Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 vs Sigma 65mm 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 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 65mm — 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 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 65mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 65mm 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 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 65mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is $599, $100 under the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount).
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 or the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 is 85mm, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 65mm — 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 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 65mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 and the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 85mm | 65mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 29° | 37° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 85 cm | 55 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.13x |
| 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 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 74mm | 72.2mm |
| Length | 90mm | 89.5mm |
| Weight | 355g (12.5 oz) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
