Panasonic S Series 85mm F1.8 Lens Review – Pros & Cons – Panasonic Lumix S Series

The Panasonic S Series 85mm F1.8 Lens is a magnificent piece of engineering, a true artist’s brush for the discerning photographer. Its sleek, black body feels substantial and balanced, seamlessly integrating with any L-Mount full-frame camera. This lens is a master of its craft, for it effortlessly carves out your subject with a beautiful, soft bokeh, blurring the background into a painterly wash of light and color. Moreover, the f/1.8 aperture is a window to a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to shoot in challenging low-light conditions with confidence and clarity, while also giving you precise control over your depth of field. Consequently, portraits become more intimate, and details are rendered with a breathtaking sharpness that truly brings them to life. Finally, this lens is not merely a tool; it is an extension of the photographer’s vision, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Furthermore, the operational performance of the Panasonic S Series 85mm F1.8 Lens is as smooth as silk. Its autofocus system is remarkably fast, silent, and accurate, thus ensuring you never miss the fleeting moments that matter most. Subsequently, the focus breathing is suppressed, a critical feature for videographers who demand smooth and professional-looking footage. Likewise, the lens’s durable, dust- and splash-resistant construction means it can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting, from misty mornings to dusty trails, so you can focus on the art of your craft rather than the safety of your gear. In addition, the lens’s compact and lightweight design makes it an ideal companion for travel and on-the-go shooting, so you can carry it effortlessly without feeling burdened, and yet it still delivers the professional results you desire.

Ultimately, the Panasonic S Series 85mm F1.8 Lens is a testament to Panasonic’s commitment to excellence, bridging the gap between artistic expression and technical perfection. In essence, it is a lens that whispers rather than shouts, letting your subject be the star of the show. Therefore, whether you’re a professional portrait artist or a passionate enthusiast, this lens is a worthwhile investment. Although it’s compact in size, it possesses a massive heart, capable of capturing stories and emotions with an unparalleled grace. Therefore, it is more than just glass and metal; it’s a key to unlocking your creative potential, allowing you to paint with light and shadow, and to capture the world as you see it, with a beautiful and poetic lens that truly stands apart.

FEATURES:
– 85mm fixed focal length
– Fast f/1.8 aperture
– For L-mount cameras
– Full-frame coverage
– Interchangeable lens
– Compact and lightweight design
– Smooth, quiet autofocus
– Minimal focus breathing
– Ideal for portraits
– Dust and splash resistant

The Panasonic LUMIX S Series 85mm F1.8 lens is a compact and lightweight option for L-mount mirrorless cameras. It offers a fixed 85mm focal length and a fast f/1.8 aperture, making it ideal for capturing portraits with beautiful bokeh. The lens features smooth, quiet autofocus with minimal focus breathing, ensuring high-quality video recording. Additionally, its dust and splash-resistant design makes it a durable choice for various shooting conditions.

PROS:
– Panasonic Lumix 85mm F1.8
– Feels solid and professional
– Lightweight yet sturdy
– Tack-sharp results even wide open
– Beautiful bokeh and color rendition
– Autofocus is quick and quiet
– Minimal focus breathing for video
– Consistent with other F1.8 lenses
– Great for portraits, street, and video
– Works well with IBIS-enabled cameras
– Excellent value for the price

CONS:
– No image stabilization
– A little bit of focus breathing
– Not as good as the Sigma 85mm

The Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 lens is a professional, lightweight, and sturdy lens that delivers tack-sharp results and beautiful bokeh. It is an excellent value for the price, offering quick and quiet autofocus with minimal focus breathing, making it suitable for video. While it lacks built-in image stabilization and has some slight focus breathing, it is a versatile lens for portraits, street photography, and video, and it pairs well with cameras that have in-body image stabilization (IBIS). It is also consistent with other F1.8 lenses in the series, though some reviewers find it not quite on par with the Sigma 85mm. Read more…

LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Lens

LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Lens

This is a close-up image of the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 lens. The lens has a black, matte finish. It features a large, ribbed focus ring for grip. The side of the lens barrel has the “Panasonic S-S85” model name and the L-Mount logo. The lens mount, which connects to the camera body, is visible on the right side. The overall design is simple and functional.


Portrait by the Water with LUMIX S 85mm F1.8

Portrait by the Water with LUMIX S 85mm F1.8

A woman sits on a wooden dock. She is wearing a flowing yellow dress. Her feet are in the water. The water has ripples. The background is a treeline. The light is soft. The lens captures the subject with a shallow depth of field. The image is clear and sharp. The scene is calm and serene. The copyright watermark for Maiko Fukui is in the bottom right corner.


PANASONIC LUMIX S Series 85mm Camera Lens

PANASONIC LUMIX S Series 85mm Camera Lens

This is a black camera lens. It is a prime lens. The focal length is 85mm. The lens has a ribbed texture on one end. It also has a smooth section with markings. It’s a PANASONIC LUMIX S Series lens. A silver metal mount is visible at the bottom.


Close-up of a Camera Lens

Close-up of a Camera Lens

This image shows the side view of a black camera lens. It has a ridged focus ring on the front. A switch is visible on the side. The switch has two settings, AF and MF, for autofocus and manual focus. The lens mount is visible at the back. It is a Sony lens.


Compact Panasonic 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens

Compact Panasonic 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens

The image shows a Panasonic S Series 85mm F1.8 lens. The lens has a sleek, black finish. The focus and aperture rings have a textured grip. A switch on the side lets you select between autofocus and manual focus. The front of the lens shows the model name and filter size. The lens elements have a subtle purple and green reflection.


Professional grade lens for Panasonic S Series cameras

Professional grade lens for Panasonic S Series cameras

This is a high-quality prime lens. It’s an 85mm F1.8 lens. The lens is designed for Panasonic S Series cameras. The lens barrel is black. It has a focus ring and a large focus distance indicator. The front of the lens shows the ‘S’ logo. The lens has a filter size of 67mm. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.8 meters (2.62 feet).


Professional Camera with Prime Lens

Professional Camera with Prime Lens

The image shows a black LUMIX S5 camera. A LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 prime lens is mounted on the camera body. The lens has a large glass element. The body has a textured grip. The camera and lens are shown from the front.


High-End Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

High-End Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

This is a close-up, three-quarter view of the Panasonic Lumix S1R camera. It’s a high-end, full-frame mirrorless camera. A black Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 lens is attached. The camera has a textured body for better grip. The lens mount is prominent. The product is placed on a white background.


Panasonic S Series 85mm F1.8 Lens

Panasonic S Series 85mm F1.8 Lens

The image shows a Panasonic Lumix S5 camera. A Panasonic S Series 85mm F1.8 lens is attached to the camera. The camera and lens are black. The lens has a large aperture. The photo is taken from a three-quarters angle. The background is a solid white color.


LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Lens on a Camera Body

LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Lens on a Camera Body

This image shows a LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 full-frame lens attached to a Panasonic camera body. The lens is prominent in the foreground. The camera’s top controls are visible. This includes the mode dial, which has settings like Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Manual (M). The ISO and White Balance (WB) buttons are also shown. The red record button is on the top right. This setup is ready for professional photography.


About All Expert Reviews

Welcome to All Expert Reviews! We're your go-to source for unbiased, in-depth reviews on a wide range of products and services. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make smart, confident purchasing decisions. Explore our detailed reviews and ratings, and see what real users have to say.

View all posts by All Expert Reviews →

Best Panasonic S Series 85mm F1 8 Deals

PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 85mm F1.8 L Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras, S-S85, Black

Image of PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 85mm F1.8 L Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras, S-S85, Black

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ WORKS WITH ALL L-MOUNT FULL-FRAME DIGITAL CAMERAS: L-Mount compatibility makes it an essential, hard-working lens across the LUMIX S series, and beyond.
  • ✅ LARGE APERTURE, PERFECT FOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY: Lens provides wide range of creative choices for portraiture, including beautiful bokeh and smooth defocus gradation
  • ✅ COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Light, portable, easy-to-carry lens lets you stay mobile all day in comfort
  • ✅ VIDEO SUPPORT – Excels in video recording performance with suppressed focus breathing
  • ✅ RUGGED DESIGN – Dust/splash*/freeze-resistant design withstands heavy field use under harsh conditions

Product Details

Brand:Panasonic
Model:S-S85
Color:Black
Dimensions:3.23 X 2.9 X 2.9 inches
Warranty:1 year manufacturer

PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 85mm F1.8 L Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras, S-S85, Black (Renewed)

Image of PANASONIC LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 85mm F1.8 L Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras, S-S85, Black (Renewed)

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Product Details

Brand:Panasonic
Model:S-S85-cr
Color:Black
Dimensions:9.1 X 9.1 X 9.1 inches
Warranty:90 days limited warranty

Sony FE 85 mm F1.8 Standard Telephoto Prime Lens – Lightweight Portrait Optics, Smooth 9-Blade Bokeh SEL85F18/2, Filter Kit, Cap Keeper, Cleaning Kit, and More

Image of Sony FE 85 mm F1.8 Standard Telephoto Prime Lens – Lightweight Portrait Optics, Smooth 9-Blade Bokeh SEL85F18/2, Filter Kit, Cap Keeper, Cleaning Kit, and More

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ Sony USA Authorized. FE 85mm f/1.8 lens with 67mm filter kit, lens cap keeper, and cleaning kit.
  • ✅ Exceptional Optical Performance – The Sony FE 85 mm F1.8 boasts an extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element paired with a 9-blade circular diaphragm, delivering sharp corner-to-corner clarity and smooth, creamy bokeh that brings portraits to life.
  • ✅ Bright Aperture for Low-Light & Depth Control – With an f/1.8 maximum aperture, this lens excels in challenging lighting and artful depth-of-field control, ensuring beautifully isolated subjects with pleasing background separation.
  • ✅ Fast, Quiet Autofocus – Powered by a double linear autofocus motor system, the SEL85F18 focuses swiftly, accurately, and with minimal noise—making it equally great for stills and video applications. Includes a customizable focus-hold button and AF/MF switch for convenient control.
  • ✅ Versatile Portrait Focal Length – Designed for full-frame E-mount cameras, the 85 mm focal length provides flattering compression for portraits. On crop-sensor bodies, it delivers an equivalent field-of-view of approximately 127.5 mm—versatile for headshots, detail work, and more.

Product Details

Brand:Sony
Model:SEL85F18/2_AV_1
Color:black
Dimensions:4.7 X 4.7 X 4.7 inches
Warranty:1 Year

Panasonic LUMIX S1 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera with 24.2MP MOS High Resolution Sensor, L-Mount Lens Compatible, 4K HDR Video and 3.2” LCD - DC-S1BODY Black

Image of Panasonic LUMIX S1 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera with 24.2MP MOS High Resolution Sensor, L-Mount Lens Compatible, 4K HDR Video and 3.2” LCD - DC-S1BODY Black

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ Full frame sensor – 24. 2-Megapixel full-frame (35. 6mm x 23. 8mm) MOS sensor that provides a wide dynamic Range and excellent performance at high sensitivity (is 51200 Max sensitivity)
  • ✅ Lumix s camera lens – easy-to-use 24-105mm standard focal macro zoom F4 l-mount for Lumix s Series full-frame l-mount digital Mirrorless cameras
  • ✅ 4K HDR VIDEO - 4K 60p/50p, 4K 24/30P unlimited recording, 4K60P 29: 59 min limited recording. HDR Mode and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG). V-Log with Internal 4: 2: 2 10-bit 4k30/24p (4K60p output only) available via optional software upgrade key.
  • ✅ 96MP high resolution mode – a sensor shift technology suitable for taking very high-resolution Landscapes and fine art photos via tripod with toggle able motion correction capabilities
  • ✅ RUGGED MIRRORLESS CAMERA DESIGN – Dust/splash*/freeze-resistant design withstands heavy field use under harsh conditions for high mobility (*See PDF in & Support)

Product Details

Brand:Panasonic
Model:DC-S1BODY
Size:Full-Size
Color:Black
Dimensions:9.05 X 9.35 X 6.4 inches
Warranty:1 year manufacturer

Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 Lens for L Mount, Bundle with ProOptic 67mm Filter Kit, PC Software, Cleaning

Image of Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 Lens for L Mount, Bundle with ProOptic 67mm Filter Kit, PC Software, Cleaning

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ Panasonic LUMIX S Series 85mm f/1.8 Lens - Lens Cap - Lens Rear Cap - Lens Hood - Panasonic 1 Year Limited Warranty - Bundle Includes: - Corel Photo Video Art Suite Software Kit - ProOptic 67mm Digital Essentials Filter Kit - Cleaning Kit
  • ✅ Designed for use with LUMIX mirrorless S-Series Full-Frame digital cameras
  • ✅ f/1.8 large aperture provides beautiful bokeh and smooth defocus gradation
  • ✅ Lightweight body construction for all day portability and comfort
  • ✅ Excels in video recording performance with suppressed focus breathing

Product Details

Brand:Panasonic
Size:82.0
Color:Black
Dimensions:2.9 X 67 X 67 inches
Warranty:1 Year Limited Warranty

Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Medium Telephoto Auto Focus High Resolution 8K Portrait Prime Lens Compatible with Sony E Mount Mirrorless Cameras A7R A7IV A7R IV A7III A7SIII A7C A7CII

Image of Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Medium Telephoto Auto Focus High Resolution 8K Portrait Prime Lens Compatible with Sony E Mount Mirrorless Cameras A7R A7IV A7R IV A7III A7SIII A7C A7CII

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ The new generation Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II incorporates a re-optimized optical design, achieving an F1.8 large aperture while maintaining a compact and lightweight build. Each lens element is multi-coated on both sides to effectively suppress flare and ghosting, significantly improve light transmission, and faithfully reproduce colors. The front and rear elements are further treated with fingerprint- and oil-resistant coatings, reducing dust and stain adhesion while making daily cleaning and maintenance quick and easy.
  • ✅ Standard 85mm focal length ideal for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography, with a wide f/1.8 aperture featuring 11 diaphragm blades for beautiful bokeh effects
  • ✅ Equipped with STM stepping motor, the lens will bring you experience of silent and smooth focusing; Features micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface, enables you to upgrade the lens online
  • ✅ Support AF, electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission. Constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups. Sharper & High Resolution(8K), aperture range from F1.8 to F16. Maximum magnification of 0.17X; Minimum focusing distance: 0.65m
  • ✅ Compatible with Sony E Mount Cameras A7 A7R A74 A7R4 A7III A7RII A7RIII A7SIII A9; Also compatible with Sony APS-C frame cameras A6300 A6400 A6500 A6600, the equivalent focal length is 127.5mm

Product Details

Brand:Meike
Size:85mm F1.8 SEII-E
Dimensions:3.94 X 2.99 X 2.99 inches
Warranty:1

Panasonic LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 35mm F1.8 L-Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras, S-S35

Image of Panasonic LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 35mm F1.8 L-Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras, S-S35

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ A Compact, Versatile 35mm Prime Lens: F1.8 large aperture lens provides high resolution from center to corner and beautiful bokeh; works with all L-mount full-frame digital cameras
  • ✅ Great for Snapshots and Portraiture: The S-S35 has a similar angle view to what you see with your naked eye, for natural-looking close-up shots with a minimum focusing distance of 0.24 m/0.79 ft
  • ✅ Video Support: Excels in video recording, with minimal focus breathing and smooth aperture control
  • ✅ Lightweight, Rugged Design: Compact, portable lens is easy to carry all day in comfort; dust/splash*/freeze-resistant design withstands heavy field use under harsh conditions
  • ✅ Programmable Focus Throw with Rotation Speed and Rotational Quantum: Program the rotation of the manual focus ring to move seamlessly from infinite focus to close focus

Product Details

Brand:Panasonic
Model:S-S35
Color:Black
Dimensions:3.23 X 2.9 X 2.9 inches
Warranty:1 year manufacturer

Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Auto Focus Medium Telephoto High Resolution 8K Portrait Lens Compatible with Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras T8i T7 850D 5D 6D 5D Mark IV 6D Mark II

Image of Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Auto Focus Medium Telephoto High Resolution 8K Portrait Lens Compatible with Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras T8i T7 850D 5D 6D 5D Mark IV 6D Mark II

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ Compatible with Canon EF Mount cameras such as 5D 6D 7D Mark II 70D 80D 800D 1000D 1100D 600D 60D 450D 550D 5D3 5D4 Rebel T7i T6i T6s T6 T5i T5 T4i T3i DSLR Cameras and so on.
  • ✅ The minimum focus distance is 0.65m and the aperture range from F1.8 to F16. Angle of view is Diagonal:27.8°, horizontal:23.4°, vertical: 10.8°, Maximum magnification of 0.17X
  • ✅ Standard 85mm focal length ideal for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography, with a wide f/1.8 aperture featuring 11 diaphragm blades for beautiful bokeh effects
  • ✅ Support AF, electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission. Constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups. Sharper & High Resolution(8K)
  • ✅ Equipped with STM stepping motor, the lens will bring you experience of silent and smooth focusing; Features micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface, enables you to upgrade the lens online

Product Details

Brand:Meike
Model:EF 85mmF1.8 STM SE II
Size:85mm F1.8 Mark II EF
Dimensions:2.94 X 2.99 X 2.99 Inches
Warranty:1

Panasonic LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 18mm F1.8 L-Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras - S-S18

Image of Panasonic LUMIX S Series Camera Lens, 18mm F1.8 L-Mount Interchangeable Lens for Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Cameras - S-S18

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ A Compact, Versatile 18mm Lens: F1.8 large aperture lens provides high resolution from center to corner and beautiful bokeh; works with all L-mount full-frame digital cameras
  • ✅ Great for Landscapes, Astrophotography, and Architecture: The S-S18 has a similar angle view to what you see with your naked eye, for natural-looking close-up shots with a minimum focusing distance of 0.18m
  • ✅ Video Support: Excels in video recording, with minimal focus breathing and smooth aperture control
  • ✅ Lightweight, Rugged Design: Compact, portable lens is easy to carry all day in comfort; dust/splash/freeze-resistant design withstands heavy field use under harsh conditions
  • ✅ Driven by world-renowned Japanese technology and a spirit of never-ending innovation, LUMIX cameras inspire creators to tell their stories beautifully and vividly.

Product Details

Brand:Panasonic
Model:S-S18
Color:Black
Dimensions:2.9 X 2.9 X 3.23 inches
Warranty:1 year manufacture

Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Medium Telephoto Auto Focus High Resolution 8K Portrait Prime Lens Compatible with Nikon Z Mount Cameras Z50 Z50II Z5 Z6 Z7 Z6II Z7II Z8 Z9 Z30 Z fc

Image of Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Medium Telephoto Auto Focus High Resolution 8K Portrait Prime Lens Compatible with Nikon Z Mount Cameras Z50 Z50II Z5 Z6 Z7 Z6II Z7II Z8 Z9 Z30 Z fc

@ Amazon.com

Shop on Amazon

Key Features

  • ✅ The new generation Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II incorporates a re-optimized optical design, achieving an F1.8 large aperture while maintaining a compact and lightweight build. Each lens element is multi-coated on both sides to effectively suppress flare and ghosting, significantly improve light transmission, and faithfully reproduce colors. The front and rear elements are further treated with fingerprint- and oil-resistant coatings, reducing dust and stain adhesion while making daily cleaning and maintenance quick and easy.
  • ✅ Standard 85mm focal length ideal for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography, with a wide f/1.8 aperture featuring 11 diaphragm blades for beautiful bokeh effects
  • ✅ Equipped with STM stepping motor, the lens will bring you experience of silent and smooth focusing; Features micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface, enables you to upgrade the lens online
  • ✅ Support AF, electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission. Constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups. Sharper & High Resolution(8K), aperture range from F1.8 to F16. Maximum magnification of 0.17X; Minimum focusing distance: 0.65m
  • ✅ Compatible with Nikon Z mount cameras, such as Z5 Z6 Z7 Z6II Z7II Z8 Z9 Z30 Z50 Z fc, the equivalent focal length is 127.5mm on APS-C bodies.

Product Details

Brand:Meike
Size:85mm F1.8 SEII-Z
Dimensions:4 X 2.99 X 2.99 Inches
Warranty:1
Please share this:

Facebook         Twitter         Linkedin         Pinterest        

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *