Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 vs Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro
L-Mount
The Lumix S 85 f/1.8 (November 2020) is a classic portrait lens and part of Panasonic's compact F1.8 series, while the Lumix S 100 f/2.8 Macro (January 2024) is a true 1:1 macro. Both share the same form factor with a 67 mm filter, are dust, splash and freeze resistant and have no in-lens stabilization. The macro even weighs less at 298 g than the 85 at 355 g.
So the difference is not in size but in purpose: f/1.8 for low light and portraits against 1:1 for close-ups. The 85 focuses down to 0.8 m, the 100 to 0.2 m.
Which one suits whom?
- S 85 f/1.8: You mainly shoot portraits and events and need the wider aperture.
- S 100 Macro: You want flowers, insects and details at 1:1 and still a usable portrait tele.
Key differences
- Focal length: 85 mm on the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8, 100 mm on the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro.
- The Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 is faster: f/1.8 instead of f/2.8, about 1.3 stops more light.
- The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro is 57 g lighter (298 g vs 355 g).
- The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro focuses closer: from 20 cm instead of 80 cm.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 | Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 355 g | 298 g |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 80 cm | 20 cm |
| Length | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | no |
Size comparison
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8: 82 × 74 mm
- Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro: 82 × 74 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).