-200 mm F4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. and the LUMIX S 18-40 mm F4.5-6.3, it is still typical of the standard 'little three zoom lenses' in size. I don't find it particularly heavy or difficult to handle.
Personally, I feel it's just about usable on the S9
However, thanks to its powerful image stabilisation and half-macro capability, you won't need to use a gimbal or carry a separate macro lens for certain shots. This reduces the burden of carrying equipment and simplifies your choices, allowing you to pack lighter, safe in the knowledge that this lens will suffice.
As I've said many times before, it's simply a lens with beautiful rendering capabilities.
I really hope you'll give it a try and experience that feeling for yourselves.
That's all for this article. We'll see you next time!
