so I finally pulled the trigger on a Panasonic S5II because I saw some cool videos online but now I feel kinda stupid because the lens it came with is just huge. I live in downtown Chicago and really wanted to start doing street photography but this thing is so bulky I feel like I look like a paparazzi guy stalking people and it makes me super nervous to take it out of my bag. I dont know much about technical specs so reading all these lens reviews is making my head spin with terms like focal length and aperture and I honestly just want something small that fits in my jacket pocket.
my budget is around 500 to 700 bucks maybe a bit more if its worth it but I really need something light. I have a trip to New York in three weeks and I dont want to be lugging around a brick of a lens the whole time. is there actually a good, tiny lens for this camera or did I just buy the wrong system for street stuff? I feel like I might have messed up here... has anyone found a pancake lens or something similar that actually works okay for candid shots?
Honestly, grab the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 for your New York trip. It is super light, affordable, and just works well for candid stuff without looking like gear overkill. I have been using it for months and am really satisfied with the results. Just keep it simple and enjoy the city. You made a good choice with that body, so dont sweat it. Any other questions about settings, just ask.
Honestly, you didnt screw up. The S5II is perfectly capable for street work, you just need glass that matches the form factor. I have spent years shooting the L-mount system and the best move for street is the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is built like a tank but tiny, and the aperture ring is a joy to use when you are quick-shooting. The micro-contrast is stellar for the price. If you want something even smaller, check out the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8. It is not a pancake, but it is incredibly light and the 35mm focal length is way more versatile for city stuff than a 50mm. Its my go-to for low light in Chicago. Forget the bulky kit zoom, grab one of these and you will feel way more stealthy.
Dont worry, you definitely didnt buy the wrong system. The S5II is a beast, but you just need a smaller prime lens to make it street-friendly. Forget the kit zoom for walking around. If you want something that practically disappears on the camera, look into these:
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 (if you already have this, try sticking to the 20mm end for wider shots)
- Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary - this is basically the perfect street lens for your setup. It feels like a premium vintage prime, looks great, and is super compact.
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 - a bit longer, but still surprisingly small and gives you that nice background blur if you want to isolate subjects. The 45mm is probably what you want for NYC. It makes the camera feel like a totally different rig. Just grab that, keep it simple, and enjoy your trip.
