Panasonic Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4 In-Depth Review

The Panasonic Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4 is the biggest, heaviest and also most expensive 50mm autofocus lens I've ever used. But why is it so big, heavy and expensive? And how does it perform in real world? I'll share with you my test results and opinion in this video.
Special thanks to KwasnikPictures for BTS footage:
/ kwasnikpictures
In-Depth Text Review with more sample photos:
www.photobyrich...
Intro Music - Special Thanks to LYL Music!
/ itslylmusic

[@Virgo-888]

One of my favorite channels.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Oh thank you so much!

[@justyjust]

Richard your backing music seem pretty loud, I cannot hear you speaking well at the beginning. 😉

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Ahhh ok sorry about that justyjust. Will try avoid that in future

[@manemrob1510]

Thanks for the excellent review. I ordered the Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 for my DC-S1. This lens will definitely perform well on any future body with more megapixels (as you tested on the S1R) as well.

[@LittleHandsConcrete]

I tried the lens at a local Panasonic demonstration last weekend....it does feel heavy, large and renders very nicely, but it’s for a special few paying customers willing to part with over £2k for a standard lens....having silent autofocus would be an advantage at this price if the S1 had a top quality autofocus system for video, which- from what I experienced first hand- is a work in progress. I say all this as a G9 and GHS user who wants Panasonic to succeed in full frame....

[@DawnBellDuskDrum]

I really hope Panasonic could follow their M43 strategy and release a rangefinder styled full frame camera along with smaller prime lenses.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

It may come in the future. Remember this is just the very beginning of the system

[@uncoy]

Haozhe, I was hoping for something similar and at a more consumer friendly price point. Fuji is meeting this need/market position though with the X system as very portable and affordable and the GF system as extremely high quality and still portable rangefinder. I don't want to leave legacy full frame 35mm lenses behind nor carry legacy medium format lenses for a just slightly larger than 35mm sensor. I.e. I don't like the compromise baby mini medium format nor becoming dependent on a single supplier. The 35mm affordable range finder camera niche is still out there. The Canon RP might be able to partially fulfill that function for many of us if one adds the adapter with the control wheel (hopefully it works with the RP and not just the R). An RP with control ring adapter and an EF 50mm f1.8 stm weighs just 755 grams, cost $1600. Fuji X-T30 with XF 35mm f1.4 weighs about 493 grams, cost $1350. Fuji GFX 50R and GF 63mm weighs just 1180 grams, cost $6000. Panasonic S1 and 50mm f1.4 weighs 2040 grams, costs $4800. To compete with GFX 50R in terms of stills and make good use of that expensive heavy glass, the Panasonic S1 R would bring cost up to $6000. It's worse than the S1 for video though. Considering that with Canon you have access to the full EF lense lineup and only have to buy the control ring adapter once, it's an even better deal than it looks. Still Panasonic S1 is the only serious video tool out of the lot (X-T30 comes closest). I'm shooting Canon 5DS R for pro stills and Fuji X for carry camera and video and legacy manual lenses. Very cross with Canon that I have to maintain two systems, one not full frame. I too had hoped that Panasonic would provide an affordable and portable 35mm full frame alternative on the L mount. These glass prices for mirrorless lens systems and lens weight are completely out of control, whether Nikon, Canon or Panasonic (Leica is not a surprise). At least with Nikon and Canon one can shoot EF or F mount glass with full functionality and performance via the native adapters.

[@raymondgarcia5535]

Its priced well and one day hope to have in my collection

[@chongp07]

Isnt the Leica L mount 50/1.4 similar size and heavier. And more expensive!!

[@JMMGarza]

A very nice budget option. Thanks for sharing. By the way: Most portrait photographers (your team shots) don't require a super sharp lens. No way this lens is for fashion photography. I once let a friend borrow my Hassy for a fashion shoot. Typically they shot with a full frame Canon. They had to retouch the overly detailed images. Extra work! Gotta love this camera for landscapes though. Panoramas anyone!!!

[@mickeylickey123]

I'm waiting for the leica SL 50mm summicron for now. See how that one is

[@keibro13]

It looks as though it has been designed to drive people back to micro four thirds. Clever strategy!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

LOL Keith! haha it does show the beauty of m43 system. Wait until some small S lenses arrive, which will happen but just not right now.

[@Kai-P]

The whole system was made to complement the MFT lineup. If you need the absolute best and weight and cost are no issue, thats what the S line is made for, otherwise MFT covers pretty much everything. They seem to have been spot on with this 50mm.

[@AnastasTarpanov]

Great review Richard, thanks for sharing it!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you Anastas!

[@fellowcitizen]

Thanks :) The rendition against the Sun is very impressive. I was surprised that the thread was the same as the Sigma Art, and then I remembered one of the interviews about the L mount, and rear elements can be far larger than slr lenses, and this allows the weight to be centred with smaller front elements + thread. For the moment I'd be using my Art lens adapted, though :) Once the EF-L adaptor is released (CP+ next wk?) I'd be interested in a comparison between the Lumix 70-200/4 and the Sigma Sports 70-200/2.8 (and vs Art 50-100/1.8 on aps-c, if possible)

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for the comments and feedback. A lot of ppl are waiting for the sigma lenses and adaptor for sure!

[@DavidFarquharsonPhotography]

The intro had me thinking someone was watching Harry Potter in the other room lol great content btw, very in-depth.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hahaha. I love Harry Potter movies maybe that's why :) Thank you CardiUno glad you like the video!

[@davidefranco732]

Good job Richard!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you Davide!

[@BCGARAGE853]

Have the same camera, very happy with it, now I need the 50mm. Big HI from a fellow kiwi !

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hey Jeff! Good to see another kiwi here! Glad to hear you are enjoying the s!

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

Great and very complete review and sharing of information!! Thank you!! Great job!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you very much, glad to hear you like it :)

[@GeorgeNiksch]

Great review as always! You make me want to try out the lens myself.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks George! Yes give it a try, or maybe not if you love to keep your money in your bank ;)

[@GeorgeNiksch]

@@TheRealRichardWong Haha. I'll likely wait to see what Sigma has to offer.

[@TopGarageTV]

You have been making good content consistently and you have been improving steadily Richard. Keep it up!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you so much! Very glad to hear such encouraging feedback! Yes lots of things I still need to improve but I will get there one day! :)

[@tedsouart2085]

Thank you for the video. I hope reviewers will have the launch firmware before the end of the pre-order, so you can do some tests of the AF-C in video mode.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hey Ted Films yes me too. Will see :)

[@TheOneMonk]

Ted Films Yep. If Panasonic screws the C-AF once again, they can keep this brick. Saying this as a G9/GH5 user with tons of M43 lenses who is ++very close++ to jumping ship !

[@tedsouart2085]

@@TheOneMonk Agree. I have a GH5s. I was very disappointed by the C-AF with my nocticron but face detection in video mode works very well with the 12-35 mm. Panasonic changed their technology inside their lenses. So, I am confident that the S1 will have an autofocus as good (or better) as my GH5s+12-35 mm. Will see. I am waiting for some tests before pre-ordering.

[@doggosupremme]

I'd like to see lenses get smaller again with more photo-centric options, kind of sick of how heavy and huge everything is getting as someone who doesn't shoot video.

[@alternatereality7713]

Size matters and bigger is not better in camera gear.

[@LeesChannel]

One thing that you didn't mention in the video is that it doesn't change magnification when you change focus (focus breathing) which is huge for video, and an advantage it has over nearly any other lens designed for photography.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hey Lee, you are absolutely correct!!! I've missed it somehow in this review. But this is something I will talk about in my upcoming Panasonic 50mm 1.4 vs Sigma 50mm 1.4vART review! :)

[@LeesChannel]

@@TheRealRichardWong One of the benefits of Panasonic stubbornly sticking to DfD is that they have to design the lenses to stay at constant magnification because they need to focus in front of and behind the subject to lock in focus. Could you imagine how horrible it would be if the whole image was zooming in and out while it snapped into focus? Anyways, I would also be interested in seeing your thoughts on the 24-105, because it also doesn't have focus breathing, and apparently it's parfocal as well.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I have used the 24-105 quite a bit but I didn't spend time to do real testing. Overall it seems very good kit lens, the word kit lens probably is not really correct as it's much better than most average kit lens

[@PischkePerformance]

Great review, lens looks like an absolute winner for Panasonic! Coming from the video world where your standard 50mm cine lens will set you back $5k, I see no issue with the price if the lens produces a great image!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you for watching Pischke Performance! Yes there are many 50mm lenses that are a lot more expensive or bigger (or both) when compare to this lens.

[@JCProduces]

The S1 is looking impressive, but the size and weight of the camera and the cost of the lenses are concerning. Are you still happy with your Z6 after using the S1?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes its not cheap or small at all. But as a professional camera, I think the size and price seem reasonable. I am happy with my z6 but I would like to see some of the features like dual card slot, more pro body design..etc on the z6.

[@RichieToaMills]

Nice bro. Looks like a dope lens.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hey bro, thanks! Yeah dope lens with dope price hehe

[@nicostrauss7722]

Very nice review! It seems there is no much difference between the Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4 and the Summilux of the same focal length.

[@rumporridge1]

Nope and that makes this Panny a bargain. Plus Leica put there blessing on it. I got one for $1300 used. A steal.

[@edflanagan8885]

great review, I am excited to get the 50 1.4. is it stabilised?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hi ed,. No it's not stabilised. But the S1/s1r both have great inbody image stabilizer

[@stevemarson9665]

There is something close to this lens .... the existing Leica SL 50/1.4 ...... and I suspect in testing they will be identical in performance .... which is not surprising as the Pro series of Panasonic lenses is quality certified by Leica.... and there has been a long history of lens collaboration between them. The Panasonic is way cheaper and has some handy extra features though. The Leica SL 75/2 is even better than the SL 50/1.4 ...... which in itself is hard to believe if you have used the 50/1.4. If Panasonic follows this with similar Pro Primes they will have lenses that will make the offerings from Nikon/Canon/Sony/Fuji look very pedestrian.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Oh yes definitely. In terms of image quality the Leica should be very close, but they are completely different design. Maybe I can do a side by side comparison test. But the Leicas autofocus speed (with the SL) is nowhere as fast, and missing the manual focus clutch design, mechanical aperture ring..etc

[@weizhang6979]

It would be great if you can do a side by side. I'm very interested in the image quality comparison between the Panasonic 50mm and Summilux for SL. Personally, I think when someone drops this much money on a 50mm, he/she is buying for the glass (i.e. Leica 50mm APO, Zeiss Otus, etc). Just for fun, for the price of the lens, I'm also interested in the image quality comparison between the Panasonic 50mm and Canon RF 50mm F1.2. I tried the Canon lens in the store, it was very sharp wide open. Very impressive.

[@minhquannguyen9010]

I completely agree, Steve. It just doesn't make sense to say "there's nothing even close" with lenses like the 50 Lux SL or the Canon RF 50/1.2 out there. They are all completely different, but all glorious beasts. Although, judging by the MTF, the Panasonic might be even sharper than the Lux, and so is the Canon. Crazy! That said, let's not forget that the Lux was introduced 2 years ago, and Leica is actually focusing on the Summicron-SL line with the Cron 50 coming up. Seeing the result of the 75 and 90, the 50 cron's performance must be monstrous. And of course, with Sigma also producing lenses for the L mount, the optical race is getting pretty exciting!

[@AckenCamera]

great review , great lens , thank you !

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you for watching organic camera! Glad you like the review :)

[@xyzhou6207]

Idk if this is relevant but I'm more than interested to see how it test against leica summilux 50mm f1.4 asph and aa 50mm summicron with M mount, especially the latter, that would be quite interesting

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for the suggestions Zhou! Will note it down and see what I can do

[@dirksentaguiam6622]

Richard Wong nothing beats the leica 50mm asph m

[@paullefko]

I have both the summilux 1.4 and the Panasonic lens. Sometimes they are virtually the same in image quality. You have to pixel peep like crazy to come up with something, other times the Leica just seems to have better intertonal contrast, better highlight control, and better roll off. The Leica may for pixel peeps, look a little softer towards the edges but it has better subject separation. The color rendition of each lens differs at times where the Panasonic can be a little cooler.

[@rumporridge1]

@@paullefko great post thanks, went for the Panny version and saved a few bucks. After getting the Leica SL APO trilogy I’m on the bread lines lol.

[@NetGawker]

I can't wait to buy this camera along with Sigma's EF to L adapter and use my Otus glass!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Oh you have otus!! Nice!!

[@wilbuzllf5057]

Nice one, thanks! Looks amazing and actually worth the money for those who needs the best of the best :)

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes agree Rasmus

[@JoeyTecuani]

Everybody wanna be like Leica now 😂😂💪🏽💯 expensive and quality! 🥊

[@riophae]

Another great review! Thanks as always. I'm curious about the performance difference between this lens and RF 50mm 1.2, which has a similar price and very good IQ but with a 1/3 stop aperature advantage. Honestly the lack of a f/1.2 aperature is my biggest complaint about this lens regarding its really high price tag.

[@SewTubular]

It would be interesting to see how this Panasonic lens compares against the $4K Zeiss OTUS 55mm f/1.4 lens.

[@Japhgar]

overengeneered, maaybe for the high resolution mode? did you try it?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I did, I showed an example in my S1/S1R review. :)

[@vignesk6669]

I played with the RF 50 F1.2 with EOS R. the EOS R doesn't do justice for this lens. Maybe when their hi res R body comes, it'll expose the greatness of the RF50. But the RF 50 is sick (in a good way). I like the scale plus the Canon focus guide which appears on the EVF when you do MF via the lens. Similar to the Fuji system, the R shows specific lens scale on the display. I don't look at the lens scale on the lens while focusing? the focus by wire is not bad, I thought it'll be bad. This Pana 50 1.4 and the RF 50 are good lens but the RF50 offers F1.2.... There's where the difference is plus it's lower price. If Pana wants to sell more S1, they should have made and priced this lens accordingly. Good video but just one advice, don't use the word benchmark without proper validation...

[@calebpayton]

You must have forgot about the 50/1.4 Summilux-SL

[@BarryMaskell]

They had to make it bigger to accommodate the fonts printed on the lense

[@Hei_hey]

Like Panasonic made this lens for professionals who would benefit from features and ergonomics of new FF series. Nice option that might work into smaller systems one day.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes agree

[@Narmi804]

I think lenses are getting bigger to allow them to use smaller focusing element which then allow them to use quieter AF motor without compromise on speed. I think same goes for Nikon's future Z 50 1.2 which is ridiculous big. Canon oh the other hand managed to make the great sharp fast RF 50 f1.2 more compact but with sacrifice on using noisy USM motor

[@thebossnocompetition8757]

Great review thanks! Have you tried the Meike MK-50mm/1.2 lens? i guess its not comparable but it is alot cheaper and off course manual

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I did.it was the z mount version but I believe optically is same as the L mount version kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqqvY6uJaLuLrsU

[@TheFaustianMan]

Lovely choice in music. Excellent video as always. I got to shoot with that lens, and it is BIG. IMHO it's too expensive. Panasonic seems torn, in they want to compete with Leicas line, but doesn't want to cannibalize, and they don't want to eat into the EVA 1 line of prosumer cine cameras, the price as well as the camera system was being mocked not only other manufactures but the Lumix boys themselves. It's clear this was a top down decision, that leaves a lot puzzled as to what they are supposed to do with such a fine lens, but then they skimp on things like stabilization or even the display being lcd instead of oled.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for the long comment! Creating perfect camera is hard but I feel it's a lot harder to make perfect commercial decision to satisfy both customers and the company's profit and lost sheet.

[@woodscontracting9649]

Great vid Rich🤣 my guy💯

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks man!

[@manilamartin1001]

I wonder if this would be a great baby brother to the Eva1. It would make a great one two combo to run both. The Eva1 needs to adapt to this mount. I shoot 50-50 photo video and this would be a dream combo for my commercial clients.

[@jonhermannsson9231]

Thanks Richard for a good video as always - I hope Panasonic will have another less expensive version of this 50 F1.4 or at least a 50 F1.8 Im sure of the IQ but this is not an affordable lens - hope Panasonic will make some affordable lenses - I think if if folks are requiring something better then what DSLRs and the current FF Mirrorless bodies can produce then they are into Medium Format - hope this system will not be out of reach yes fine to have a super high quality lens but we need another one for the masses

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hi Jon, not sure how much I can say but you will definitely see some more affordable lens choice from Panasonic in the hopefully not too far future. But remember the beauty of the L alliance is that it is officially supported by three manufacturer who will be supporting as well as competing with each other. If there is a gap and need for a certain type of lenses, at least one of the manufacturer will jump in and do something

[@buby024]

@@TheRealRichardWong But there remains the question of DFD technology and if the more affordable lenses from Sigma will have the same AF performance as Pana lenses

[@jonhermannsson9231]

@@TheRealRichardWong I think we can count Leica out in some sense - that is very very few will be able to buy their lenses due to cost - but yes I am glad they work with Panasonic and help develop or refine some of the Panasonic lenses - So it is really down to two manufacturers - Panasonic and Sigma - seems Panasonic is focusing only on Pros - or folks with money - so in a way competing with the Sony A9 - which is soon to be updated as it has been out for a bit - I think the Lumix S cameras will be better made and better weather sealing - but I think Panasonic are shooting themselves in the food with Contrast only AF/C - in the name of there might be one in a million change that the Image Quality might be a hair better with Contrast only - Canon and Nikon and Sony and Fuji would not be using hybrid contrast/phase - Dual Pixel unless IQ was fine - It is the Pros that shoot action and sports that have typically been the once to fork out $5000 or more for a body and if they Contrast only then I think they will stock with their DSLRs - and of course many now switching to the Sony A9 Question is if Sigma will just weld on an adapter for their existing lenses and call them Lumix S native lenses or if they will have new lenses - I suspect they will do the weld on an adapter this year - :( I really had high hopes for the Lumix FF - but so far things not looking so rosy - appreciate your reviews

[@talialiber2389]

The L alliance does sound like both Panasonic and Sigma will always have to pay royalties to Leica for using their mount design - which bears the question whether or not there will be actual cheaper lenses. I have doubts.

[@youtubill33]

I suggest you compare with LEICA SUMMILUX-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH.

[@mr.l6982]

All I know is that I’m thankful Olympus had the foresight to create smaller professional grade cameras with awesome lenses- instead of big, heavy, back breaking bricks. Many of the newer camera improvements are often just marketing buzz and hype to get us to let go of our hard earned cash. All of the camera brands create awesome photographs, but why not make your photography more enjoyable at the same time? Use what brings you joy, whatever that is.

[@IguanaFilmArts]

I actually thought the sigma 50mm 1.4 looked sharper and the bokeh difference looks negligible. While the Panasonic 50 1.4 has a nice rendition and neat mechanisms, the Sigma for 1/3 the price and almost half the size is a no brainer. But good video Mr. Wong. Did you happen to test out the focus breathing for video on the Panasonic 50 1.4?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hi iguana, I did test a bit. Check out my S1 autofocus test video (first one). You can see how the viewangle change (or not change) when I move close and away from camera

[@uhu4677]

I am sure the price and weight are somehow justified. However I would always rather buy a Lumix GX9 + 25mm 1.7 for around 800€ and less than 500g in total.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

gx9 + 25mm 1.7 is surely a great combo that is compact to carry around

[@ChristopheLanglois]

Thank you for your video. How does it compare with the Canon RF 50mm f1.2?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sorry I didn't compare them side by side but feel they are quite similar overall. I do love the handling and build of the Panasonic more but it is a personal preference

[@HuntaDaKilla]

It seems the RF from specs might be the only lens that is high end like this one. I am not sure about the Canon camera options right though. Both Panasonic and Canon are making no compromising lenses. So they are huge and very expensive. Sony still seems to hit the sweet spot in quality and price.

[@fellowcitizen]

@@TheRealRichardWong The focus clutch and aperture ring are very appealling. With the aperture set to "A" are you able to use the command dials for aperture yet still with manual exposure? How does that work? I prefer the Fuji-style direct aperture ring, though I know some people are in the habit of using the dials.

[@weizhang6979]

Would love to see this comparison as well. Especially to some of us have two camera systems :) I personally don't want to have two expensive 50mm lenses laying out lol. If I can get the Panasonic, it will be used on a Leica SL and I will not get the Canon, vice versa. Thanks!

[@uncoy]

@@HuntaDaKilla Sony does have wonderful wide angle and normal lense price/weight/performance lenses (FE Sonnar 35mm f2.8 is my personal favourite: spent triple the price of the camera - NEX 5T - on the lens back in 2015. More than worth it to turn extremely portable APS-C into a detailed wonder). Just wait until you start buying telephotos though (anything longer than 85mm). Ho-ho-ho. Canon EF offers the same performance for half the price.

[@TheOneMonk]

Music is too loud compared to voice. Otherwise good vid!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for the feedback Sheik! Will try improve that in next video :)

[@alexanderivanoff]

Oh, this size... why so massive and heavy?! It seems to me this lens is "de-facto" a masquaraded Summilux SL 50/1.4, but with different label on it and half the price of the former. From what I've seen, I'm kinda convinced the new Canon RF 50/1.2 is delivering better results in a smaller and lighter package + it takes 1/3 stop more light. Will see.

[@walrusgumboot]

I’m wondering if you got to try the Canon lens yet? I’m not convinced by the fact that it’s a f1.2 that it’ll provide 1/3 stop more light yet because the T stop of a 1.2 lens is always lower, and it seems the Lumix T stop is at or very close to f1.4. I expect them to be very similar. I just don’t like Canon’s feature set, if/when they make a pro version of the R I may give it a look.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I had a play of the canon 50 1.2. I think it's a really nice lens and capture beautiful imagesm but I have not done side by side test with the Panasonic so can't really comment on things like t stop

[@juliussternfeld428]

The sigma seems very close, and the better choice, if you compare prices.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sigma is always great value for money, and I guess that's the great thing about the L mount alliance. You have three manufacturer each has its own strength and covering different requirements and market. I believe Panasonic will also make some more affordable lenses in the future too. This is just the very beginning of their line up

[@EugeneMaynard]

It would have been interesting to hear what the breathing is like on this lens! If it is as minimal as top notch cinema lenses , then I think this lens is actually relatively cheap for what you get. However it is not needed for everybody, just like everybody does not drive a Maserati!🙏🏾

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Focus breathing to my eyes is quite minimal, you can check my first S1 autofocus test video and see the left edge of the Panasonic shot, it doesn't change much when focus shift from close distance to far. And I certainly don't mind driving a Maserati!

[@EugeneMaynard]

Hahaha, I think most of us would love driving a Maserati but not too many would be prepared to pay for one. Thanks for the info on the breathing. It is obvious that Panasonic have produced a class leading autofocus lens but for me the main significance is that they have produced their first clutch lens for those of us that mainly use manual focus. On my GH5 system, I only use Metabones adapted Canon glass or native Olympus Pro lenses for precisely this reason, so I hope that Panasonic will start making clutch lenses for their MFT camera system in the near future. 🙏🏾

[@codyrobinson22]

Watched this review for 2nd time! Your enthusiasm makes me want to try this combo. There hasn’t been this kind of excitement for a Panasonic lens since Nocticron! So it’s the size of Zeiss Otus! Wonder if it is better overall than new Canon RF 50mm f1.2L USM? I’d be interested in a comparison . They both are same price.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I only played with the canon briefly so can't comment on it.

[@simianinc]

I'd accept some compromises for a cheaper lens. The price has prevented me going with Panasonic for my FF camera

[@SewTubular]

There are 14 Sigma L-mount lenses coming out later this year, which should make things a little more affordable. ( you will lose the mechanical focus option and the focus motors will probably be noisier )

[@rendermanpro]

Don't see price difference VS quality improvement compared to 70-200 or 24-105. Nice lens, but probably not worth the price. (I tested all of them) If you can buy only one lens - 24-105 will be the best all around lens with not worse quality (at all) compared to others

[@aidenkashi6110]

The issue is that they arent even giving the option of smaller lenses. Especially when the body is DSLR sized

[@jeffrypalempung9628]

I guess i have to wait fir native Sigma lens , they usually cheaper than other brand products.

[@mariobrunettin8338]

Way overpriced. Three times the price of the Sigma Art? No way

[@uncoy]

Image quality is better. Background bokeh in particular looks more liquid and less smeared than the Sigma Art (I own Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 and 135mm f1.8 for Canon). Canon EF 135mm f2 also has better bokeh with better deep contrast (but is not sharp side to side and transmits less light wide open - t1.8 vs t2.2 wide open, with the Canon needing f2.2 to settle down edge sharpness and vignetting). I.e. both the Panasonic and the Canon lenses beat the Sigma Art handily. I couldn't afford this Panasonic 50mm though. And I wouldn't want to carry it. The Sigma Art lenses are big enough they only go in the bag for very specific events (mainly sports shoots under lights).

[@rendermanpro]

Why it so big? Because sell little one (on the right) for $2000 will be hard?..

[@imabigsandwich1292]

What camera is this video filmed on, looks very nice!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

This video was filmed on Z6

[@andersonloi4498]

Any possibility to do a side-by-side comparison with Otus 55/1.4?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Unlikely at the moment but it's on my try-to-make-it-happen list for sure :)

[@BiotikaAnti]

Its not that much bigger. You´ve forgot to use the adapter on the lens. ;)

[@codyrobinson22]

For some reason when I heard this music 🎶 Edward Scissorhands came to mind lol

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Lol!!

[@iyzyz]

With this much girth you would expect it to be at least f1.2!

[@MrEchyballs]

Hi Richard thanks for sharing . just wanna know if 50 1.4 makes any noise when focusing ? thanks

[@TheRealRichardWong]

The autofocus is virtually completely silent! One of the most quiet if not THE most quiet autofocus lens I've ever used.

[@larsthoren3282]

Would you say the S1R image quality is better than the Z7 and the A7RIII?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hi Lars, sorry I can't answer that as I haven't done side by side comparison. But I would say they should be pretty close in terms of image quality

[@SS-rf1hr]

Dear video editor: Please take it easy with loud deep bassy music .. Yes, I noticed the heavy bass was only played during the introduction. But it has totally drown the presenter's [soft] voice. I trust this video is a commentary about a Panasonic lens, right? There are tons of channels for music (nice music and whathaveyou..). Please (to all video editors) let us hear the commentary comfortably and keep the loud music in music channels. Unwanted music is a distracting/irritating noise, no matter how nice or classical it is.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hey S S yeah sorry I am the editor and everything as I am a one man team basically. Unfortunately most of the music are really loud and heavy so even I quote often applied a 9db or bigger attenuation it's still quite loud. But will definitely pay more attention to tune it down more in the future.

[@dfgoijoi]

can you do a test for dynamic range in the flattest picture profile in video 4k 25p ? thanks!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

How do you want me to do the test?

[@CruzDeLaLoma]

Is this m4/3 compatible?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

No it's not

[@rajoosolanky780]

Definitely it is an expensive lens. Might have to stick to Nikon Z Series. My intentions of thinking of Lumix S series is over.

[@bourbakis]

Where is the lens made? The lens is about the same as Leica SL 50mm. And still smaller than Otus.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Pretty sure it's made in Japan. But i don't have the lens with me to double check.

[@bourbakis]

Could you pls check the camera(s) and zoom lens(es) if you still have them. TiA!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I have just returned them to Panasonic but from memory the bodies and s pro are made in Japan. I will pick them up again soon so will check and confirm

[@horacegrimsby2870]

I think for the price, there should not be that much cats-eye bokeh.

[@_rhapsodist]

I wasn't so blown away by the image quality, the clutch mechanism is neat though, great for hybrid shooters.

[@albertovazquez7065]

For some reason I can’t do manual focus

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Oh what do you mean by that

[@Innovate-pq9ci]

Great review. Not impressed by this lens though.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks Sacha! Give it a try in person if you got a chance. But it's definitely not designed for everyone :)

[@trinimedia19]

looks too big and heavy

[@m0nztam0nk]

Haha...no matter what, but this too big and to expensive for a nifty fifty....just my opinion ofc

[@actionimagesphotography]

The bigger they make them now the more they can charge for them, end of story!

[@Bollywoodhollywood2023]

The moment they open mouth and talk about Bokeh quality, credibility is lost .

[@garycraggs9953]

Since we can't comment on your written article I'll point it out here: FYI, typo or otherwise; it's called chromatic aberration, not Chromatic abbreviation.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

oh than you Gary!! Silly me. BTW, just re-enable the comment in my blog. Not sure why it was disabled, but should be ok now!

[@Andy588tt]

MUSIC TOO LOUD

[@madjoints]

....and why is the music so loud?...sorry, i'll let myself out!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sorry about that, will improve in the next video!

[@ubarhd1]

Large and expensive lens 🤔

[@LikeAGentlemanPlease]

The music is wayyyyyy to loud!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@codyrobinson22]

Turn down background music 🎶 a tad.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

The intro music?

[@codyrobinson22]

Yes in the background.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@codyrobinson22 ok thanks for the feedback Cody!

[@cliffsaj]

The music is to much....

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for the feedback!!

[@stehlealexander]

Too big !

[@furryballsinmypants713]

lens looks good but you get 1.2 with that price tag and weight of a lens from other brands.

[@ptfap]

Nice Video! Great review! There will definitely exist some demand for such a high grade lens. But from all I have seen such a lens is no longer of interest for me. Once you are in m43 territory as I am now (after shooting FF for the rest of my life) such lenses are simply too big for me and my type of usage, let alone the price, which is justified IMO by the quality of this lens. If there would exist also a 1.4/50 similar in size to an "old" Nikkor AF 1.4/50 or even 58, with maybe a bit less quality that would be my preferred way to go in FF mirrorless. But this way I think I have to pass.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

there will be some smaller lenses for the S system (or L mount) but not yet. I feel Panasonic is trying to make an statement to show they are a serious choice for professional photographers so start with this monster 50 1.4 lens. Yes it really depends on what you want and what you shoot. The m43 and FF are in my opinion quite different system and can co-exist for different users / usage.