Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. vs Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is 100-500mm, the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. for super-telephoto, the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-500mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.'s f/5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is 100-500mm, Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is $1,999, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S..
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is 1110g (2.45 lb) vs 1285g (2.83 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. or the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. is 100-500mm, the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. for super-telephoto, the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. if you need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-500mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. and the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 opens to f/1.4 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.'s f/5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-500mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 19 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | − | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 24° – 5° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Phase Linear Motor | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 79 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,099 | $1,999 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 92mm | 90.6mm |
| Length | 196.1mm | 149.4mm |
| Weight | 1285g (2.83 lb) | 1110g (2.45 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
