I looking for some Sigma L-mount lenses for Panasonic Lumix S1 ? Do you have some good recommendations ?
honest question tho, what are you actually gonna be shooting most of the time? the S1 is already a bit of a tank so weight is definitely something to think about. everyone usually jumps straight to the Art series but the Contemporary line is super solid if you want to save some cash and keep the kit light. here is what i have been thinking:
- Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary: basically the tiny version of the 24-70. you lose the 24mm wide end but it is way lighter for hiking or travel. its half the weight of the Art version.
- Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary: part of the i-series. builds like a tank, looks cool, and is plenty sharp. its a great everyday lens if you dont want a massive zoom.
- Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary: if you need reach without spending 2 grand. autofocus is decent and it balances pretty well on the S1 body since that camera is so beefy. really comes down to if you value weight or absolute max sharpness... what is your budget looking like for this?
> @Minelabqky Extended shoots with heavy glass can really take a toll on your wrists ^ This. Also, the balance on the S1 is actually pretty decent once you get a cage on it, but yeah, the weight adds up fast. Honestly reminds me of this one time I was hiking up in the Cascades with a full frame setup and forgot my extra battery at the trailhead. I ended up trying to save power by keeping the screen off the whole time and just using the viewfinder. Met this guy at the summit who was still shooting on an old film camera he inherited from his grandfather. We spent like two hours talking about darkroom chemistry and how hard it is to find good developer chemicals locally these days without paying a fortune for shipping. My legs were killing me the next morning though. anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there.
Get the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens.
@Reply #6 - good point! I definitely agree that gathering different viewpoints is vital before dropping cash on new glass. Since the S1 launched, my long-term experience has taught me to be extremely cautious about weight distribution. When building out my current setup, the heaviest options seemed like the best bet for durability. While the build quality was incredible, several lessons came the hard way over the years:
- Extended shoots with heavy glass can really take a toll on your wrists and back, especially with a body as hefty as the S1.
- You might want to consider how the balance feels when using a tripod; some of the larger ones I got made the whole rig very front-heavy.
- Be careful with external zooming mechanisms if you shoot in dusty environments, as I eventually had to send my main workhorse in for a deep clean because of grit. Basically, make sure to think about how you will actually feel after six hours of holding the camera. Experience has shown me that the best gear is the stuff you actually want to carry with you... just something to keep in mind.
A few top recommendations:
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
- Versatile zoom range ideal for many situations
- Bright f/2.8 constant aperture
- Sharp optics and fast autofocus
- Sturdy, weather-sealed construction
- Around $1100
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
- Amazing lens for portraits and short telephoto needs
- Super fast f/1.4 aperture for low light and background blur
- Tack sharp, even wide open
- Fast, accurate autofocus
- Sells for about $1200
- Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
- Excellent ultra-wide angle zoom
- Perfect for landscapes, architecture, interiors
- f/2.8 aperture provides good low light performance
- Minimal distortion for an ultra-wide
- Around $1400
- Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS
- Versatile long telephoto zoom range
- Relatively compact and lightweight for the reach
- Built-in optical stabilization
- Great for wildlife, sports, distant subjects
- Costs about $950
Those are some of the best Sigma lens options for the S1 depending on your focal length needs and budget. The 24-70mm is a great all-around choice, while the 85mm excels for portraits. The 14-24mm ultra-wide and 100-400mm telephoto open up more specialized capabilities. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Helpful thread 👍
