Ugh, Im losing my mind trying to pick a prime for my S5 II. I have a wedding shoot coming up in like three weeks and my current kit lens just isnt cutting it for those low light reception shots. Ive been obsessing over the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN and the Lumix S 35mm f/1.8, but honestly looking at samples is just making me more confused. I really need something razor sharp because my clients are super picky, and my budget is strictly under 900 bucks. Should I just save the cash and go with the native Lumix, or is the Sigma sharpness jump actually worth the extra weight and cost?
Oh man, I totally feel your pain! Wedding lighting is brutal, and you definitely need glass that can handle the pressure. I shot a dark reception last month with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and it was honestly mind-blowing. The resolving power is just insane for the price. Here is the lowdown on how they stack up for your workflow:
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: This beast is tack-sharp even wide open. It gives you that creamy, professional bokeh that clients absolutely go crazy for. It is heavy, but totally worth the extra carry for the IQ.
- Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8: Super light and fast to focus. It is fantastic for roaming around, but you lose that extra stop of light and the absolute micro-contrast the Sigma provides. Go with the Sigma. You wont regret the extra weight when you see those final images!