Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 vs Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is 85mm, the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 20mm — 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 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for wide-angle.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Choose the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.12x.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is 85mm, Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 20mm — different framing and reach.

Frequently asked

Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 or the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is 85mm, the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 20mm — 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 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for wide-angle.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Who should choose the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Choose the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.12x.

What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 and the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8
Panasonic
$599
Optical Design
Focal Length85mm20mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements913
Optical Groups811
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountL-MountL-Mount
Angle of View29°94°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance85 cm22 cm
Max Magnification0.12x0.19x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoYes
Declickable ApertureNoYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$599$549
Filter Size67mm67mm
Diameter74mm74.8mm
Length90mm90.5mm
Weight355g (12.5 oz)370g (13.1 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo