So I finally saved up and got the SL2 because I wanted to take better pictures of my daughter's graduation next month but honestly I'm so lost. The camera is way bigger than I thought it would be and the lens it came with makes my wrist hurt after ten minutes lol.
I keep hearing that a prime lens is what I need for those really sharp clear shots with the soft backgrounds but there are so many numbers on the website and I dont know what they mean. I have about 1800 dollars left to spend but I'm scared of buying the wrong thing. Is there one that isn't too heavy but still looks professional? Sorry if this is a really basic thing to ask I just dont want to waste more money...
The SL2 is a serious camera but it definitely needs a lighter lens to feel balanced. My testing with different glass led me to a couple options that offer the professional look you want without breaking your budget.
- Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art L-Mount: This is a very safe recommendation. It produces extremely sharp images and the f1.4 aperture creates that beautiful blurry background you are looking for. It is built well and feels very reliable in the hand.
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8 L-Mount: If weight is your main concern, this lens works well. It is much lighter than the pro zooms and the 85mm focal length is perfect for graduation portraits. I have no complaints about the image quality here. Actually... these lenses provide professional results and wont leave you feeling frustrated with the weight of your gear.
