Panasonic announces new lightweight 50mm F1.8 lens for its LUMIX S Series

Panasonic has announced a new large-aperture standard fixed focal length lens, the Lumix S 50mm F1.8 (S-S50).

This is the second addition to the series of four F1.8 large-aperture lenses based on the L-Mount system standard. A total of four F1.8 lenses from the Lumix S Series feature a common size and position of control parts to provide practical advantages in use. For example, when the camera is on a gimbal, it is easy to exchange these lenses quickly with minimum adjustment of connected gears. Common filters can also be used thanks to the same 67 mm filter thread. 

The Lumix S 50mm F1.8 is comprised of nine lens elements in eight groups including three aspherical lenses, one ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens and one UHR (Ultra-High Refractive Index) lens. The use of three aspherical lenses realises both high descriptive performance and beautiful bokeh, which are common advantages to the series of all F1.8 lenses. The ED lens effectively suppresses chromatic aberration. The lens has a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm, which produces beautiful round shapes in the blurred background areas of open aperture footage. 

The Lumix S 50mm F1.8 is suitable for a variety of subjects ranging from portrait to landscape. It also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing. Together with a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change, the Lumix S 50mm F1.8 lens ensures professional quality video recording. 

With its compact size and light weight at approximately 300g, the Lumix S 50mm F1.8 is easy to take along to any shoot. The rugged dust/splash resistant* design withstands use under harsh conditions even at minus 10 degrees Celsius for high durability. 

The new Lumix S 50mm F1.8 will be available by the end of June for RRP £429. 

A new 24 mm and a 35 mm F1.8 large-aperture lens are under development to further enhance the Lumix S Series lens lineup. The Panasonic and L-Mount system alliance is committed to the development of L-Mount lenses for the further expansion of its lineup to fulfill the needs of customers. 

The Lumix S-S50 is a qualifying product for the LUMIX PRO programme. The Lumix Pro programme is designed to support Lumix users when they need it the most, with a range of benefits available to members not only in their own countries but also in countries that they visit for work.