What are the absolute best budget lenses for L-mount video work right now because I am in a serious bind? I just picked up a Lumix S5II and totally blew my budget on the body and some extra batteries and now I realized I have a wedding gig next Saturday and my kit lens just isnt gonna cut it for those low light reception shots. I need something fast but I literally only have about 550 bucks left in my bank account for this.
I am looking at three main options right now. The first is the Panasonic 50mm f1.8 because I heard the autofocus is native and super smooth for video but Im worried it might be too tight for some of the indoor shots. Then there is the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 Contemporary which would be way more versatile but even used it might be pushing my 600 limit and I dont know if the f2.8 is enough for a dark ballroom. I also saw that super cheap TTArtisan 50mm f2 and Im tempted just to save the money but Ive never used manual glass for a high pressure event like this and Im scared Ill miss focus every single time.
Since Im in Chicago I can probably run to a local shop but I need to decide tonight so I can order it if they dont have it in stock. Should I just play it safe with the Panasonic prime or try to find a deal on that Sigma zoom so I dont have to keep swapping lenses mid-ceremony?
@Reply #2 - good point! Reliable AF is everything. I once missed a couples first dance because my zoom wouldnt lock focus in a dim hall... total nightmare. Id be careful with f/2.8 glass; it really struggles when things get dark.
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8: Perfect for ceremony close-ups.
- Panasonic Lumix S 18mm f/1.8: Great for wide dance floor shots. I would suggest sticking with native primes to stay safe.
Honestly, just grab the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8. For weddings, you really need that reliable autofocus and the extra light from f/1.8 in those dim halls. The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is nice, but f/2.8 can be a struggle when things get really dark. Skip the manual lens for now; missing focus at a wedding is a nightmare you dont want.
@Reply #1 - good point! Reliable AF is basically everything when you only get one shot at the kiss. Since you're worried about the 50mm being too tight for those indoor Chicago venues, I've been really satisfied with the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8. I use it for most of my event stuff and it honestly works well every single time without any complaints.
- Focal length: 35mm is way more forgiving in cramped rooms than a 50mm.
- Low light: That f/1.8 is a lifesaver when the reception lighting is basically non-existent.
- Video features: It has almost zero focus breathing, which is huge for video creators. Ngl, I wouldnt risk manual glass like that TTArtisan on a wedding. The Panasonic prime is a safe choice, fits your 550 budget, and the image quality is great. Youll be much happier having that autofocus lock on while you're running around trying to catch every moment.
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
> I literally only have about 550 bucks left in my bank account for this. Tbh I totally feel your pain on this. It is such a scam how expensive everything is lately. I was so satisfied when I finally grabbed my S5II but then you look at lens prices and it just kills the vibe. It honestly drives me crazy that these companies expect us to just have thousands sitting around. I actually went on this huge tangent the other day looking at old vintage lenses because I was so fed up with the L-mount tax we have to pay. I spent like four hours reading about how people used to adapt old cinema glass just to save a few bucks. It was actually kinda cool seeing those old setups even if it didnt help me at all. I got lost in this forum thread from 2012 about some guy who rebuilt an entire lens in his garage... anyway, it is just ridiculous how much they charge for glass these days. But yeah.
