Best Lenses for Panasonic Lumix S5 & S5 II & S5 IIX
The Panasonic Lumix S5 series cameras are impressive full frame mirrorless camera known for its compact size, outstanding image quality, and versatile video capabilities. As part of the L-mount alliance, Panasonic S5 users have access to lenses from Leica, Sigma, and Panasonic to build the perfect camera kit. From wide angles to telephotos, primes to zooms, there is a vast array of lens options to meet your needs.
In this article, we dive into the top lens recommendations for the Panasonic S5 and its successors, the S5 II and S5 IIx. We’ll explore the best lenses across categories, from standard zooms, wide angles, telephotos, primes and macro options. For each lens highlighted, you’ll learn about its key features, performance characteristics and what makes it an ideal choice for the S5 series.
Whether you shoot stills or video, landscapes or portraits, architecture or sports, this guide has you covered with the standout L-mount lenses for every photographer’s needs. Read on for lens suggestions at varying price points and optical specifications to help you build the perfect kit for your Panasonic S5, S5 II or S5 IIx camera. With stunning Leica, Sigma and Lumix glass available, you can assemble a set of lenses that cater precisely to the work you do.
Prime Portrait Lenses | Standard Zoom Lenses | Wide-angle Lenses | Telephoto Lenses | Macro Lenses | Video Lenses
Best Prime Portrait Lenses for Panasonic Lumix S5 & S5 II & S5 IIX:
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens demonstrates Sigma’s optical prowess, delivering outstanding image quality and lightning fast autofocus speed. As part of Sigma’s lauded Art series designed for high-resolution cameras, this short telephoto prime exhibits exceptional sharpness from edge to edge even at its maximum aperture of f/1.4. The bright f/1.4 aperture produces brilliant background separation and bokeh, ideal for isolating subjects like portraits or products. Despite its large aperture and robust construction, the hypersonic motor makes autofocus nearly silent while being able to precisely lock focus in challenging conditions. Photographers will love the buttery smooth bokeh thanks to an 11-blade aperture design. The weather sealing and fluorine coating on the front element make this a durable lens for professional use. Overall, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art checks every box – incredible image quality, beautiful bokeh, fast accurate focus and robust construction. For photographers needing a short telephoto prime with dreamy bokeh for portraits or creative shots, this lens delivers outstanding results.
Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 Lens
The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is a compact, lightweight prime lens that delivers excellent sharpness and bokeh quality at an affordable price point. Weighing only 9.2 oz and measuring 2.5 inches long, it’s an easy everyday carry lens for the Panasonic S5 and other L-mount cameras. With a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, photographers can isolate subjects with buttery smooth background blur and get great low light performance. Autofocus is quick, smooth and quiet thanks to the internal focusing system. The lens utilizes Panasonic’s excellent suppressing focus breathing technology making it suitable for videography as well. Optical performance is outstanding for such a compact lens – images are sharp from edge to edge even at f/1.8 with negligible distortion. Considering its affordable price, the build quality is great with a metal lens mount and weather sealing. The f/1.8 aperture gives you great control over depth of field for portraits and everyday shooting scenarios. For S5 shooters looking for an ultra-portable prime lens that delivers stunning image quality on a budget, the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is a compelling choice.
Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 Lens
The Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 is a short telephoto prime lens designed for the L-mount system. Weighing just 1.23 lbs, it strikes an ideal balance between portability and excellent optics. The bright f/1.8 maximum aperture produces pleasing background blur and isolation for subjects like portraits. Thanks to the fast aperture, autofocus is snappy and accurate even in low light. Image quality is outstanding with superb sharpness from edge to edge at all aperture settings. The optical design incorporates an aspherical element and extra-low dispersion elements to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. The 9 blade circular aperture produces smooth and natural looking bokeh for artistic background blur. Videographers will appreciate the minimal focus breathing and fast, quiet autofocus performance. Considering its affordable price point, the mostly metal construction provides durable protection and feels solid in hand. The weather sealing allows use in dust and moisture. For photographers looking for an excellent mid-telephoto prime for portraits with gorgeous bokeh quality at a reasonable price, the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 is a compelling choice for the Lumix S5 and S-series cameras.
Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary
The Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is a compact prime lens offering superb optical performance at an affordable price. Weighing just 1.1 lbs, it’s an extremely portable lens perfect for everyday shooting. The bright f/2 maximum aperture provides just enough depth of field control to isolate subjects while retaining sharpness across the frame. Autofocus is smooth, accurate and quiet thanks to a stepping motor, making it suitable for both stills and video. Image quality is excellent with outstanding resolution from edge to edge even at wide apertures. The optical design minimizes distortions and fringing for clean, crisp images. The 9 blade diaphragm produces pleasing bokeh for artistic subject isolation. The all-metal construction including dust and splash-proof seals make this a durable lens for daily use. At this accessible price point, it’s difficult to find a prime lens that offers such impressive image quality in a compact form factor. From portraits to travel photography, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DN is a strong choice for photographers wanting a versatile prime lens for their mirrorless cameras.
Best Standard Zoom Lenses for Panasonic Lumix S5 & S5 II & S5 IIX:
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
As part of Sigma’s Art series designed for high resolution sensors, this standard zoom lens offers incredible sharpness suitable for 50MP+ cameras. With a large f/2.8 constant aperture, it delivers beautiful background blur and performs well in low light scenarios. The hypersonic motor AF is quick, smooth and silent. With minimal focus breathing, it excels at video work. The all-metal weather sealed housing provides durability. For those seeking a lighter and more affordable alternative to the Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8, this Sigma lens delivers outstanding image quality in a more compact form factor.
Panasonic S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama
This zoom lens is the ideal everyday and walkaround lens for the S5 cameras. With a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, it offers great low light performance and bokeh. The optical stabilization works in tandem with the in-body stabilization of the S5 for up to 6.5 stops of correction when handholding. It’s extremely sharp from edge to edge and renders beautiful colors and contrasts. The weather-sealed metal construction makes it durable for outdoor and travel use. It’s a versatile lens that covers wide angle to short telephoto perspectives.
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens
Best Wide-angle Lenses for Panasonic Lumix S5 & S5 II & S5 IIX:
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Panasonic Lumix S 24mm f/1.8
Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm F/4
This ultra wide angle zoom lens lets you fit expansive scenes into the frame, making it ideal for landscapes, architecture and artistic environmental portraits. Despite its ultra wide angle and f/4 aperture, Panasonic’s exceptional optical design delivers superb sharpness across the zoom range. The relatively lightweight weather sealed construction makes it suitable for outdoor adventures. The optical stabilization provides up to 6 stops of correction for handheld shooting. Photographers who need to capture wide perspectives with a single lens will appreciate the flexibility of its 16-35mm focal range.
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
Specifically designed for full frame mirrorless cameras, this ultra wide angle lens from Sigma’s Art series provides edge-to-edge sharpness even at its maximum aperture of f/2.8. With minimal distortion, it excels at architecture and interior photography. Its ultra wide perspective combined with its bright f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range enable striking artistic compositions. Weighing just 1.87 lbs, it strikes a great balance between optical quality and portability. If you desire an ultra wide angle lens with beautiful bokeh for landscape or astro-photography, this Sigma lens fits the bill.
Best Telephoto Lenses for Panasonic Lumix S5 & S5 II & S5 IIX:
Panasonic S Pro 70-200mm f/2.8 O.I.S.
For working professionals and enthusiasts who need the highest optical quality, this top-tier telephoto zoom lens delivers stunning results. Its fast f/2.8 aperture provides excellent subject isolation and bokeh. The dual optical stabilization provides up to 6 stops of stabilization for tack sharp handheld shots at slow shutter speeds. Its internal zoom mechanism means the lens does not change in length during zooming. The weather sealed metal housing can withstand heavy use in all conditions. From portraits to sports, this lens captures incredible details and lifelike color renditions.
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens
Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/4 O.I.S.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens
Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
Best Macro Lenses for Panasonic Lumix S5 & S5 II & S5 IIX:
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art
Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.
Best Video Lenses for Panasonic Lumix S5 & S5 II & S5 IIX:
Panasonic S Pro 70-200mm f/2.8 O.I.S.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4
Conclusion:
Overall the Panasonic S5 cameras have access to a rich lineup of L-mount lenses to choose from. Leica lenses offer exceptional sharpness, micro-contrast and build quality for demanding professionals and connoisseurs. Sigma’s Art series lenses bring superb sharpness and speed at more affordable price points. Meanwhile Panasonic’s Lumix S Pro lenses combine outstanding optics with robust weather sealed construction, making them suitable for daily professional use. Consider building up a kit with 2-3 of these recommended zooms and primes to fulfill your photography needs with the Panasonic S5 series.