I finally pulled the trigger and got a Lumix S5II last week! Honestly Im so excited but also super overwhelmed because the camera came with a kit lens but I feel like I need something else if I want that blurry background look everyone has on Instagram. Im totally new to all this, sorry if this is a dumb question but what are the actual lens names I should be looking at? I dont really understand the f-stop numbers or focal lengths yet, like, is a 50mm better than a 35mm for taking pictures of my dog in the backyard?
I live in Chicago and I have a trip coming up to the zoo in about three weeks so I need something before then. My budget is super tight though, I think I have like maybe 400 or 500 dollars left after buying the camera body. I was looking online and saw some Sigma lenses but they seem expensive? Or maybe I just dont know where to look. I also saw some brands I didnt recognize that were really cheap but are those garbage? I really just want something that makes my photos look professional without having to sell a kidney.
- I want to focus on portraits of my dog and maybe some street stuff.
- Need something that wont break the bank.
- Currently using the 20-60mm kit lens.
Everything just seems so complicated with all the abbreviations like L-mount and stuff, I just want to plug it in and shoot. Do you guys think I should just stick with the kit lens for now or is there a holy grail budget lens that everyone starts with for this camera? I really feel like I'm drowning in all these options...
Building on the earlier suggestion, try the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. Its compact and cheap used, plus it feels way more premium than plastic stuff for your dog photos.
Grab the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 if you can find a deal, or check the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary for street shots. Just avoid those dirt cheap manual lenses.
To add to the point above: honestly, the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is probably your best bet for the dog. I picked one up used for a steal and it basically never leaves my body. It produces that creamy background blur you want without costing a fortune. Since you're heading to the zoo, that extra reach helps, but just remember to move your feet a bit. It is super reliable and sharp, really happy with it.
