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...
Regarding what #1 said about "The SL2 is a serious camera but it..." definitely needs a lighter setup! I love this camera but the weight is real. Quick question though, how far from the stage are you sitting? Graduation halls vary a lot! If youre gonna be close, the Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary L-Mount is amazing! Its tiny, super sharp, and wont break your wrist or your bank account. Serious quality!
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.
Ngl I totally feel your pain with the SL2. I picked one up last year thinking it was gonna be my dream setup for travel but man, I didnt realize how much of a workout it is just to hold the thing for a few hours. I actually ended up with some serious wrist strain after a wedding because I went with a really massive lens that everyone said was the best for quality. It looked professional for sure but i couldnt even lift my hand by the end of the day. I basically learned the hard way that a setup is only reliable if you actually want to pick it up and use it. I had to rethink everything and go much smaller just so i wouldnt leave the camera at home. It’s a struggle finding that balance between the pro look and actually being able to carry the gear without needing a physical therapist lol. Youre definitely not alone in feeling lost with those numbers... honestly it took me months to figure out what actually worked for my hands.
Re: "Regarding what #1 said about 'The SL2 is...'
- Honestly, the weight is usually in the glass, not just the body. I've tried many setups over the years and learned that f1.4 primes are basically gym weights. Not sure but iirc there are some f1.8 or f2 options that are much lighter.
- heavier glass usually means more elements
- smaller apertures like f2 keep things compact
- lighter setups help with that wrist pain lol
