Geeky Nerdy Tech dared to review the worst lens ever made for the L-mount system, the Lumix S 26mm f/8 (BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama).

He thinks that despite its limits, the lens is fun. With EVF plus focus peaking, it delivered simple but sharp landscapes and vibrant 4K60 clips. The small form factor and fixed f/8 encourage a “mostly everything in focus” style, especially in good light.

Bottom line

The Lumix S 26mm f/8 pancake is a niche tool: tiny, inexpensive, and surprisingly sharp when you hit focus—but hampered by manual-only operation, a finicky infinity position, noticeable breathing, and limited light-gathering. Treat it as a fun, lightweight companion for bright days and casual vlogging, not as your primary lens.

Here is Ed Posser’s take about the Lumix S1II after long intensive use!

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Lumix S1II at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Clifton

Bobby Tonelli thinks the Lumix S9, especially in its limited edition champagne gold version, is an outstanding hybrid camera for content creators seeking high-quality photo and video features at an affordable price. While it lacks some professional-grade features such as a mechanical shutter, EVF, multiple card slots, and internal cooling, it compensates with excellent IBIS, 6K open gate video, real-time LUT integration, and strong autofocus.

Users should carefully consider their workflow needs—if long continuous recordings or professional video production are priorities, other models (e.g., Lumix S1II, S1RIi) may be better suited. However, for most lifestyle and social media creators, the S9 offers a compelling balance of performance and price.

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Lumix S9 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Clifton

After four and a half months of daily professional use, Dorn To Film calls the Panasonic Lumix S1 II “the best mirrorless camera I’ve ever used.” It bridges the gap between hybrid and cinema cameras, offering image quality, ergonomics, and workflow tools that make it feel almost cinematic.

He highlights the new flip-tilt screen, higher-quality LCD, more custom modes, and dramatically improved autofocus and IBIS over the previous Lumix S5 II series. The faster readout speeds make handheld anamorphic shooting smoother, while color fidelity and tonality are noticeably better — “more life, less digital.”

He praises the low-light performance (dual ISO 5000) as competitive with Sony’s FX3 and A7S III, but with richer color retention at high ISO. Open-Gate 60 fps recording, internal ProRes RAW, false color, and CFexpress support round out a spec sheet that rivals cinema bodies. He also loves the ergonomics and value for money — “no other brand packs this much in for $3,200.”

The few downsides? No optical low-pass filter, no dedicated time-code port, no 32-bit float internal audio, and some overheating in hot sunlight unless you manage thermals carefully. Still, he believes firmware updates will fix it soon.

His conclusion: If you’re a working filmmaker shooting weddings, corporate, or commercial projects, the Lumix S1 II is one of the best A-cams on the market — cinematic image, strong low-light, and hybrid flexibility in a single body.

WexUK used the following L-mount gear on this trip:

• Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX – Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, CalumetDE, WexUK.
• Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 50mm f/1.4 – Amazon,  BHphoto, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, CalumetDE, WexUK.
• Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 – Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, CalumetDE, WexUK.
• Panasonic LUMIX S 24mm f/1.8 – Amazon,  BHphoto, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, CalumetDE, WexUK.

Tyler Stalman shared his insights about the latest two Lumix cameras!

New 100-500mm lens at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama.

CameraLabs take on the new lens: