Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8

Testers find it very sharp in the centre from f/1.8 and excellent from about f/2.8 onward. One lab test found the full-frame edges the weak point wide open, reaching good levels from around f/4, while another review rated the edges excellent even at f/1.8. Lateral colour is practically absent and spherical aberration is not a problem, but longitudinal colour fringing is slightly high. Distortion is moderate, coma is slight, and the bokeh is smooth for an f/1.8 lens. Measured against direct rivals it beats the similarly priced Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 but falls short of the larger, more complex and pricier Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S.

Autofocus is quick, quiet and accurate, without notable front or back focus. Corner vignetting is noticeable at f/1.8 and largely gone by f/4. Flare resistance was rated average in one test and well controlled into the sun in the other. The biggest complaint for video is focus breathing, measured at about 14%, high for a lens Panasonic markets for video. Most conclude it is a solid, sealed and good-value portrait prime.