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Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 vs Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH

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Panasonic S 85mm F1.8

Telephoto Prime | Leica L

Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8
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Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH

Telephoto Prime | Leica L

Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH
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Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 vs Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 and Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH, two Telephoto Prime lenses from Panasonic and Leica.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Leica L Mount
  • Weight: 355g.
  • Diameter: 74mm
  • Length: 82mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.8m
  • Max Magnification:0.13x

Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH Key Specs

  • 90mm Focal Range
  • F2 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Leica L Mount
  • Weight: 700g.
  • Diameter: 73mm
  • Length: 102mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.6m
  • Max Magnification:0.2x

What type of photography are the Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 and Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 and the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH
Bird/WildlifeAverageAverage
SportsGoodGood
PortraitExcellentExcellent
TravelFairFair
StreetAverageAverage
WeddingVery GoodVery Good
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingAverageAverage
LandscapeFairFair
MacroPoorFair

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH is the longer of the two lenses at 102mm. The Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 with a length of 82mm is 20mm shorter. On the other hand, the Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH's 73mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 weighs 355g, which means it is 345g (49%) lighter than the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH which has a weight of 700g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Prime Lenses in Leica L Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Prime Lenses in Leica L Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN C Lens Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN C
60mm
64mm 295g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN A
94mm
83mm 630g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art Lens Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM A
139mm
91mm 1130g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A
126mm
95mm 1130g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM A
132mm
116mm 1645g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 and Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH has the same Leica L lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Leica L lenses are Panasonic S5 II, Panasonic S5 II X and Sigma fp L.

Focal Range

Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 90mm.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 over Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH

Focal Length - Wide 85mm vs 90mm 5mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2 Wider aperture at tele end
Weight 355g vs 700g 345g lighter
Length 82mm vs 102mm 20mm shorter

Reasons to choose Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH over Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8

Focal Length - Tele 90mm vs 85mm 5mm more Tele coverage
Diameter 73mm vs 74mm 1mm smaller in diameter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.6m vs 0.8m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.2x vs 0.13x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 and Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 and Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Distance Scale No vs No No Distance Scale assist



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Panasonic S 85mm F1.8 vs Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Panasonic Leica
Lens Type Prime Prime
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Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Leica L Leica L
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 85mm 90mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.8 F2
Min Aperture F22 F22
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 9 11
Optical Groups 8 9
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.8m 0.6m
Max Magnification 0.13X 0.2X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Linear Motor Stepper motor
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No No
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No No
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 355g 700g
Diameter 74mm 73mm
Length 82mm 102mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 67mm 67mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Unknown
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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