Sigma or Lumix? Battle of the 85s

[@PavSZ]

Which one would you go for and why?

[@MurphyKargesBass]

Not in the market for an 85.. but I’m planning on picking up the Sigma Art 24mm 1.4 over the Canon 24mm 1.4 Great video.. I actually had a question about your titles.. they’re very good.. how do you do your titles and motion graphics. Thanks

[@PavSZ]

@@MurphyKargesBass thank you very much! I do all my titles in Adobe After Effects. I will have a title pack for sale sometime soon - once I have my website finished

[@vaidehiarts]

I'd go for an EF-L adapter and use my Canon EF 85 1.8.... plus some other EF glass... for video when I need to track subjects, I would probably just use the 20-60 or 24-70 kit lens...

[@ShashankKatiyar0]

@@vaidehiarts Now that's an interesting alternative approach and I am really confused about which path to choose. Someone should do these comparison videos. Main questions to answer are: °is AFC worth giving up? °does cheaper price come with significant IQ compromise? (EF lenses are significantly cheaper) °Adapter+Lens size and weight vs native lens size and weight

[@TerapiaNoFogo]

I'll to Lumix, because is less expensive and also is better in video and in this moment I use the camera more in video

[@risingsunadventuretravels9908]

After watching your demo of the two I am more convinced than ever I would choose the Lumix 85, thanks for your demo.

[@PavSZ]

Good choice!

[@VynZography]

Hey thanks for spending a lot of time on the photography, people seem to forget that this is not just a video system.

[@PavSZ]

Very true! Thank you for watching!

[@syharold]

Did they have an update out? I didn't know you can use it for photos!

[@Stone1108]

For me it’s video or stills not only because of aperture but also for gimbal use and vlogging. Both will or have by now improved their weaknesses in AF. I own the Sigma, it was released first! but I think i’d choose it over the Lumix as a predominantly stills shooter even now. I also love using the controls on the sigma lens, very intuitive in the hand with view finder up to your eye. I do own a couple of Lumix zooms S Pros and they are 👌 too. All together the L mount is winning after a slight slow start but hey they’re not the only manufacturer to suffer this, yes i’ve shot with those two too, combine this with Lumix AFC updates and they’re all great combos. I’m certainly not turning back!

[@BenettGraezer]

Great review! Quite affordable lenses! Oh btw love the new intro!

[@PavSZ]

thanks dude!

[@lorenzogattaldo3764]

Hi Pav, thank you for your review. 09:48 Focus breathing has nothing directly to do with focus-by-wire vs. mechanical focusing. It is solely determined by the optical construction.

[@PavSZ]

noted, thanks!

[@MrHero1976]

Tough call I had leaned towards the sigma to pair with me SL2-S. On that body I already have the massive S 50 1.4 but thought it would be great since I could just share filters with the 50, 70-200 F4. I picked up a second body, the S5 because of the compactness when lugging both bodies around ( less switching lenses ). Now having the S5 and factoring the price differences of the Simga to the Panasonic and the way the 85 1.8 balances on the smaller body I'm leaning more towards the 1.8. I know the Sigma is weather sealed too but i'm just not as confident in it's overall weather resistant abilities vs the Panasonic's which has seals not just on the month but throughout the lens.

[@jedhorca]

Been watching all of your content. So good, thank you! About to switch over to Panasonic full frame. Stoked!

[@PavSZ]

oh thank you! I love my new S5II

[@ScreenFiends]

Great video, I gotta say even though the lenses aren't quite as good I'm really liking the versatility that the new Lumix lenses offer in regards to size and filter thread. Their price also makes for a more attainable set of lenses so I'm edging towards them.

[@marin_real_estate_photography]

Thanks for the review, Pav. I don't really use the 85mm focal length a whole lot, but if I were going to get one, probably go with the Panasonic 1.8 over the sigma f/1.4 lens. Truth be told though, if I am going to shoot portraits / headshots, I like about a 135mm focal length on full frame.

[@deniskail7651]

Great comparison of L-mount lenses. Thank you for your videos.

[@PavSZ]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@Alprattjr]

Quality review and great b-roll shots. Thank you!

[@PavSZ]

Much appreciated!

[@dreammachine86]

I seem to prefer the rendering and bokeh of the Sigma a touch, but it's impressive how close the Lumix comes considering it's half the weight, smaller & cheaper. I got an S5IIX myself recently, and it may be a little while until I can budget for a portrait prime but still nice to consider the options. My dream portrait lens is Sigma's 105mm f/1.4 though. Images from that are absolutely stunning. No idea if Sigma will release an updated mirrorless version though. So whilst I would lean towards Sigma's 85mm here, the cheaper Lumix may be a more sensible choice to be able to start shooting shallow DOF portraits sooner, and then I can go for the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 later. Perhaps once I've saved up enough, they will have released a mirrorless version!

[@nickharris5231]

Man, Im one lens away from having a comprehensive set of Voigtlander Nokton M-mount glass. While I love the manual focus perfection of those lenses, a bread and butter set of solid autofocus primes is tempting to add to the collection for when I meed to move faster. At the price point, I'm feeling drawn to the Lumix lenses.

[@adamking3380]

Do you shoot video only or photo too? I almost pulled the trigger on voigtlander primes but I started taking more photo gigs. Didn't feel it would be practical to continue manual focusing 100% of the time lol

[@nickharris5231]

@@adamking3380 II bought them for video, as I don't usually do photos for client work. But I did just do a series of portrait shoots for a client with the Voigtlanders and the results were excellent. Client is very happy! But it was a controlled outdoor model shoot, really depends on what you're taking photos of I suppose.

[@dcdemon813]

Can you revisit this with the S5ii, more so because of the auto focus improvements.

[@PavSZ]

there is no or very little difference between these lenses on S5II

[@GO3rab]

The thing is, the sigma is much bigger and more pricey for a fraction more image quality. I guess unless image quality is top priority I would go with the lumix

[@GO3rab]

I would pair the S5 with the lumix and the S1H with the Sigma

[@joebledea]

THE PERFECT BATTLE I WAS LOOKING FOR! MANY THANKS!

[@PavSZ]

Thanks!!!!

[@geoffreybassett6741]

Great review, for me I would go for the Lumix to go along with the other Lumix lenses I have to make sure the color matches, and to have a matching set of they primes when they all release. Also don't really enjoy the Sigma rendering on full body shots.

[@SivasRamar]

Awesome review....Thank you.......> i was in a pickle in making a decision between sigma and lumix lens.......... this was the review I needed......

[@PavSZ]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

I am very curious to see a similar comparison with the new S5 II

[@PavSZ]

I will be doing that video very soon

[@BalanceSearcher]

Great one! Laughed hard at the heys rolling at 3:49 :) And now both lenses lost me as I`m getting the sigma 105 dg dn 2.8 macro. Not that I don`t like them but I have to justify my work and for now it is product photography, cool Brolls , vlogs, video for fun and my lady loves exploring macro so... :)

[@PavSZ]

Thanks for watching! I have 105mm macro and I love that lens!

[@savschenk6486]

I watched this video previously, and Im back! I love your review and I was looking for my next L mount lens. I have the Sigma 35mm dg dn art that lives on my S5 but at the end of this review, I decided to go with the Lumix 85mm 1.8 for my next lens. I have been shooting a lot of video work and would like the lightness of the Lumix vs the Sigma, reliability of the AF when being used. I am also torn because the Sigma lenses are superior in terms of quality and contrast, which I love.

[@PavSZ]

I think that Lumix 85mm is a superb lens and also it is the same size as all other f1.8 primes in S line up (if you were ever going to get another one). These lenses were made and optimised for Lumix full frame cameras like S5. Sigma is awesome too but as you say, heavier.

[@tt-ew7rx]

You can alternatively have a set of four Leica f/2 primes covering 28mm-90mm, all the same size, weight (a cool 700g each) and price (buying all 4 costs almost two years of UK uni tuition fees). Whew probably stay with Pana.

[@firehorseweddingphotograph3995]

Easy LUMIX ‘win’ for me but that difference in AF between the two is a bit weird?! The biggest draw for me with the Panasonic is the size, weight, price and as close as performance with the added bonus of being able to build up a full set. I am only intending to get the 35 but the Sigma version is about twice the size and 3x the weight. Anyway, looking forward to receiving my LUMIX 1.8 and testing it myself. Thanks for the comparison Pav, very well done and appreciated. 👍

[@PavSZ]

thank you for watching! As i said in the video, these lenses are so different that there is no clear winner. If I was buying another one from the f1.8 set, Lumix would be a winner for me too

[@firehorseweddingphotograph3995]

OK, having checked, the Sigma 35 is only twice the weight not 3x! I think I was remembering the 135 which is a beast!

[@fredriksvard2603]

The lumix is underwhelming to me, the 50mm seems to perform better. I'm looking for a concert photography prime and im leaning towards the sigma 85 or even 135.

[@vincechook]

Brilliant comparison

[@Dokumentara]

Hello Pav, many thanks for another great review. I have the 85mm Lumix with S5 and as an overall I am disappointed when comparing to the m4/3 42.5 Lumix Leica Nocticron that I have with the GH5. I have those 2 lenses for portrait photos and with the Lumix 85mm, AF is slower and about 50% of my pictures are not exactly in focus while the 42.5 Nocticron is supper snappy to catch focus and portraits are magic, even the ugly models become beautiful. Also, I feel that there is a difference in contrast and bokeh which gives to the Nocticron+GH5 pictures a kind of magic I am not able to get from my new S5+Lumix 85 mm. I feel from your review and my other Sigma lenses that the Sigma 85mm would be closer to the 42.5 Nocticron but will not change because the size and weight of the 85mm Lumix is convenient, also, I am satisfied with the video results even if those cannot be compared to what I can get from the S5 with other Sigma lenses like the Sigma 35mm 1.4. My idea was to sell the m4/3 42.5mm Nocticron when buying the Lumix 85mm but I will keep both for the time being. Sorry for long comment, thought it could be useful for other guys coming to S series after GH5.

[@PavSZ]

interesting! thanks for your input. I have never used m4/3 42.5mm Nocticron before so I can't really give honest opinion about it's performance in comparison to the 85mm Lumix lens. I quite like Lumix 85mm - it's pretty good for photos - never thought that it's lacking contrast

[@slows728]

I have both, the Lumix is better IMO. Good contrast, very sharp, smooth bokeh and the focus is very quick and accurate for pictures, maybe you got a bad sample.

[@fredriksvard2603]

I agree, i like the pana 50mm much more and for a short tele i'm looking at sigma. Rumoured autofocus issues are worrying though.

[@doogieham]

Hi Pav. Nice video, as always. Did you notice any improvement in AF accuracy on the LUMIX lens afterward the S5 firmware update?

[@PavSZ]

thank you! very little!

[@StanislavLiepa]

Really good comparison!

[@raksh9]

The video footage from the S5 and Lumix 85 has very nice colours, sharpness and overall look. What picture profile did you use in camera? Did you do any colour grading on that footage?

[@PavSZ]

Filmed in V-Log (unless it's the screen recording) and graded in Premiere.

[@benjamindyrdal]

Great review! The downloadable sample photos helped a ton!

[@PavSZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nicolascatard]

excellent and very instructive video, i'm about to make my choice for the Panasonic 85mm 1,8 based on what you demonstrated. can you give me an update almost 1 year after the release of your video ? Many thanks

[@PavSZ]

thank you! it's still an excellent lens

[@50450720]

Hi Pav, thanks for the great review. Do you know what version of the firmware your S5 was running when you made the video?

[@PavSZ]

that video was made 2 weeks before version 2.0 came out

[@fatherofbirds]

Thanks brother. I have the old sigma lens and it’s the only sigma in all my S series glass. I’ve been debating on selling it for the Lumix 85mm. That’s crazy that the Lumix is better in video and the sigma is better in photo. I hate having to always make these choices.

[@PavSZ]

these are only results of a test in identical conditions. I had no issues when shooting with Lumix lens for my r review of it and never thought there were any issues with it. You just adapt to what it is and get on with it.

[@L6XXMEDIA]

hi pav does the sigma 28-70 l mount have the same afc autofocus performance as the sigma 85mm youve reviewed here? thanks

[@PavSZ]

pretty much .... but ...... all lenses AF performance is driven by the Lumix (or other L-mount cameras) contract detect system. Can't say that any lens focuses better than any other one until the next generation of Lumix cameras is out

[@germancreatives88]

I think I choose the lumix 85 for the price and better autofocus in videi

[@PavSZ]

good choice

[@shivangsaxena6943]

Have you been able to try the Sigma 85mm 1.4f on the S5ii or similar camera to see if phase af fixes the issue?

[@PavSZ]

yes! 85mm on S5II and S5IIx works flawlessly

[@shivangsaxena6943]

Even for video? If so that is awesome!!

[@xyz7960]

Ha ha !! I have got the sigma 85 on my Leica SL2S. Just the look is amazing ( sorry I am very much into the LOOK ‼️😹) I enjoy it very much , thanks for the TRUE comparison 🙏🏻🙏🏻. But I still got the 70-200 Panasonic ! 🥰🥰🥰

[@professionalpotato4764]

Thanks for the comparisons! It's disappointing to see such inconsistent AF performance between Sigma and Panasonic. I thought the Sigma would be good, since the Sigma MFT primes actually work better than native primes on the G9, but then on L mount it's another story. :/ I really want to buy a Panasonic S1/S5. The ergonomics, the features they have are just.... so good. Especially in video. But if I can't enjoy shooting photos with it, I'm not sure if I can still buy it. All I want is at least 85% hitrate sharp focus at f/1.8 on people walking towards the camera. Sony is good, but it's like signing a contract with the devil. Good performance, but absolute suffering when using it because the UI and ergonomics are so bad.

[@PavSZ]

This shouldn't really put you off. I love S5, it's a great camera. I never thought that any of this was an issue when testing S5, Sigma 85 or the Lumix 85mm independently - Lumix lens is still great, sharp lens capable of delivering good results. In real life usage I never felt that I had to fight it to get desired results - same with the Sigma in video.

[@JimmySaul888]

I own an S1. The AF is so overblown. I nail focus in photo no problem once I understood the interface. AF-Face for certain situations, Single-point other times, and tracking when people are moving around. It's a tool and although the AF isn't as good as Sony, it's pretty good and it's beats it in pretty much ever other regard.

[@professionalpotato4764]

@@JimmySaul888 I know that it's good in well lit situations, I just need it to be 90% usable, even in backlit or dim lighting situations. In Kai Wong's video, it refused to focus in backlit situations. That was first release though, firmware is probably better now. From what I've seen the keeper rate can be more than Sony in some situations for sports shooting on the G9. So I know it can perform in some situations. It's just a confidence thing you know... I've had enough of missed shots on my cheap DSLR when it says it's in focus, but it was totally out. I can have a sequence of 10 shots and all 10 are out of focus.

[@JimmySaul888]

@@professionalpotato4764 I feel ya. I've owned Canon and Panasonic and have never experienced flawless AF. Backlit is the hardest for sure. I almost want to spend 5k on a Sony rig just to compare. Almost.

[@fredriksvard2603]

Af is a gimmick anyway

[@Dokumentara]

Hello Pav, many thanks for your helpful video, as I use my S5 more for videos than pics, I will go for the Lumix: price and AFC video made the difference in my case. I also have the GH5 with Pana-Leica Nocticron 42.5 1.2 and still feel the Nocticron is achieving better portraits, what would you think? Many thanks for the tip on angle for focus settings, will help me when using with the Weebill S. Again, many thanks for great comparison, you made my day.

[@PavSZ]

Glad it was helpful and thank you for watching! I don't really think there is nothing wrong with any of these lenses. That't the way it is for now and if you like S5 you'd make it work. I am looking forward to the first big firmware update on 24th November. I'll be doing video about it then. Hopefully that is going to change things significantly.

[@Dokumentara]

@@PavSZ , the firmware update will be significant for S1h and S1 that will get the S5 Af improvements but for S5 I only expect minor changes as I do not use Atomos Ninja: better Af in Vlog and shutter angle, C4K, vector scopes and master pedestal. Did I missed something?

[@PavSZ]

@@Dokumentara I don't know - I am going to install it on S5 when it is out and then find out what it does lol

[@oren.kirschenbaum]

does the linear focus setting work on sigma lenses? last time i tested it didn't, it only works with lumix lenses. to adjust sigma lenses you need the sigma usb dock and i didnt see a linear setting there. would be interesting to know if the 85mm f1.4 actually responds to the setting in the S5 menu.

[@PavSZ]

no, it doesn't

[@sjmedia_official]

How would you compare the Lumix 85 1,8 to Sony 85 1,8?

[@PavSZ]

Completely different lens for a different system. Image quality wise they are very, very close. Lumix overall better in my opinion

[@RhettThompsonFilm]

Can you set the linear mode and degrees for the Lumix lens and the Sigma lens?

[@PavSZ]

theoretically speaking, yes. Practically Sigma lenses do not perform the same in linear mode.

[@RhettThompsonFilm]

@@PavSZ interesting...the more I read up on it the more I lean towards the Lumix, as a guy who does like 95% video work. Sigma seems like a decent all rounder and better in some regards. Man that price is still though!

[@HashashiyyinDex]

Have the AF in video on sigma got improved for real?

[@PavSZ]

it will improved with all lenses with the next generation of Lumix cameras - I believe the lenses can do it ... cameras not so much

[@calegrachile]

Hi, thanks for the video! Could I use this for panasonic GH4?

[@PavSZ]

Unfortunately not - GH4 is Micro four thirds mount, these are L mount

[@chandu_yb7]

Hey. for lumix s5iix. Which Lens will be good.

[@divinedents]

Thanks

[@PavSZ]

Thank you!

[@FantabMedia]

Your vid claims you can change the Sigma to linear throw etc. yet everyone who owns Sigma lenses on the Panasonic bodies say this doesn't work. Did you test this Pav?

[@PavSZ]

I did at the time of filming this video and it seemed like it was working for me then. I can't be right about everything 😉 especially when I have only few days to do in depth review.

[@FantabMedia]

@@PavSZ Hey no problem. Do you still have the Sigma? I've thought about buying one with the dock but have been told you can't even change it with that (well you can change it but it doesn't work on-camera).

[@PavSZ]

@@FantabMedia sorry, I don't have it anynore

[@syharold]

Great content and funny!

[@PavSZ]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you!

[@OBrandt-i5c]

Great review as always. Thank you. Even though I am a Sony shooter, this review is very much applicable there, since Sony also has a near identical 85/1.8 (similar size, weight, filter size......actually makes me wonder !) and of course the Sigma DG DN lens for that mount. The Sony 85/1.8 has an additional focus-hold button of course. The AF performance will of course differ (between the mounts), but other aspects of the review should apply to both mounts.

[@PavSZ]

thank you so much! I am a Sony shooter too and I would go for Sigma 85mm DG DN lens instead of Sony 85mm f1.8 FE - Sigma is much better overall

[@gamingwithstand6886]

I think Panasonic puts their lens profile in the lens metadata and Lightroom reads that.

[@PavSZ]

Absolutely true

[@aviationodyssey1892]

The linear focus does work on Lumix but does not on the Sigma 85mm... They need to add this feature, not just for the latest lenses

[@PavSZ]

they already have - you can update the lenses firmware to make it work with Sigma lens now

[@aviationodyssey1892]

@@PavSZ Paweł unfortunately it's not true. The latest 85mm DG DN firmware v1.1 does not support linear focus feature

[@PavSZ]

@@aviationodyssey1892 you are right. I thought 85mm was included in the January firmware update, it is not ... yet

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

What’s linear focus?

[@aviationodyssey1892]

@@creativegreatsvisualsfocusing reacts to angle, not to ring acceleration

[@omererdim]

I bought an 85mm lumix today, I hope I won't regret it.

[@PavSZ]

Lumix is a great 85mm too

[@omererdim]

@@PavSZ eyvallah👍

[@marioikada6747]

Sc21 adapter + tokina 16-28 f2.8 u will be amazed.

[@PavSZ]

why would you comment this on a review of two 85mm lenses - 16-28 and via an adapter is not even remotely in the same category. It's like comparing a fishing rode to an industrial fishing trawler - different tool for a different job

[@marioikada6747]

Ya i know.. but my point is the game of the autofocus is better on it, i dont know why but i think i should try

[@PavSZ]

@@marioikada6747 thanks for letting me know

[@marioikada6747]

@@PavSZ ur welcome , waiting for your next s5 video🙏

[@gamingwithstand6886]

Panasonic and Nikon making some really nice F1.8 lens giving even faster lens a run for their money.

[@PavSZ]

True

[@cessnaflyer]

well done!

[@PavSZ]

thank you!

[@sergiusblessed]

I have Sigma 85/1.4 ART. The best portrait lens ! Not because I have it only :)

[@PavSZ]

It is great!

[@derJackistweg]

Build quality is NOT equal to haptics. You described haptics. I know all reviews do mix-match that, but it is a different animal.

[@PavSZ]

if I said 'haptic' in my review, people would think that I am talking about STD 😉

[@gamingwithstand6886]

The Panasonic 85mm f1. 8 is weather resistant.

[@PavSZ]

it is, so is the Sigma

[@tom_nuyts]

actually a rather subjective review with some uncomarable picture for comparison. And I miss one very very important fact: the Panasonic lenses have a very weak bayonet mount - only a soft touch may be enough to losen it: the "all metal" tube is a kind of fake, built around a plastic body: and this is the main weak point: the connecting metal bayonet is only fixed with some tiny screws which cannot hold the rest of the lens. very very poor... (the only exception are the S Pro line lenses ..)

[@PavSZ]

Thanks. I can't say that I have ever noticed that as weak point. I have and use regularly all the Lumix f1.8 primes and I never had any issues with their build what so ever

[@asadshirazi2033]

I will sell my all lumix lenses to get the sigmas, the quality is unmatchable

[@PavSZ]

Lumix might be better option for a Lumix camera overall

[@syharold]

"it works, when it wants to" HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA

[@PavSZ]

true!

[@andersistbesser]

The sigma looks like a sony lense

[@PavSZ]

Sigma looks very much like a Sigma lens

[@ondrejjanoska660]

Well did you test the linear focusing on sigma? And also the focus throw? No you did not...because if you did....you would find that sigma do not know how to be linear

[@PavSZ]

yes but to be honest, if you need proper linear manual focusing, either of these lenses are not for you. Get a cine lens or a good vintage instead

[@ondrejjanoska660]

@@PavSZ I am not only filmaker...and for photos I need af .... but that is not the question ....it is about the information in the video.

[@PavSZ]

@@ondrejjanoska660 sorry but sometimes it's just not possible to cover everything and know everything at the time of making these reviews. I had the Panasonic and the Sigma lenses before they were released and the fact that Sigma doesn't do linear focusing on Lumix cameras was only brought to my attention after this video was made. It's not something that would bother me personally and not something that is a game changer if you like me rely heavily on AF so it was not something I set out to show in this review

[@Svoboda1234]

Plasticy, nahh, it feels a lot better than the sigma to me. And those whining sigma focus motors 👎

[@PavSZ]

whining sigma focus motors? I have never heard focusing motors on any current Sigma

[@Svoboda1234]

@@PavSZ really? My new Sigma 35m 1.4 was noisy and vibrated so I returned it. I thought that was just Sigma, maybe it was faulty.. the pictures from it were great though. Always enjoy your content

[@Svoboda1234]

@@PavSZ I really enjoy your content and don’t want to come across as argumentative, but I’ve been questioning whether or not I was hearing things, so I did some research and there are KZbin videos showing new sigma lenses making autofocus sounds. They’re quiet, but definitely audible