Conclusion

The new Lumix S 24-60mm F2.8 is a small, lightweight and versatile standard zoom lens with a fast maximum aperture that is well-suited to both stills and video.

With a slightly unusual focal range that starts at a wide-angle 24mm and ends at a short telephoto 60mm, this lens is certainly intriguing for both videographers and photographers alike.

When it comes to image quality, detail is sharp across the entire focal range with the optimum performance at f/8. Wide-open at the maximum f/2.8 aperture, there is a slight drop in sharpness, although we would have no hesitation in using the lens at that aperture.

Impressively there is only a slight decline in sharpness from the centre to the edges of the frame. The 24-60mm is not critically sharp like other S Pro standard zooms that are triple the price, but overall there is little to complain about.

Both distortion and vignetting are apparent but well controlled, the close-focus performance is good for a lens of this type, and it's capable of some lovely bokeh effects especially when set to 60mm and F2.8.

The lens construction is surprisingly sturdy and weather-proof, and even without the 'PRO' badge, it's built virtually to the same durable standard as some of the more expensive lenses in the range.

Focusing proved to be satisfyingly fast for photos and perfectly smooth and silent for videos, with very little focus breathing and all of the focusing info readily to hand via the camera body's on-screen display.

With silent focusing, minimal focus breathing, great autofocus and a versatile focal range of 24-60mm, this lens in clearly positioned in the hybrid realm, serving both photographers and videographers in a wide range of scenarios. 

Overall, the new Lumix S 24-60mm F2.8 is a decent alternative to the larger, heavier F2.8 zooms that are available, and at £899.99 / €999.99 / $899.99 a lot more affordable too.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	4
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image quality	4
Value for money	4.5