What are the best budget L-mount lenses for pro video that wont break the bank? I saw the Panasonic 1.8 primes are cheap but people say the autofocus is shaky and Sigma glass is way too heavy for my RS3 mini. Im shooting a wedding in three weeks and only have about $450 left after buying my S5II...
> I saw the Panasonic 1.8 primes are cheap but people say the autofocus is shaky and Sigma glass is way too heavy for my RS3 mini. Unfortunately, the selection for L-mount glass under $450 is quite thin. I have personally had issues with third-party autofocus performance, which is often not as good as expected for critical events like weddings. While you heard negative rumors, the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is actually your best bet. It is disappointing to hear people still struggle with them, but on the S5II, the phase detect makes them very solid. Another option is the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary L-Mount. It is tiny and perfect for your RS3 Mini. Sadly, the f/2.8 aperture is a bit of a letdown for dim receptions. Methodically, the Panasonic 1.8 series is superior because they share the same dimensions for easy gimbal balancing. Tbh, id just grab the 50mm and ignore the noise.
Stumbled upon this and wanted to chime in. To add to the point above: the S5II actually fixed those autofocus jitters people complain about. I used the older bodies and it was a mess, but phase detect makes the native glass solid. If you only have $450, dont sleep on the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6. I used it for a wedding last month because I needed that 20mm width for the venue.
- Its super light for the DJI RS 3 Mini.
- Native AF is silent and fast.
- Leaves you money for extra batteries. I know kit lenses get a bad rap, but the image is punchy enough for pro work. If you really want a prime that isnt a total brick, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is usually cheap used. It fits your gimbal way better than the heavy Art series glass. It is basically the only Sigma lens that wont feel like a dumbbell on that mini rig.
@Reply #2 - spot on! The phase detect is seriously amazing now!!
- check local used markets to save a ton of cash
- renting is also a total game changer for weddings!