Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 is a prime lens designed for the L-Mount system, which has gained quite a reputation for its high-quality optics and versatility among portrait photographers and enthusiasts alike. With its fast f/1.8 aperture, this lens promises excellent subject isolation and the ability to shoot in low-light conditions.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the Lumix S 85mm F1.8 is impressive. It features a solid and durable design that gives the lens a professional feel. The lens is weather-sealed, making it suitable for outdoor shoots in various conditions. The compact and lightweight profile ensures that it’s easy to handle, perfect for extended shooting sessions without causing fatigue. Additionally, the manual focus ring provides a smooth and precise operation, ideal for those who prefer greater control over their depth of field.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Lumix S 85mm F1.8 excels in delivering sharp, detailed images across a wide range of apertures. At f/1.8, you can expect wonderfully soft bokeh that isolates your subject effectively, while maintaining sharpness on the focal plane. As you stop down, the lens remains quite sharp, producing impressive clarity from corner to corner. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, and distortion is virtually negligible, making this lens a great option for portraiture and even some street photography.

Autofocus System

The autofocus system on the Lumix S 85mm F1.8 is responsive and relatively fast. It uses a stepping motor that ensures quiet and smooth autofocus performance, which is advantageous for video recording applications as well. While it delivers satisfactory results in most scenarios, it can struggle slightly in low-light environments or with fast-moving subjects, where it might take a moment longer to lock onto the focus.

Versatility

While primarily intended for portraits, the Lumix S 85mm F1.8 can be versatile enough for other photography styles. It performs admirably for environmental portraits, full-body shots, and even some close-up work thanks to its minimum focusing distance. It’s also a fantastic lens for creating dreamy backgrounds in various types of photography, giving many creators an opportunity to explore different styles without needing multiple lenses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with weather-sealing
• Fast f/1.8 aperture for low-light performance and subject isolation
• Sharp throughout the aperture range with beautiful bokeh
• Relatively compact and lightweight design
• Smooth and quiet autofocus

Cons

• Autofocus can lag in low-light or fast-moving scenarios
• Limited close-up capabilities compared to macro lenses

Verdict

Overall, the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 is an outstanding lens that aligns well with the needs of portrait photographers and anyone who requires a fast prime lens for their L-Mount camera system. The combination of build quality, optical performance, and the versatility it offers makes this lens a worthwhile investment. While its autofocus might not be perfect in every situation, for most users, the positives far outweigh the negatives. If you’re seeking a reliable and capable 85mm lens, the Lumix S 85mm F1.8 should definitely be on your shortlist.