Panasonic Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 Review
Panasonic's first full-frame mirrorless cameras are bulkier than competitors, so it's no surprise that some of its lenses follow suit. The company's first L-mount prime, the Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 ($2,299.99), is in that category. It's larger than other 50mm f/1.4 designs for mirrorless systems, but backs up its girth with excellent optics. That said, while it's not a native mirrorless lens and isn't shipping at press time, Sigma is accepting orders for an L-mount version of its 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, an Editors' Choice winner and priced at just $949.
A Big Prime
As photographers have demanded better lenses to match modern, high-resolution sensors, the size of the typical 50mm f/1.4 lens has grown. But the Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 is on the large side even by modern standards. It measures 5.2 by 3.5 inches (HD), supports 77mm front filters, and weighs 2.1 pounds. Compare that with the Sigma 50mm ($948.99 at Amazon) , which supports the same filter size, but is a little smaller (3.9 by...
The Panasonic Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 is a standard prime with few flaws, but it's is larger and priced higher than similar lenses for competing systems.
Quite sharp; Bright f/1.4 aperture; Minimal distortion; Focus clutch and aperture ring; Dust and splash protection
Big for a 50mm; Expensive; Aperture ring doesn't de-click; No fluorine coat