Just picked up the S5 II last week and I am super stoked to finally be shooting full frame, but man, the L-mount glass is killing my wallet right now. I spent all my cash on the body so I need something decent but affordable for my upcoming trip to Japan next month. I really need to keep the lens purchase under 500 bucks if possible.
Im torn between a few options I found online:
- Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN
- It looks super compact which is great for travel, but is the autofocus gonna hold up for street shots?
- Lumix 50mm f/1.8
- Seems like the safe bet since its native, but is it sharp enough compared to the Sigma?
- Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8
- I like the focal length more for travel but Ive heard some mixed things about the build quality.
My main goal is travel photography and some casual video vlogging while walking around Tokyo. Im definitely leaning toward the Sigma for the size, but part of me wonders if the Lumix 50mm is a better investment for the long run. Does anyone have experience with these on the S5 II? Or is there something else I should be looking at in this price range...
Honestly, the Sigma 45mm is kinda a letdown for AF. It hunts way more than I expected and the build felt underwhelming for the price. If you want something actually reliable, I would skip the Sigma and look into these instead:
- Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary for better build
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 if you can find it used Save your cash and just stick with native glass, third-party stuff gets annoying fast.
Congrats on the S5 II. Honestly, for Japan, keep it simple. I used the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 for a month in Kyoto and it never let me down. It is weather-sealed which is huge since Tokyo gets rainy, and the focus is snappy enough for street stuff. The Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is definitely prettier to look at, but the Panasonic lens feels more solid for all-day abuse while walking. If you really want that 35mm look, the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE is light but yeah, the build feels a bit plasticky compared to the others. Pro tip: pick up a cheap circular polarizer for the glare in the city. Just grab the 50mm Lumix and save your cash for the food, trust me.
Honestly, if you want something wider for Tokyo streets, grab the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE. It is light enough that you wont even notice it on the body, and the extra field of view is way better for cramped alleys.
- Sharp for the price
- Super lightweight
- Fast enough for video I used it for a full week of heavy walking and had no issues. Just keep the cap on when not shooting and itll last.
