Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogMay 13, 2025Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 review, Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 sample images, Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 samples, Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 sample photos, Panasonic 50mm 1.8 review, Lumix 50mm 1.8 review, Panasonic 50mm f1.8 review, Lumix 50mm f1.8 review, Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 image qualityComment

Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 Review

Panasonic S Lumix 50mm f/1.8 review — The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 shown on a Leica SL2-S

The Nifty Fifty From Panasonic

If you count my Fujifilm 35mm lens (APS-C), which has a roughly 50mm full-frame equivalent focal length, I already have four 50mm lenses. Needless to say, I love the 50mm focal length.

So why add the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8?

I wanted a 50mm autofocus lens for my Leica SL2-S
It’s affordable
Curiosity. I am considering adding the new Panasonic S1R II to my kit, and having more Panasonic lenses seems like a good idea. The Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE were also released today, so you may wonder what lenses to get with these latest Panasonic cameras.
It’s always great to have another lens to review

There you have it. These were my reasons. Now that I have had the Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 for over a month, let’s see if buying it was a good idea.

Front element of a Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 showing the 67mm filter thread — Front element of the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 showing the 67mm filter thread

Introduction

The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 was introduced four years ago and is part of Panasonic's rather brilliantly designed line of f/1.8 lenses.

This line of lenses is remarkable as they are all the same size and take the same 67mm filter. It includes an 18 mm f/1.8, 24 mm f/1.8, 35 mm f/1.8, 50 mm f/1.8, and finally, an 85 mm f/1.8. I have the 85mm f/1.8; you can read my review here.

If the 85mm had been a dud, I would not have expanded my collection of Panasonic lenses. I happen to like the 85mm, so here we are.

The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 retails for $447.99, but when this review was posted, it was on sale with a $100.00 rebate.

A classic car, the Mercury Meteor.Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 and Leica SL2-S. — Mercury Meteor, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 @ f/1.8

Handling, Specs, and Build Quality

I am surprised how much I have come to like the design and feel of the f/1.8 Panasonic S lenses. They are compact for autofocus lenses, and despite the plastic build, they feel solid when mounted on the camera.

At 10.6 oz (300 g), the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is 55 g lighter than the 85mm version, and the hood is also a tad shorter. It has 9 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical elements, and a 9-blade diaphragm. You can see the bokeh at f/1.8 in the photo above.

The Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 has an AF/MF switch on the side of the barrel, and the included plastic lens hood is amply sized. The filter diameter is 67mm, and the minimum focusing distance is 17.7" (45 cm).

I use readers and appreciate the white marking on the lens indicating how to line it up before mounting it. The rubberized focus ring also has a perfect feel, resulting in a fantastic grip on the camera/lens combination.

However, the focus ring is a bit of a dust magnet. The specs of dust getting stuck are tiny, though, so it may not bother you.

The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 shown on a Leica SL2-S

In Action

Autofocus works well with eye-tracking even on my Leica SL2-S, which has contrast-detect AF. This is a nice complement to my Voigtländer, Canon, and Nikkor 50mm lenses, which are manual-focus only.

My Leica SL2-S is already a heavy camera, so having a decent lightweight lens to pair it with is wonderful. Call it a carefree setup, if you will. At the moment, it’s the lens I pick up for a quick photo walk when I want a versatile option with AF, and at times it will be the only lens I bring.

Sideview and AF/MF switch on the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 — AF/MF switch on the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 shown on a Leica SL2-S

Image Quality

It is commonly known that the Leica Summicron-SL 50mm f/2, $2,350.00, is based on the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8, albeit with modifications. The Leica lens has a more solid all-metal build quality, perhaps with different coatings, and weighs another 100 g but has the same filter size.

I have seen tests in which reviewers rate these two lenses neck and neck regarding image quality. This should be a testament to the Panasonic lens, and from what I see, it translates to excellent color rendition in a sharp lens with decent bokeh qualities.

Please click on the sample images to view them in sizes up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size. You can also pinch-zoom if you use a mobile phone.

The Squamish River and mountains at Brackendale. Sample image from a Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 and Leica SL2-S. — Squamish River, Brackendale, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 @ f/8

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 may not be as exciting as f/1.4 or f/1.2 options in the 50mm lens category, and it may lack some wow factor, but I still see it as a solid performer, especially if you consider the price, feel, and weight.

Sigma has interesting options in the L-Mount alliance, in the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art, $1,389.00, and 50mm f/2 DG Contemporary, $607.00. I would love to test these at some point. It would also be interesting to see if the Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 would feel significantly different, warranting the much higher price tag.

I picked up the Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 for $290.00 on our local buy/sell market, and it was a brand-new copy in the box. As I type this, it is on sale in Canada for the same price. Go figure.

Time will tell if it will keep up with the more demanding sensor on the Panasonic Lumix S1R II, but I suspect it will do okay.

Regardless of sales or regular retail prices, the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent value proposition. I recommend keeping it on a short list if you are looking for an L-mount 50mm autofocus lens.

Please see more sample images below.

Pros

Lightweight
Great design in a line of other f/1.8 options
Affordability. Excellent value for the dollars spent

Cons

May lack a wow factor

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.