This Sub $1000 Replaced My S-Pro 24-70
15 August 2025
This Sub $1000 Lens Replaced My S-Pro 24-70
Let’s be honest — the standard 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s undeniably one of the most versatile focal ranges out there. We’ve seen plenty of spin-offs over the years — 28-70mm, 28-75mm — but never a 24-60mm, until now.
At first glance, losing 10mm on the long end might seem like a compromise. But after using the Lumix 24-60mm f/2.8 for almost a month, I’m convinced this lens offers more to the user than most of its heavier, pricier rivals.
First Impressions and Specs
In case this one flew under the radar during the S1II announcement, here’s the quick rundown:
Price: £899
Weight: 544g
Focal Range: 24-60mm
Aperture: Constant f/2.8
New Features: Programmable function button & lens ring
At nearly half the weight of the S Pro 24-70mm and 4cm shorter, it’s an excellent match for the newer, smaller Lumix full-frame bodies like the S5II and S9. For anyone who values portability — especially when traveling or shooting long days — this is a huge deal.
Weight comparison:
S Pro 24-70mm: 935g
Sigma 24-70mm (Gen 2): 745g
Lumix 24-60mm: 544g
That’s a 300g savings, about the same as carrying an extra S 85mm f/1.8 prime. You could carry both the 24-60mm and an 85mm and still be lighter than just the S Pro 24-70mm alone.
For professionals who carry gear all day? Game-changing.
Real-World Shooting Experience
This lens performs impressively:
Balances beautifully on both the S1II and S5II
Produces sharp images with great contrast and colour
Compact enough for the smaller S9
Most test footage was shot in 8K on the S1RII and edited down to 4K. The takeaway? This is a lens you want to carry all day — unlike the S Pro 24-70 or Sigma equivalent.
Let’s Talk Hybrid Zoom
Concerned about the missing 10mm on the long end? Hybrid Zoom on newer Lumix bodies solves it:
S1RII: Extend from 60mm to 125mm in 4K mode (thanks to 47MP sensor)
24MP sensors: Crop into a 6K image with minimal quality loss
Photo mode: “Small” image size gives 120mm reach; smaller sizes up to 187mm (not always recommended)
Result: Near-telephoto reach without switching lenses or losing sharpness — if used smartly.
A First for Non-Pro Lenses: Function Button & Custom Ring
First non-S Pro lens to feature a function button.
Mappable to almost anything for fast shooting
Assignable lens ring to control:
Aperture
ISO
Shutter speed
More
Favourite setup: Aperture control — mimics a physical aperture ring and frees up camera dials.
Optical Quality vs. Price
At under £900, it’s a strong contender:
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 — Good alternative, but Lumix 24-60mm produces better images overall
S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 — Still gold standard, but difference is marginal unless pixel-peeping at 200%
When factoring portability and hybrid zoom, the value for money is hard to beat.
Gimbal Friendly — Finally!
For video shooters:
Lighter and smaller = easier balancing
Works perfectly on RS3 Mini and Weebill 3E
Pro tip: Balance midway through zoom range to avoid rebalancing while zooming
By contrast, the S Pro 24-70 is a pain to gimbal — especially with a cage or large rig.
The Only Advantage of the S Pro? Focus Clutch
S Pro 24-70mm offers:
Focus clutch system — retract focus ring for true manual focus with hard stops
Ideal for follow focus rigs & cinematic setups
If you’re not working in a studio or cine environment, focus-by-wire on the 24-60mm is more than fine.
Final Thoughts: A Lens You’ll Actually Want to Use
Sharpness isn’t everything — compression from YouTube, Instagram, or client websites erases most fine detail.
What matters most: ease of use, how it feels in hand, and if it inspires you to shoot.
The Lumix 24-60mm f/2.8 delivers:
✅ Fantastic image quality
✅ Functional features for hybrid creators
✅ Gimbal-friendly design
✅ Excellent price-to-performance
✅ Portability that makes it fun to carry
Unless you must have a focus clutch, there’s little reason to choose the heavier 24-70 options — especially if you shoot outside a studio.
