Lumix S 50/1.8

jomppak · Apr 2, 2023

Some shoots with Panasonic S 50/F1.8. I though I would be happier with this focal lenght, but it is a little bit too short for isolating subject and too long for landscapes. Sharp even wide open, so you won't get dreamy, low contrast images like with Meike 50/1.2.
Photos with no or very minor editing (typically just selecting one of the DxO film simulations).

jomppak · Apr 2, 2023

For comparsion, one with Meike 50/1.2

Pete_W · Apr 3, 2023

Nice shots.

I was tempted to get the 35mm f1.8 as I felt that the wider focal length suited my photography more. However every time I saw shots from 50mm lenses I liked them more - they just look more natural. So I purchased the 50mm f1.8. Like you, I struggle behind the camera with this lens, feeling that it's either too long or too short, but when I see the photos I am happy.

pdk42 · Apr 3, 2023

I've long had a love/hate relationship with 50mm lenses. I almost never use them for anything except portraits or for social events. In that context, I think the focal length works really well, and the f1.8 aperture is plenty wide enough to handle low light shooting and deliver really good OOF blur for head & shoulder portraits. Plus of course, the price of a "nifty fifty" is usually reasonable so it's the sort of lens that finds its way into a lot of photographers' bags.

I picked up a used copy for £200 that was mint (I think the seller had got it as part of an S5 kit but didn't want it) - which I think for what it delivers is more than a bargain.

Here's a typical "social" scene shot with it. Available light in a cafe.

Qwerty · Apr 3, 2023

The Panasonic 50mm f1.8 is undeniably a great lens available at a great price. But I too have moved past this focal length, I prefer something a bit wider and something longer. Currently I'm enjoying the Sigma 45mm f2.8 and the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 and lusting after the Panasonic 85mm f1.8.

If I was to just focus on building a Panasonic prime kit, I think I would really like the Panasonic 24mm f1.8, 35mm f1.8 and 85mm f1.8 as my three lens kit.

Lsake · Apr 5, 2023

the meike is certainly interesting looking but the Lumix 50mm f1.8 for me is just a really good 50mm. Nice enough bokeh for portraits, sharp enough wide open, silent focus, weather sealed, weighs basically nothing.

jomppak · Apr 5, 2023

Lsake said:
the meike is certainly interesting looking but the Lumix 50mm f1.8 for me is just a really good 50mm. Nice enough bokeh for portraits, sharp enough wide open, silent focus, weather sealed, weighs basically nothing.

Yeah. For me, the "problem" is not Lumix 50/1.8 (I'm selling Meike), it's the focal length in general. I think I might be more 35mm shooter after all as my 20-60 photos are typically near that focal length.

Lsake · Apr 5, 2023

jomppak said:
Yeah. For me, the "problem" is not Lumix 50/1.8 (I'm selling Meike), it's the focal length in general. I think I might be more 35mm shooter after all as my 20-60 photos are typically near that focal length.

I still have a sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens in EF mount. The AF performance adapted to the S5 is pretty slow, but the cost of changing it for the native L version is off putting.

It currently sits next to my Lumix 24/50/85 f1.8 primes…. my problem is I really can’t decide on a favourite focal length.

GeorgeHudetz · Apr 6, 2023

For the One Camera, One Lens challenge, the 50mm focal length is often encouraged as it can be a little tricky to use well, thus forcing you to learn about composition.

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Pete_W · Apr 6, 2023

GeorgeHudetz said:
For the One Camera, One Lens challenge, the 50mm focal length is often encouraged as it can be a little tricky to use well, thus forcing you to learn about composition.

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Thanks for linking that article, George. I've never done that on a trip (I always want my tele zoom!) but on a number of occasions I have gone for an extended walk with my Lumix GX85 with Leica 15mm prime and nothing else, and it is definitely liberating.

PhotoPete · Apr 6, 2023

I always have the idea to capture everything in the landscape. Then I normally realize that I didn't capture the essential. 50mm kind of forces you to think again, what is the important thing in the scene. And then it brings that thing more close to you.

I think I will go out tomorrow with the 50mm.

jomppak · Apr 7, 2023

Peter_W said:
Thanks for linking that article, George. I've never done that on a trip (I always want my tele zoom!) but on a number of occasions I have gone for an extended walk with my Lumix GX85 with Leica 15mm prime and nothing else, and it is definitely liberating.

And I have GX800+20mm pancake for that purpose.

RBecker · Apr 8, 2023

Lsake said:
I still have a sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens in EF mount. The AF performance adapted to the S5 is pretty slow, but the cost of changing it for the native L version is off putting.

It currently sits next to my Lumix 24/50/85 f1.8 primes…. my problem is I really can’t decide on a favourite focal length.

The 35 in EF mount is the oldest of all Art lenses, it was the first of this line. It offers still very good quality, but in terms of size and speed there are other options today.
when you already own 3 of the Lumix 1.8 primes I would definitely think about changing the Sigma to the Lumix 35mm. These 4 lenses are in total quite small and leightweight, so you can just decide on situation.

Lsake · Apr 8, 2023

RBecker said:
The 35 in EF mount is the oldest of all Art lenses, it was the first of this line. It offers still very good quality, but in terms of size and speed there are other options today.
when you already own 3 of the Lumix 1.8 primes I would definitely think about changing the Sigma to the Lumix 35mm. These 4 lenses are in total quite small and leightweight, so you can just decide on situation.

You’re probably right, and this is something I’ll likely do after I see what the S1M2 is offering. Either way this year should see me consolidating everything into native L mount.

Jonathan-Mac · Apr 11, 2023

I'll add some of my favourites from this lens.

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Michael_too · May 28, 2023

Jonathan-Mac · May 28, 2023

Some recent favourites from this fantastic lens. In fact these were all taken on the same sunny day by the sea in Portobello, Edinburgh.

The ladybird photo was taken at minimum focus distance, focused manually.

Lumix S 50/1.8

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