Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. vs Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S.

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.'s f/5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. gives that up to stay lighter (1285g (2.83 lb)) and cheaper ($2,099). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You're on a budget — $2,099 vs $2,999 leaves more for other gear.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.'s f/5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is 100-500mm, Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is $2,099, $900 under the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S..
  • Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is 1285g (2.83 lb) vs 1490g (3.28 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. or the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.'s f/5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. gives that up to stay lighter (1285g (2.83 lb)) and cheaper ($2,099). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. if you need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $2,099 vs $2,999 leaves more for other gear.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S.?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. and the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S.?

Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.'s f/5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length100-500mm70-200mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements1922
Optical Groups1217
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/5f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/22
Aperture Blades1111
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountL-MountL-Mount
Angle of View24° – 5°34° – 12°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorDual Phase Linear MotorStepping
Focus LimiterYesYes
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance79 cm90 cm
Max Magnification0.21x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationYesYes
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$2,099$2,999
Filter Size82mm77mm
Diameter92mm90.6mm
Length196.1mm208mm
Weight1285g (2.83 lb)1490g (3.28 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarYesYes