The Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 – the first of four uniform-sized, full-frame f/1.8 prime lenses – has been officially announced by Panasonic.
While compatible with all L-mount cameras, the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 has been primarily designed with the manufacturer's own S-series bodies in mind such as the Panasonic S1R, Panasonic S1H and the new Panasonic S5.
• Read more: Panasonic L-mount lens roadmap
The new optic features eight groups with a total of nine elements, including a pair of Extra-low Dispersion lenses to control both axial and magnification-induced chromatic aberration.
With nine aperture blades, the S 85mm f/1.8 "pursues the beauty of bokeh" and "provides smooth defocus gradation from the focus peak to the neighboring area of the image as well as smooth, round bokeh of point light source without vignetting."
The lens also possesses a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, making this an optic well suited to shooting video. A sturdy 355g optic, it is weather sealed (being dust and splash-resistant) and withstands hard conditions down to -10°C / 14°F.
As noted, the Pansonic S 85mm f/1.8 is the first of a family of four, fast, full-frame f/1.8 primes from the manufacturer, which will also comprise 24mm, 35mm and 50mm options.
All four lenses will share a common size, position of controls and filter diameter (which is 67mm), making operability and compatibility much simpler (although no doubt making it tricky to find the right lens in your camera bag).
The Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 will be available from the end of November with a recommended retail price of $597.99 / £599.99 (approximately AU$836.19).
Pre-order the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 from B&H (US / Worldwide)
Pre-order the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 from Adorama (US / Worldwide)
Pre-order the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 from Wex (UK)
Read more:
Best Panasonic cameras
Panasonic S1R review
Panasonic S1H review
Panasonic S5 review
