Panasonic has announced the LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 lens for its full-frame S series cameras. This is the first in a series of four f/1.8 lenses that Panasonic will be releasing.
These four f/1.8 lenses feature common size and position of control parts to provide a practical advantage in use, for example, when the camera is on a gimbal, it is easy to exchange lenses quickly with minimum adjustment of connected gears. Filters can also be used in common thanks to the same diameter. Boasting high mobility realized by its compact size and lightweight, the LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 is also suitable for stills.

Comprising 9 elements in 8 groups, the use of 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses effectively suppresses both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. Panasonic S series lenses even pursue the beauty of bokeh and the LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 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 LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a critical problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography.

The lens tips the scales at just 355g and it features a rugged dust/splash-resistant design that withstands use under harsh conditions even at 10 degrees below zero for high mobility. The filter diameter is 67 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

In addition to the four f/1.8 large-aperture lenses, A 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens is also under development to further enhance LUMIX S Series lens lineup.

The Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 will be available in January for $599.

More info on Panasonic’s website.