Panasonic LUMIX S 50mm F1.8

Reviewers rate it sharp from f/1.8, with very good centre detail and corners that are close behind even wide open. Sharpness is outstanding from f/2.8 to f/11 and peaks around f/5.6, with some diffraction at f/22. Distortion is minimal and colour fringing is generally low, though some purple fringing can appear on backlit, high-contrast edges. Flare resistance is good. Autofocus is quick, quiet and reliable at normal distances but can hunt near the 0.45m minimum. Breathing is well controlled for video.

Bokeh is smooth for an f/1.8 lens, with round highlights in the centre and some cat's-eye shapes toward the edges. Reports on vignetting differ: one test found little, another clearly saw it at f/1.8 until about f/4. The build feels sturdy and weather sealed, and testers call it good value next to Panasonic's f/1.4 fifty, though cheaper 50mm f/1.8 lenses exist on other systems. Criticisms include no focus limiter and no function button.