so I just picked up a Lumix S5II because I wanted to get into photography but now Im stuck on the lens situation. I keep hearing about Leica and Sigma and honestly I have no idea if one is actually better than the other or if it even matters for a beginner like me. Leica glass looks super expensive so maybe thats overkill? I just want to take decent travel photos around Seattle by next month without going totally broke.
- is there a huge difference in quality?
- should I just buy the cheaper sigma ones while I learn?
Im kinda overwhelmed by all these acronyms and numbers... does anyone have a suggestion for where I should start?
^ This. Also, just grab the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary for travel. Its lightweight, sharp enough for anything, and saves you serious cash for a tripod or bag.
Honestly, Leica glass is legendary but buying into that ecosystem for a first camera is a massive trap. I bought the Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH years ago and while the build is tank-like, it had focus hunting issues on my S5 that drove me nuts. Unfortunately, for the premium you pay, it just wasnt as consistent as I needed for travel. You really dont need that level of glass to start. Sigma is definitely your best bet right now. Their lenses are sharp, reliable, and way more practical for someone just walking around Seattle. I suggest grabbing these instead:
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for all-around versatility
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art if you want that creamy background blur Save your money for travel and experiences. The Sigma stuff is solid and honestly you wont notice the difference in raw sharpness while learning the ropes.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I have to be real with you, the price gap for Leica is just insane if you are just starting out. I spent a fortune on the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH and while the sharpness is technically perfect, it just didnt feel worth the extra couple grand compared to what Sigma is putting out lately. Honestly, it was pretty disappointing how little of a difference I saw in my Seattle street shots vs some of the cheaper stuff. Save your money for travel instead. Sigma glass is basically the sweet spot for the L-mount, and you wont regret the extra cash in your pocket. Here is what I would grab if I were in your shoes today:
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art
- This is basically the only lens you need for travel. It covers everything from wide landscape to portraits.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
- If you decide you want that blurry background look, this one is sharp as a tack and way smaller than you'd expect. Dont get caught up in the hype of the red dot. The S5II autofocus is great, and Sigma lenses play really nice with it. I had some annoying firmware issues with early Sigma stuff, but they fixed all that with the newer DG DN line. Just grab the zoom, go wander around Pike Place, and dont look back.
