Panasonic has introduced the LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 lens for its full-frame S series cameras. The 85mm F1.8 is the first in a series of four F1.8 lenses that Panasonic will be releasing.
One of the main criticisms that Panasonic has faced is that their native S mount lenses were too expensive. Panasonic has taken this criticism seriously and they are now releasing more affordable options that can be used with their cameras.
The four F1.8 lenses will feature common size and position of control parts, and the same filters can also be used as they will all feature an identical front filter diameter (67mm).
In addition to the four planned F1.8 large-aperture lenses, A 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens is also under development.
85mm F1.8
The optical design of the 85mm F1.8 comprises of 9 elements in 8 groups. and it has a 9-blade circular aperture. The use of 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses is claimed to effectively suppress both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification.
Panasonic understands that a lot of these lenses will be used for shooting video so they have added a mechanism that is claimed to suppresses focus breathing.
The lens tips the scales at just 355g (11.8 oz) and it features a rugged dust/splash-resistant design.
Price & Availability
The LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 will be available from the end of November for $599 USD.
