Just picked up a Lumix S5II because I wanted to get into photography for my upcoming trip to Japan in November. Im super excited but honestly the camera feels huge with the kit lens! I really want something smaller so I can just toss it in my bag while walking around Tokyo. My budget is probably around 500 dollars or so since I already spent a lot on the body. Im totally new to this so I have no idea what these lens terms even mean, sorry if thats a dumb question. Are there any tiny lenses that actually work well with this camera?
Honestly, grab the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 if you want versatility. I struggled with focus issues on third-party glass, so stick to L-mount native for peace of mind.
Congrats on the new gear! The S5II is a beast, but yeah, that kit lens can feel like a brick after a few hours of walking around. For travel, you really want something prime that keeps the weight down. Honestly, the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is exactly what you need. It is super sharp, tiny, and fits right in your budget. I use it for street stuff constantly and it just disappears on the camera body. Quick tip: since you are new to this, just remember that a prime lens means you have to use your feet to zoom. It is actually a great way to learn composition while you are exploring. Dont worry about the terms, just go shoot and have fun in Japan. You're gonna love it.
Man, I remember being exactly where you are last year before my own trip. Lugging around that heavy kit glass basically ruins the vibe when you are trying to explore back alleys in Shibuya or Shinjuku. My current setup for travel usually involves just carrying a super compact prime that I found on a deep discount site. It makes the camera feel like a totally different beast, honestly. I was able to fit the whole body into a tiny sling bag without it digging into my shoulder all day long. My personal experience with these smaller lenses is that you gotta get used to using your feet to zoom, but the image quality is so much better than you expect for the price. I found that saving a chunk of change on the lens left me with way more cash for food and transport during the trip, which matters way more than having top-tier zoom capabilities. If you can find something that keeps the weight down, you will actually take the camera out more, and that is what really counts. Don't worry about the jargon too much right now, just look for something with a fast aperture so you can get those moody night shots in the city without needing a tripod. You're gonna have a blast, just keep it light.
