Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO vs Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.
The bottom line
The Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is a zoom (70-300mm) and the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is a 100mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 430g (15.2 oz) it's lighter than the 790g (1.74 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 70-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm, Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is 70-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is $899, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO reaches 1x magnification vs 0.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO or the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. better?
The Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is a zoom (70-300mm) and the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is a 100mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 430g (15.2 oz) it's lighter than the 790g (1.74 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 70-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO and the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100mm | 70-300mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 24° | 34° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 70 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $899 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 74mm | 84mm |
| Length | 100mm | 148mm |
| Weight | 430g (15.2 oz) | 790g (1.74 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
