Is the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art worth the extra bulk over the Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 for street shooting? I am heading to Tokyo in three months and I am absolutely dying to get some killer street shots but my camera bag space is pretty limited.
Ive been scouring reviews for ages and honestly Im torn. The Sigma is legendary for sharpness but its like carrying a brick around all day, which might kill my motivation after a few hours of walking. The Leica is obviously super sharp too and much smaller, but that f/2 aperture makes me wonder if I am losing out on too much low light performance for those moody night shots in Shinjuku. My budget is around 1500 to 2000 bucks so both are technically doable used.
Do you think the extra speed of the Sigma is actually noticeable in real world street scenarios or am I just overthinking the specs? I really dont want to regret buying a lens that stays home because its too heavy, but I also dont want to miss out on that crazy Sigma rendering if its truly that much better... any thoughts?
^ This. Also, if you really want that specific rendering without the weight, look into the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical SE for L-mount. It manual focuses beautifully, which is actually a blast for street work in Shinjuku because it forces you to slow down and anticipate the shot. I spent a week in Tokyo with the Sigma and honestly, the front-heavy balance ruined the ergonomics for me. Swapping to something compact changed the experience entirely:
- Better weight distribution means you can hold the camera up for longer without fatigue.
- Manual focus lenses often teach you more about zone focusing in high-traffic areas.
- You wont feel like you are lugging around professional studio equipment while trying to grab a quick coffee. Ultimately, you get more keepers when you actually enjoy carrying your kit. Trust me, the weight savings are worth more than that extra stop of light.
Honestly, have you considered the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 instead? It is way lighter for Tokyo walking. Are you shooting handheld or using a tripod for those night shots?
TL;DR: Grab the Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH. The Sigma is a brick for Tokyo walking. You wont miss the speed, but your back will definitely thank you later.