Best budget-friendly portrait lens for Lumix S series cameras?

Question

So I just got a Lumix S5 but honestly I am so overwhelmed with all the lens options and I'm really scared I'm gonna buy the wrong thing and waste my money. I want those pretty blurry backgrounds for my sisters wedding in July but I only have like 400 dollars left to spend.

I saw people talking about 85mm but then there are different brands and I dont know if they even fit my camera or if I need an adapter. My logic was that maybe I can find a used one but I dont even know what brand is good or if Sigma works the same as Lumix... sorry if this is a really basic question but I'm just totally stuck.

ArthurHew · Accepted Answer

Late to the party but ive spent a lot of time with the S series since it launched. One technical thing you should know is that Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica formed the L-Mount Alliance. This means any Sigma lens labeled DG DN with an L-mount fits your S5 perfectly with full autofocus. No adapters needed, it just works. In my experience, if you want that creamy background on a budget, look for a used Sigma 65mm f2 DG DN Contemporary L-Mount. I've used it for many portrait sessions and while f2 sounds slower than f1.8, the glass is so sharp that the subject really pops. Honestly, 65mm is a hidden gem for weddings because it gives you more reach than a 50mm without being as restrictive as an 85mm. It is a fantastic alternative to the Lumix glass if you want something with a bit more character. Worth checking used listings tho.

justkidding-me.com · Answer

I felt the same way when I got my S5. Buying the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f1.8 L-Mount made me very satisfied with the results. I looked at the Panasonic LUMIX S 50mm f1.8 L-Mount too, but the 85mm creates way more blur for portraits... its just safer sticking with native glass. No adapters needed. TL;DR: Stick with the Panasonic 85mm f1.8 for the best reliability and bokeh.

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Best budget-friendly portrait lens for Lumix S series cameras?