Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8 Lens First Impressions

Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8 Lens First Impressions:

As some of you know, I’m a 50mm kind of guy, and it’s my main focal length when it comes to my boudoir or fashion type work.  However, there’s no denying the usefulness of an 85mm lens for this type of work as well.  Besides photographing people, sometimes a longer focal length is needed for landscape, street or even wildlife, just to name a few examples.  If you’re an L mount shooter like I am, there are actually some great choices too.  For instance, there is the fantastic Sigma 85mm f1.4, which I reviewed a while back, when it was first released.  For those who want something a bit smaller, there’s the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8, which I finally was able to get around to testing (it’s a lens I’ve been wanting to review for a long time now).  Here are my first impressions of it.

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When the Leica SL was first released, I remember one of the major complaints was the size and weight of the lenses.  Well, things have changed quite a bit because for those looking for something that is just easier to carry around and use, the Lumix 85mm f1.8 might actually be something to consider.  This is really a great size for a short tele type lens with autofocus.  The 85mm f1.8 has a 67mm filter thread, and measures just 2.9 x 3.2″/73.6 x 82 mm.  It is also lighter than I expected it to be with a weight of just 12.5 oz/355 g.

↑ The Panasonic S5 with the Lumix S 85mm f1.8 attached.

↑ Here’s a top view of the combo with the lens hood attached to the 85mm.

I was using the 85mm mainly with the Panasonic S5, which as some of you know, is a very compact camera.  It is actually currently one of my favorite cameras, and for those interested, I have reviewed it before (review here).  Just to put it in perspective, the S5 isn’t much larger than my Fuji X-T3, with the latter having an APS-C sensor vs. the S5’s full frame one.  Together with the lens, the combo is really quite good, especially for someone who travels a lot or just wants a compact and light set up to use.  I was walking around the streets here quite a bit with this set up, and in no way did it feel like I was carrying something that was humongous or bulky.  Instead, this was something I was able to tuck under my arm, if I wanted to conceal it better, and something that I could carry around all day, and not feel fatigued.

↑ This was taken in Asbury Park NJ using f7.1 and 100 ISO.

↑ This was taken in Asbury Park using f5.6 and 200 ISO.

It’s also worth mentioning that the build is quite good as well.  It’s made from a combination of plastic and metal, and while the plastic does make it feel a bit cheaper mainly because of the lightness, the lens is still very solid feeling.  There are no creaks or rattle anywhere.  There are no signs that this lens will fall apart anytime soon.  The focus ring, which has a rubberized grip, is also smooth for when you want to do manual focusing.  Furthermore, the Lumix S 85mm f1.8 is dust, moisture, and freeze resistant, so it is dependable even when the weather isn’t ideal.  While I was not in any major storm, I did have a chance to use it in freezing temps, and while it was snowing a bit.  The lens had no issues at all.  Lastly, the 85mm also comes with a lens hood.

↑ This was taken downtown in NYC using f1.8 and 100 ISO.

↑ Here’s another from Asbury Park taken using f1.8 an 100 ISO.

I’m happy to report that autofocus has been fantastic so far as well.  It uses a linear AF motor that is silent and very fast.  I’ve tried this lens indoors and out; so far, there really isn’t much hunting at all.  I also tried this lens out at the Chinese Lunar New Year Parade here in New York City, and it did quite well locking on to the faster moving performers and lion dancers.

↑ This was taken during the Chinese New Year Lunar Festival using f1.8 and 400 ISO.

↑ Here’s a photo taken using f3.2 and 640 ISO.

As for image quality, the Lumix S 85mm f1.8 has been scoring high points here as well.  Color and contrast look great.  Sharpness is excellent even at f1.8.  Corners seem to hold up really well even at wide open aperture.  I haven’t had issues with flare, and vignetting is nothing to really worry about.  Bokeh at f1.8 is also very smooth and inviting.  In fact, I feel it’s good enough, and shallow enough at f1.8 that for some, they may not even miss an f1.4 lens.

↑ This photo was taken using f8 and 100 ISO.

Overall, the Lumix S 85mm f1.8 has been a great performer, and a great option for L mount users.  The price to me is just right as well: It currently retails for just $597.99, which isn’t outrageous.  So, expect my full review of it soon, and thanks for stopping by!