Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is 85mm, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 18-50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) for standard.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.12x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is 85mm, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 18-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.12x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 or the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is 85mm, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 18-50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) for standard.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.12x.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 85mm | 18-50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 29° | 76° – 32° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 27-75mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 85 cm | 13 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 74mm | 65.4mm |
| Length | 90mm | 76.9mm |
| Weight | 355g (12.5 oz) | 290g (10.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
