LUMIX S 50mm 1.8 Review | How nifty is this fifty? #lumix #lumixs5

I recently picked up the Panasonic LUMIX 50mm f/1.8, L-mount lens for photography, but I soon found that it was a great lens for video work. Check out the vid with some colour graded sample footage to see how this lens performs in both stills photography and for handheld video work. I bought this lens myself, so it's my 100% honest review!
All footage shot on the full frame LUMIX Panasonic S5, most of the sample footage also features a Tiffen 1/8 Black Pro Mist and a H&Y Revoring VND. Everything shot in V-log and graded in Da Vinci Resolve.
Purchase Panasonic LUMIX S5 & LUMIX S 50mm f/1.8 here (affiliate links): (UK) amzn.to/3IPerBZ (US) amzn.to/3RHW06d
Piece to camera was shot on the Panasonic EVA1 on the DZOFilm Vespid Prime 35mm.
Model: Stefania (www.stefaniagenisio.com/)
Portfolio: edprosser.com/
Instagram: prossered]
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:34 - Quick lens specs
02:12 - First impressions on look
02:34 - Autofocus for stills photography
03:25 - Street photography examples
03:39 - Autofocus for video
04:22 - Shooting handheld video with IBIS
04:38 - Accessories I use when shooting video
04:58 - Video portrait samples with vintage lens comparison
05:52 - Final thoughts

[@EdProsser]

I was recovering from Covid when I recored this - apologies for the sniffles! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@padlarkinlufc1914]

hope ur better now m8 #stayindoors

[@chriss2295]

Beautiful footage. People are so hung up on specs. Nice to see a video with someone who actually shows what’s possible and enjoys the lens. Well done.

[@EdProsser]

Thanks Chris!

[@jschoonj]

I faved some of your work on Flickr when looking at work with lens. Now it turns out you’re on KZbin showing how good this thing is. Panasonic just sold an S5 (partly) because of you 😉

[@EdProsser]

Haha I saw someone had liked some photos recently, got a big backlog of photos I need to upload too. It's a GREAT camera and I love it, can't really go wrong with it.

[@grmnt.studio]

Finally someone who knows what the f they're doing. Camera tech keeps getting better. People getting into it worse and worse.

[@EdProsser]

I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing at any point in my life.

[@JB_inks]

This lens is absolutely fantastic, i have this and the 20-60mm kit lens on my s5 and while the kit lens is versatile the prime is so much shaper and the autofocus works better than it does on the zoom

[@charlestcrepps]

Gosh, I need this lens. So beautiful for portraits and just overall cinematics. Wonderful vid.

[@EdProsser]

Will hopefully try out a few more of the LUMIX lenses in 2023

[@HopeProphecy]

Very interesting. The Takimar lense that was used at 5:48 - does autofocus work with that lens?

[@EdProsser]

Unfortunately not it'd an old manual focus vintage lens

[@2BeLikeChrist]

Love that photo at 0:47... thanks for the review

[@EdProsser]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@rizzarelli_]

Great to see pictures of Torino, my hometown! I am also considering to get a lumix. Great work !

[@EdProsser]

Shoot a lot of videos there as that's where my partner is from (we visit her family a lot) - check out my LUMIX S5 ii review!

[@markrobinson8254]

Takumar looks better in the color that comes form the sensor but the Lumix could easily be color corrected to match. I like the fact you used so many real life shots ...true test thank you

[@EdProsser]

My Takumar is running super warm think it needs to be UV treated.

[@hoodaffairstv]

nice images, would you throw the 24mm in that lineup

[@EdProsser]

I'm actually trying to get my hands on the 18mm, I've recently been shooting on the DZOFilm 21mm Vespids and have realised how much I love shooting people wide ... So I'd love to try the 24 as well

[@BrunoVilelaIS]

what of these panasonic lenses would you recommend for someone that uses it more for video, the lumix 35mm f1.8 or this 50mm? I already have the 20-60mm kit lens, but I think one of these would be useful in low light situations. I really love the 50mm focal length, but I'm not sure which one would be more useful or more used. Thank you a lot. I also have an anamorphic lens (sirui 1.33x 1.8 35mm). I think maybe I really don't need these lenses and I'm just havinge the want to buy one of them, but, you know! hehehe

[@EdProsser]

It depends a lot on what you film and your style - but if you get the 35mm you can always put the camera in crop sensor mode to get closer to a 50. Honestly I find myself moving away from the 50mm focal length more and more these days in favour of wider shots.

[@BrunoVilelaIS]

​@@EdProsserThank you very much. It's a good stand and I think I would be a little limited with a 50mm.

[@jonpivkofilm]

This is a great review Ed thanks in large part to your beautiful filmic taste in cinematography. It is exciting to see how well it performs because the S5 is now selling used for $1k in certain places thanks to the release of the MarkII. I have been using Sony for 10 years, but I see a better value here as I don't care about autofocus. I think I may pull the trigger on an S5. My only question is if you have had any issues with Aliasing and Moire since there is no OLPF. I don't see it in the shots here, but wondering if you have had to shoot around it and it would be worth investing in a more expensive body like the S1H. Thanks for your work here.

[@EdProsser]

For me the S1H has the best image of any camera in its class but the value of the S5 is also un-rivalled. The S1H is also a lot bigger and bulkier... the other option is the BS1H if you can work with the form factor and don't need the stills capability (review here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH7PiZt5eMifnJI) Personally I've never noticed any moire / aliasing on my S5 footage - but I don't do a lot of super sharp work - I work with a pro mist often and use lenses like the DZO Film vespids. I think the S5 is still a great buy - and you can check out my general review of the camera here for more sample footage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5zbpaONbNSUidk

[@jonpivkofilm]

@@EdProsser Thank you Ed, I meant to leave this comment under your main camera review! I appreciate these insights.

[@danielernestodesouzarochaf2651]

Hello, excellent video. Which adapter do we use on the S5 for that lens?

[@EdProsser]

Theres no adapter needed it's a native L-mount lens, so it goes straight on the camera

[@danielernestodesouzarochaf2651]

@@EdProsser Thanks for the info...

[@rcinematic]

Do you use, have you use ND filters for this lens? I’m thinking about getting a 3-7 stop VND filter. But not sure if need if I use vlog. Thoughts? Thanks

[@EdProsser]

Yes I use NDs and VNDs all the time - they're very important for controlling your exposure!

[@turbophat]

This is the look I'm after with my Lumix setup and these primes. Man that Pro Mist really softens up this sharp lens so well! Tho I imagine much is due to your grading. Did you shoot in BRAW on the Lumix?

[@EdProsser]

No this is actually all internal and most of the 50fps was captured in HD! But yeah the 50mm is a really nice lens, it's fairly smooth for a modern lens but the pro mist really helps too.

[@TrenchfootSalvador]

Hey quick question, on your test footage here, is your footage shot in V-Log?

[@EdProsser]

Yes, pretty much always shoot in v-log

[@TrenchfootSalvador]

@@EdProsser Awesome! Got you. Was it internal or you used a Ninja V or something? And Any V-Log luts you wpuld recommend I check out? Im coming from the Sony A7IV to the S5

[@EdProsser]

@@TrenchfootSalvador yeah it's all internal! LUTS wise don't not use that many, usually the Nicest 709 LUT from Panasonic or the Film Vision LUT which is part of his Resolve Powergrade (google it) - this was all graded on Resolve with a modified version of the Film Vision film emulation powergrade. Give me a shout if you have any other questions!

[@TrenchfootSalvador]

@@EdProsser Most definitely, I really appreciate you, this video alone inspired me to pull the trigger and get the S5 (again) & leave Sony, haha. Had the FX3 & A7IV. Using the S5 yesterday, the quality is so so filmic & more pleasing than the Sony. Its like EVERY LENS on the S5 is like using a expensive Sony G-Master lens!

[@amvanime866]

What lens would you recommend for short films, a 50 mm or a 20-60mm?

[@fredriksvard2603]

50. Then a 24 and a 85, but i don't like the ones that are available for l mount for video. One option is vintage lenses, another is the 24-105 or 28-70/24-70 options. The 24-105 is great with the ois and macro, but warch out for manufacturing problems causing coats to flake. I just can't with the 20-60 and the fringing and flares/splotches in backlit situations.

[@aurora2017]

感谢你带来的关于LUMIX S 50mm 1.8的视频 这让我重新认识到自己的技术的水平无关乎这颗优质的镜头

[@Victorvergaralezama]

Hi Ed! one question: does this lens 50mm 1.8 need a lens mount or adapter for Panasonic Lumix Cameras Micro four Thirds? thanks!

[@EdProsser]

Unfortunately L mount is not compatible with micro four thirds

[@ahmedshah4962]

Hello, Greetings I am planning to buy this camera. please tell me is Lumix S6 best choice for filming and street photography?

[@EdProsser]

Yeah it's a good choice, I don't know about the best... that's subjective. If you need impeccable autofocus for street photography you might want to look at Sony / Canon.

[@richalexander1138]

3:34 were the street shots done with a 1/4 promist black filter as well? Love the highlight rolloff

[@EdProsser]

I think the man reading the book was shot with one on, you can see a bit of glow / bloom, not sure the others were

[@richalexander1138]

@@EdProsser thanks! This sold me on the lumix 📸 can’t wait to get it

[@andrewsilverman3243]

Do you have a video on mounting vintage lenses on the s series? I’d love to learn more

[@EdProsser]

I have a vintage lens vid in the works - but I've lost my Helios somewhere amongst all my random kit - just need to track down where it's gone!

[@duykhiemphan412]

Beautiful! How did you color grade this video? Luts? Plugin?

[@EdProsser]

Thanks! It's graded on Resolve, the grade uses elements from the Film Vision Powergrade, if you Google it you can purchase it and take a look, you can push a much more organic film look with that, but I tend to pull it back a bit.

[@duykhiemphan412]

@@EdProsser thanks man! I think the intensity of the power grade is perfect. Can t wait to see your next video.

[@EdProsser]

@@duykhiemphan412 thanks dude! Stay tuned - got a review of the DZOFILM Vespid Primes coming soon. Will have some RED Komodo stuff coming later on as well. Anything you're interested in seeing?

[@duykhiemphan412]

@@EdProsser A video about how you shoot with Lumix full-frame cameras (setting, expose, profiles,...) would be awesome.

[@EdProsser]

For sure, I'll add it to my list and work something up!

[@movieost6]

what difference did you find between s1 & s5 in terms of image quality in video.

[@EdProsser]

Do you mean the BS1H covered in my last review? I own the S5 but only tired out the BS1H for a few weeks - for me the S1H sensor has the edge, it looks a little less harsh, smoother - S5 is VERY sharp - which might be what you want - but it's easy to soften it up in post.

[@rikoscorpion]

The model is so ... high fashion! 😃

[@stevestrasser6833]

Pulsing seems to be well controlled with auto focus. Do you mind sharing your autofocus settings, speed and sensitivity. I get alot of pulsing with the Lumix 24mm 1.8. Cheers!

[@EdProsser]

I think shooting in 50fps helps... Settings - I think it was set to1-Area + human detection AF Custom settings: AF Speed: -2 AF Sensitivity: 0 Continuous AF - Mode 2 1-Area AF Moving Speed - FAST

[@marcus.jordan45]

Might be a stupid question but can I use this lens for my G7?

[@EdProsser]

Unfortunately I don't think so, I believe that camera is a micro four thirds mount, this lens is the L-mount. Plenty of great MFT lenses out there tho !

[@SpektorBaal]

With the super takmar how you mount it thank you

[@EdProsser]

With a simple m42 adapter to EF then MC-21 ef-l adapter

[@Aviciiz]

Very nice, looking at the comparison I want to get some vintage glass too now lol

[@EdProsser]

It's definitely more affordable than modern glass! The SMC Takumar is a superb 50mm.

[@Aviciiz]

@@EdProsser Have you used Leica R aswell?

[@EdProsser]

@@Aviciiz I haven't - any good?

[@Aviciiz]

@@EdProsser Sadly not, been hearing lots of good stuff about them. Mostly how these lenses have a very ‘3D’ looking image

[@rimshot413]

Hi! Love your work, S5 is on my aim (previously owned G9 but I did not like micro 4/3 too much). Now with A7IV and A7RIII I'm really thinking to sell RIII to get S5 with this 50mm. Pity I have nowhere to test it, but honestly, when I hear about S5 autofocus performance... I have a feeling it is still better than A7RIII;)

[@EdProsser]

It's a great camera! If you're focused on image quality then it's a solid buy. If you absolutely need solid autofocus then maybe not the camera for you! OR wait until next year and see what Panasonic announces, rumours of a S5 MK2...

[@rimshot413]

@@EdProsser Thanks for that! I may indeed wait to see what mkii brings... Would really like to have Lumix again (I sort of hated and loved G9 at the same time as I think Panasonic is much more user friendly with meaningful firmware updates trying to squeeze as much as possible from their machines, unlike Sony). And really liked all the noob functions like in camera focus stack and such which are sometimes just super fun to use;)

[@SilverHERO17]

@@EdProsser amazon have it with black friday’s sales till tomorrow at 1700€ with the 50mm 1.8. I think it’s a good price and I would like to buy it but i’m not sure 100%. Do you suggest to wait another year? Will the price drop a lot if they announce a S5 Mk2? It would be really helpful your opinion and others too. I’m buying it to practice and do a short for a prestigious school of cinema that it’s hard to get in, so it has to be good quality short. I would love to buy in the future also the 24-105 mm that seems very nice, even with macros, have you tried it? Thank you :)

[@EdProsser]

@@SilverHERO17 Hey! I think it's likely they'll announce something else next year - but you can also drive yourself mad with rumours and waiting for the next best thing. The way I see it, if the MK2 is released it probably wont massively affect the retail price of the S5 - it's already pretty low, maybe it'll drop £100-200, but nothing earth shattering - it's more likely they'll price the mark 2 much higher which will still protect the market for the cheaper mark 1. It'll probably have more of an effect on the second hand market - as more people sell their mark 1 S5 and upgrade. It's up to you and what you value - is it better to have a camera now and gain an additional 5-6 months experience shooting with it or wait another year for something you have no firm information on and may have no material difference on your ability to make films. The S5 is a great camera and you can produce stunning images on it - but 75% of that comes down to skill and technique. Having the latest and greatest camera kit wont automatically transform your work. So in terms of creating work for the school submission - I can't see how the mark 2 would improve your chances over the mark 1 - that'll be down to you and your own individual skills - lighting, editing etc. - having the mark 2 isn't going to change those things.

[@SilverHERO17]

@@EdProsser thank you so much man!! Yeah i agree with all you said, i’ll have to practice with it to get the most of it. I really love your content btw i have watched and rewatched countless time all your videos haha keep it up!! :)

[@iprosopon9868]

Great lens. Own it. But I'm an old photo dog. Why are modern 50's so big? And why so many elements? This thing, literally, is as big as a zoom. It's 3X the size of my trusty old Nikon 50 1.4 AF-D. Such a nice low-profile mirrorless is the S5II -- but all the lenses for it are gigantic. And don't tell me it's focus motors. Plenty of small 50's (and other focal lengths) aren't this big that have built-in focus motors. Great optics, lightning fast and silent auto-focus, no focus breathing, good color rendition, and it even has a nicely dampened focus ring for manual focus, plus it's weather sealed. I just wish it came in a smaller package.

[@kyounokuma]

UV light can remove the warmth in the Takumar. Its caused by the thoriated glass in the lens. The lens yellows with time. I rather like the warmth, though.

[@EdProsser]

Yes I remember reading this, I like it too!

[@kyounokuma]

@@EdProsser Thank you. Subscribed and liked.

[@arthurlbn]

I would like to see what you think about this lens against sigma 50mm 1.4 dg dn. I own this lens and I love it but i dont know if it is a worth it the upgrade

[@EdProsser]

I've only used the sigma art line and cine primes - I'd say the sigmas are probably a touch sharper and maybe a bit more saturated / vibrant. I think these LUMIX lenses have a bit more character / smoothness and seem a bit more orientated towards video.

[@helladope]

For the Takumar, which adapter do you use?

[@EdProsser]

I have an m42 to L adapter and also an m42 to EF adapter ring and then adapt that using EF-L adapter

[@mdenjoyer831]

is this lens AF much better with the new S5ii?

[@EdProsser]

Yes!

i got mine yesterday :)

[@EdProsser]

Nice how are you finding it?

@@EdProsser :( i'm working on an edit, so i just take a couple of pictures at home, but maybe tomorrow i got a change. Is a hollyday here...

[@seymoursaylessfilmphotogra2494]

what's your favorite lens overall for the s5? dzo, Panasonic, sigma?

[@EdProsser]

That's a good question and I guess depends on situation. I use the DZO most in professional situations as my main cam is the Panasonic EVA1 which is EF mount. I'd be super happy investing in a set of L mount lenses though if Panasonic released another cinema cam with the L mount.

[@padlarkinlufc1914]

@@EdProsser You're right, that IS a good question #answerplz

[@jasonnowwhat5041]

35 or 50… can’t decide?!

[@EdProsser]

I guess the 50mm is the classic! Not tried the 35, but you could also get the 35 and shoot in aps-c mode to turn it into a 50...

[@miba8303]

Nice

[@EdProsser]

Thanks!

[@eifionjones8513]

Great work!

[@EdProsser]

Thanks for watching !

[@padlarkinlufc1914]

@@EdProsser np

[@drobertsphoto]

Your Tak probably just needs a few days in the sun clear up the coating

[@EdProsser]

Yeah I think so, though I don't hate the warmth it's accumulated over the years. Love shooting golden hour portraits with it

[@nosecondlost]

Excellent.

[@branolepep120]

Beautiful woman. :)

[@geofturner986]

Gosh, that music is irritating

[@EdProsser]

Just like you!

[@cezar_visual_artist]

Hello! How do you control the aliasing in the S5 ...moire effect or what is called. Does the black pro mist 1/8 work to soften and reduce the moire ?

[@EdProsser]

Honestly I've never run into issues with it, I don't shoot a lot of weddings / buildings with these type of complicated patterns.

[@EdProsser]

Softer lenses and diffusion will help a bit