Panasonic Lumix 85mm F1.8 Lens: Review & Sample Shots

If you’re searching for a portrait lens that balances performance, affordability, and portability, the Lumix S 85mm F1.8 might just be your next favorite companion. Released in the year 2021, this prime lens promises stunning bokeh, sharp images, and all-around versatility, making it a solid choice for portrait and street photographers alike.

I’ve been craving to buy an 85mm prime lens for a while now since many of the beautiful portraits and fashion photography I’ve admired were shot with 85mm prime lens. However, before I buy the lens, I wanted to test its real-world versatility and see if the results matched my aesthetic. My first opportunity to try the Lumix S 85mm F1.8 (Model S-S85GC) came during a destination wedding shoot in 2021. While I also had a few other lenses, including Lumix S-Pro 50mm F1.4, with me on this shoot, the 85mm really stood out, especially for the makeup shots and family portraits—it impressed both me and my clients.

The next time I used this lens was when testing the Lumix S9 (Lumix latest launched camera) for street photography and covering a farewell party, in Mumbai this year. While you don’t often see street photographers using 85mm, some still appreciate this focal length for unobtrusively candid shots on streets. After using this lens for a few events and one street photography session, I must say it’s a keeper, especially at this price. You do get a wider F1.4 aperture and more switches with the Sigma 85mm F1.4, but it comes at 1.5x the price and 80% more weight as compared to Lumix 85mm F1.8 lens. The Lumix 100mm F2.8 lens, though marketed mainly as a macro lens, is also more versatile and lighter, but it’s nearly double the price with a smaller F2.8 aperture.

In this review, I’ll break down the pros and cons of this lens and compare it to other popular options in the same focal length range for portraits and everyday use. I will also share sample shots I’ve taken to demonstrate its real-world performance. We’ll see how it stacks up and whether it’s worth adding to your camera bag!

Pros:

1. Compact & Lightweight Design: Weighing just 355g and measuring around 82mm in length, the S 85mm F1.8 is remarkably lightweight for a full-frame lens.
2. Affordable: Priced at around INR 50K in India, it is one of the more affordable high-quality lenses in Panasonic’s S-series lineup.
3. Impressive Bokeh & Subject Isolation: With an F1.8 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm, this lens delivers pleasing bokeh and smooth out-of-focus areas, ideal for portrait photography.
4. Weather-Sealed: The lens is dust-and-splash resistant, designed to withstand tough conditions, including temperatures down to -10°C (14°F), making it a reliable option for outdoor use as well.
5. No Better Alternatives at this Price: The alternative to this lens for candid wedding photography (Lumix/Sigma 70-200 mm f/2.8 and Lumix 100mm F2.8 lens) are much more expensive.
6. Gimble-friendly for Video Shoots: It is light and easier to use on gimbals when taking videos.

Cons:

1. Not a PRO Lens: It lacks some of the advanced optical features seen in its counterpart lens Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN – Art series, meaning it may not offer the absolute widest aperture (F1.4) and sharpest resolution for more demanding professionals.
2. Limited Close Focus Distance: With a minimum focusing distance of 0.8m, it’s not the best option for close-up or macro work, limiting its versatility sightly. For macro shots, you should rather consider Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro.
3. No Optical Image Stabilization: The lens doesn’t feature built-in stabilization, which might be a drawback for users relying on handheld shooting in low-light conditions. However, paired with in-body stabilization in Lumix S-series cameras, this may not be a significant issue.

Key Specifications

• Lens Construction: 9 elements in 8 groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 9 rounded blades
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.8m (2.62 ft)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.13x
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Weight: 355g (12.52 oz)
• Weather Sealing: Dust, splash, and freeze-resistant

Why 85mm Focal Length Lens?

The 85mm focal length is a classic choice for portraiture, offering a flattering perspective with minimal distortion. It’s equally useful for events, street photography, and even some landscape compositions. Thanks to its wide aperture and excellent light-gathering capabilities, the lens excels in low-light situations and provides strong subject-background separation.

For event photography, the 85mm focal length strikes the perfect balance. It lets you capture candid moments without being intrusive, while still giving you enough flexibility to move around and compose shots in tighter spaces.

For street photography, I use a lens of this focal length when I don’t want to ruin the moment by getting too close to my subject. It lets me blend in, rather than stand out as a “photographer” with a big camera.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lumix S 85mm F1.8 is a highly capable, lightweight, and affordable lens, making it a solid choice for portrait, fashion, and wedding photography. The lens delivers sharp images and beautiful bokeh, handling every situation without any issues. If my budget allowed, I’d be tempted by the Lumix 100mm F2.8. It’s got that extra reach for more candid shots and the bonus of macro versatility, even if you’re trading a bit on the aperture. But since I’m not exactly deep into fashion, portrait, or macro photography, and most of my shots are of family and friends in cozy settings, the Lumix 85mm F1.8 is my pick. It just makes sense—affordable and great value for money!