Matthew Dangyou tested the new TTartisan 40mm f/2.0 lens. Conclusion:

The TTArtisan 40mm F2 is currently the best budget lens for the Panasonic Lumix S9 if you want a tiny, pocketable setup. For only $168, it delivers:

• Extremely small size (4.45 cm) – finally a true full-frame pancake-style autofocus lens
• Full-metal construction with clicked aperture
• Pleasant rendering with soft, warm character (not clinical, but charming)
• Good autofocus, especially when using Single Area AF
• Surprisingly good for both photo and casual video

It’s not ideal for professional work (interviews, critical sharpness), but for everyday shooting, travel, lifestyle, and S9 point-and-shoot vibes, it’s a fantastic value.
The reviewer says he would put it on his S9 7 out of 10 times.

TTArtisan is clearly becoming the leader in small, affordable L-mount autofocus lenses, and this 40mm F2 is one of their best so far.

Sirui launched the world’s first 1.33x FF Auto Focus Anamorphic Cine Lens lineup on Kickstarter (Click here). Limited Super Early Bird Price 20% Off!

Here is a review of the L-mount lens:

And here is a review of the 75mm lens from Christopher Frost:

Panasonic 100-500mm at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.

Matthias Dangl Main Reasons for Switching to Lumix S1 II:

• Open Gate Recording (incl. slow-mo): Offers full sensor readout for flexible cropping (e.g. 16:9, 4:5, 9:16) — perfect for multi-platform content. (Sony lacks this feature)
• Better Color Science for Skin Tones & Greens: No need to constantly tweak color in post. Lumix colors feel more natural and cinematic to him.
• Superior Stabilization (IBIS): So effective he no longer needs to carry a gimbal, even for running shots.
• Higher Resolution for Photography: 24MP vs. Sony’s 12MP – better hybrid photo-video performance.
• Downsampled 6K to 4K Video: Results in sharper, more detailed 4K compared to native 4K from Sony.
• Dynamic Range Boost Mode: Enables up to 15 stops DR for high contrast scenes (ideal for talking head setups).

Other Advantages:

• Autofocus now reliable enough for vlogging, people, travel – Sony still slightly better (~10%), but Lumix is “good enough.”
• Frame rates up to 70fps (electronic shutter).
• Sensor readout improved (rolling shutter reduced significantly).
• Feels more “scenic” and less digital in image rendering.

Minor Trade-Offs:

• Slightly worse low light performance (Sony cleaner in noise).
• Slightly slower sensor readout (more rolling shutter than Sony, but improved from S5IIX).
• Dynamic range boost disables some modes (e.g., open gate only up to 24fps).

Final Thought: He chose Lumix S1 Mark II not just for specs — but because the colors, stabilization, open gate, and hybrid capabilities make it the best all-around tool for his creative workflow right now.

Bobby Tonelli calls the Panasonic Lumix S1 II one of the best hybrid cameras you can buy in 2025. After using it for fast-paced events like the F1 iPhone launch and everyday YouTube content, he was impressed by its combination of solid ergonomics, tactile controls, excellent 24MP semi-stacked sensor, and incredible image stabilization.

He praises its superb video capabilities — including 6K open gate, ProRes RAW, and top-tier anamorphic support — and notes that the autofocus, while not class-leading, is reliable enough for most work. The growing L-mount lens ecosystem and smart tools like frame markers and Lumix Lab LUTs make it highly flexible for creators.

In short, Tonelli sees the S1 II as a true workhorse: a camera that delivers professional-grade results for both video and photo at a competitive price point.

Sony shooter Sidney Diongzon shared a playful take in his latest video, starting with a joke about switching from Sony to Lumix—only to reveal why he’s still sticking with Sony. Over the past two months, he’s been testing the Lumix S1 II, and he admits it’s one of the most impressive cameras he has used for video.

Sidney highlighted why the Lumix S1 II feels close to perfection: 6K open-gate recording, internal ProRes RAW, V-Log C, outstanding stabilization, much improved autofocus, 24MP stills with 70fps burst shooting, and full weather sealing. He also praised the new Lumix Lab app, which allows custom looks similar to Fujifilm film recipes.

His conclusion: The Lumix S1 II is a “9 out of 10” camera and a fantastic tool for videographers, but switching entire systems out of frustration with another brand doesn’t make sense. Instead, buy the gear that best supports your creative work—even if it means mixing brands.

A first test of the new Apex 35mm and 50mm f/1.8 1.33x anamorphic L-mount lenses! The lenses will soon be available for preorder at BHphoto.