So I finally bit the bullet and grabbed an S5II body after saving up for months because I really wanted that phase detect autofocus for my hiking vlogs here in Oregon. Problem is I spent almost all my cash on the body and now I am sitting here with just the kit lens and its... fine I guess? But I really want that blurry background look for my talking head shots and better low light for when I am in the forest under the canopy where it gets dark fast.
I keep seeing people recommend the Lumix 50mm f1.8 because its cheap and the autofocus is native but then I saw a bunch of videos about the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 being the best budget zoom option. But is the Sigma gonna be weird with the autofocus compared to the Panasonic brand lenses? Some guys on Reddit were saying the Panasonic 1.8 primes are better because they are all the same size which is cool for gimbals but I dont even own a gimbal yet so maybe that doesnt matter for me right now.
I have about $500 maybe $600 to spend right now and I really need one solid do it all lens or maybe two cheap primes if that makes more sense. What are you guys actually using on this camera that doesnt cost two grand? Is the Sigma 28-70 actually worth it or should I just stick to the Lumix primes...
Regarding what #1 said about being careful with zooms, honestly I agree. I tried the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary and unfortunately f2.8 was just too dark under the forest canopy.
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8: amazing bokeh for talking heads but way too tight for hiking vlogs.
- Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary: great wide angle but the AF hunt is real compared to native glass. Native primes are the only way to go for that S5II autofocus tbh.
I would suggest you be careful about picking a zoom if your main priority is that forest canopy low light. The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is a very solid technical choice because the firmware integration with the S5II is seamless, which matters for the phase detect logic. If you decide on a prime, you might want to consider these points:
- The Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 is actually better for vlogging because 50mm is often too narrow for handheld hiking shots.
- If you go with the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary, make sure to check for used copies to stay under that $600 limit. Sigma glass works fine with the new AF system, though native Panasonic lenses are often more consistent for video tracking. The uniform size of the f/1.8 primes is a big plus even without a gimbal because it keeps your balance predictable.
Quick reply while I am waiting for a render to finish. I actually did a similar hike out at Silver Falls last year with the S5II and learned the hard way that anything tighter than 24mm makes for a pretty claustrophobic vlog if you are holding the camera at arms length. I would be very careful with that Sigma zoom because while f2.8 sounds fast, those Oregon forests get pitch black under the canopy and the AF can start to hunt more than you'd like when the contrast drops. I have had much better luck with these two options for the woods:
- Panasonic LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 is basically my go-to for walking and talking because you get so much of the environment.
- Panasonic LUMIX S 24mm F1.8 if you want a bit more focus on your face but still want a wider perspective than a 35mm. The 18mm is especially nice because it keeps your face sharp while still showing the scale of the trees, and the AF transition is butter smooth compared to third-party stuff. Just make sure to check the used market since they pop up for under $600 pretty often if you keep an eye out. Honestly, native glass just handles the pulse of the S5II better in those tricky, low-contrast forest shots... you dont want to get home and realize half your footage is pulsing.
👆 this
Yep, this is the way
Saw this earlier and wanted to weigh in on the technical side. You really need to be careful with how third-party controllers handle the data stream. The phase detection logic on the S5II relies on specific timing for the focus motor drive that isnt always perfect with other brands. I would suggest sticking with the native glass because the firmware integration is just more robust for video work.
- Just get any of the Panasonic primes
- Stick to the manufacturer brand for the best autofocus reliability
- Make sure to verify the lens firmware is current Its basically a matter of data throughput between the body and the lens. Some third-party brands wont track as smoothly when the light levels drop under a forest canopy. I'd stay within the Panasonic ecosystem for now to ensure you are getting the most out of that new sensor.