Panasonic has released its debut lens in a new series of f/1.8 primes for full-frame L-Mount cameras: the Lumix S 85mm f/1.8. Aimed at portrait photographers, this mid-telephoto is a compact choice equally well suited for the studio and street. I paired one with Panasonic’s Lumix DC-S1 Mirrorless Digital Camera and headed to the studio to make some portraits.
Out of the box, the small form factor of the lens was a welcome change to the bulky 85mm f/1.4 lenses I typically use for portraits. On the S1, a mirrorless camera with the heft of a small DSLR, you can hardly notice the additional weight of the lens. I was able to shoot handheld wide open at slower shutter speeds than I would normally trust without any issue. This lens will soon be accompanied by a handful of additional f/1.8 primes, all featuring similar dimensions. This will be an easy set of lenses to take on the road for assignments.
With the exception of an AF/MF switch and manual focusing ring, control of the lens is entirely through the camera. Accustomed to manually controllable aperture rings, focus lock buttons, and other tactile controls, I was a bit skeptical at first. My worries were put to bed as soon as I started shooting with the lens. Paired with the S1, this lens’s autofocus was impressive, hitting nearly every single shot. Its linear focusing motor was responsive and quiet. When shooting in silent mode, you heard nothing. The quiet speed of the lens makes it a solid choice for video applications. Panasonic notes that this lens features suppressed focus breathing and AF up to 240 fps.
I was happy with the quality of the photographs I was able to create with this lens. I’ll let the images in this article speak to the sharpness of the glass. In technical terms, the lens consists of nine elements arranged in eight groups. Two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements reduce axial chromatic aberration for accurate image rendering out of camera. Bokeh enthusiasts will enjoy a nine-bladed circular diaphragm capable of producing smooth bokeh with minimal vignetting. Its minimum focusing distance of 2.6' (0.8m) provided plenty of working room when I was making portraits.
The exterior of the lens is dust and splash resistant, and you can use it in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). At just 13.3 oz, this is a lens that can easily be packed in your bag without weighing you down. It accepts 67mm filters and comes with a lens hood.
As mentioned earlier, the Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 is the first in a new series of f/1.8 full-frame L-Mount lenses from Panasonic. Soon to be joined by 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses, the series will offer some of the most popular prime focal lengths at a consistent aperture. All of the lenses in this series will feature the same size, physical design, and filter diameter, making it easy to share accessories as well as swap lenses when using a gimbal.
What do you think of Panasonic’s latest lens? Share your thoughts in the Comments section, below.
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