So I finally picked up the S5II and now I need a solid prime but honestly Im stuck. I keep seeing people recommend the Lumix 35mm f1.8 as the perfect all-rounder but then I read some threads saying the 50mm is better for that classic look and the 35 gets weird distortion for close-up portraits.
My logic was that I could just crop in on the 35mm if I had to but then I lose that shallow depth of field. Im heading to Kyoto next month and I really want to travel light with just one lens. I have about 600 bucks left for this gear. Is there something Im missing or should I just flip a coin between these two?
Honestly, for a trip like Kyoto, I'd probably play it safe and go with the 35mm. Ive used the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 S-S35 and its a very reliable choice for street stuff and tight temple spaces where a 50mm feels way too cramped. Youre right about the distortion if you get right in someone's face for a headshot, but for general travel, it stays pretty clean and predictable. The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 S-S50 is definitely better for that classic bokeh look, but you might find yourself backing into walls in Japans narrower streets trying to fit a whole building in the frame. Both lenses fit your $600 budget easily. Since theyre part of the same series, they even weigh the same, which is great for carrying it all day. I think the 35mm is the safer bet for travel because you can always crop in, but you cant always walk backward through a wall. Let me know if you need more info on the autofocus or anything else.
Been chewing on your dilemma for a bit. Kyoto has these really narrow alleys in Gion where a 50mm can feel like a claustrophobic nightmare, but the perspective distortion on a 35mm can definitely mess with facial proportions if you get too close for portraits. I remember dragging a bulky setup through Arashiyama and totally regretting not having something more specialized and compact. You might want to consider some of the Sigma I-Series glass because they offer a different tactile experience and rendering that fits the L-mount perfectly:
- The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary L-Mount is an all-metal build that feels way more premium than the plastic Lumix primes and stays right around your price point.
- If you want something even more travel-friendly, look at the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary L-Mount. It hits that sweet spot between 35 and 50 while being incredibly light for all-day walking. Just make sure to check the weight balance because that S5II is already a bit of a chunk. I would suggest looking at sample raws for that 45mm tho, since the bokeh can be a bit polarizing compared to the klinical Lumix 1.8 series.
Re: "Honestly, for a trip like Kyoto, I'd probably..." I honestly feel your pain. Choosing just one lens for a bucket-list trip is genuinely stressful. I would suggest you be extremely careful with that budget tho. Its so easy to panic-buy and then realize the weight balance on the camera feels off during a long walking day... I hate how we are forced to choose between distortion or being too tight. Its a constant, frustrating trade-off that ruins the pre-trip excitement.
Great info, saved!
🙌
Did this last week, worked perfectly
