Panasonic has pulled the covers off its latest lens and this one is sure to be a hit for portrait photographers. The LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is built for Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless cameras such as the S1 or S5 and uses the L-mount, which can also be found on Leica cameras, too.
Built around a 9 elements in 8 groups design, the lens also boasts a pair of ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses which Panasonic explains ‘suppresses both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification’.
The LUMIX lens is part of Panasonic’s S range and features protection for dust and moisture resistance to make it a suitable choice for professional photographers who need a lens that can stand up to the rigours of everyday use. In fact, the lens can even be used in conditions down to 10 degrees below zero.
With a focal length of 85mm, the lens is perfect for portraiture, enabling shooters to get frame-filling headshots of their models. What’s more, the fast f/1.8 maximum aperture creates a shallow depth of field and creates pleasing bokeh to help the subject stand out from the background.
What’s more, that f/1.8 max aperture will be super useful when light levels start to fall as it will help keep shutter speeds fast, reducing the risk of shake entering the frame. Although the LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is perfect for portraiture, the versatile lens is a good option for longer landscape work too. Lastly, the prime optic is also suitable for video work as Panasonic explains the lens features a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing.
Despite the impressive built and fast aperture, the LUMIX S 85mm is a compact and lightweight lens, tipping the scales at just 355g. The lens features a 67mm filter thread and this thread size will also be present on the forthcoming Panasonic’s four future S f/1.8 lenses, meaning photographers will be able to swap filters between lenses.
Available from the end of November, the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 will carry a price-tag of $599/£599.99