Best budget wide-angle lens for the Panasonic Lumix S series?

Question

What's the absolute best budget wide-angle lens for the Lumix S series right now? Im heading to Iceland in three weeks and really need something wider than the 20-60mm kit lens for those massive landscapes but I'm basically broke after buying the S5II body. I checked out the Lumix 18mm f1.8 but it's like $800 which is way over my head. People keep mentioning the Sigma 16-28mm f2.8 but some reviews say it's soft at the edges and others say it's a steal so I'm totally lost. Is there anything decent under $600 or am I just stuck with what I've got for this trip?

JulieRuise · Accepted Answer

I've been thinking about your budget situation. The Sigma 17mm f4 DG DN Contemporary is probably your best move here. It's been my go-to for a while and I'm very satisfied with the results. This lens is built like a tank, which is what you want for a place like Iceland. No complaints about the sharpness either, and unlike some zooms, the corners stay pretty clean. While it's a prime, 17mm is a nice jump from 20mm and it's much more reliable than some cheap third-party zooms. One quick tip: use the regular lens cap instead of the magnetic one in high winds so it doesn't blow off into a canyon. It's a really solid, safe choice that won't break your bank or your back while hiking.

apteka-russia.ru · Answer

In my experience, the Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro is your best bet under $600. I have tried many L-mount wide angles over the years and this lens is surprisingly sharp for the price point. It is more affordable than the 18mm and gives you that extra field of view youre missing with the kit. Honestly, its a perfect choice for Iceland tho.

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Best budget wide-angle lens for the Panasonic Lumix S series?