Honestly so fed up with my current kit, the weight is killing my back during street shoots in London. Ive got about 800 quid to spend and I just want one sharp, versatile lens for my S5II so I can stop swapping glass constantly. What is the best all-around L-mount lens you guys actually like?
Just catching up on this thread. Honestly, I've had a rough time with some of the pricier zooms lately, they just feel like a brick after a few hours in the city. If you really want to save your back without spending a fortune, you gotta look at the primes or the smaller zooms. To add to the point above: the weight distribution on the bigger glass is usually the culprit for back pain. I tried the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary and it was okay, but honestly not as sharp as I expected for the price tag. Here is what I would do with your 800 quid instead:
- Grab the Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN Contemporary. It is built like a tank but tiny, and the aperture ring makes shooting on the street so much more intuitive than fiddling with the camera body.
- If you absolutely need a zoom, look for a used Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro O.I.S.. You can find these second hand for way under 800 if you search around. Just be warned, it is a bit heavier than the 20-60mm, but the extra reach is a lifesaver. I have had issues with weather sealing on some cheaper third-party glass, so definitely stick to these if you are shooting London drizzle. Dont waste your cash on adapters if you can avoid them, they just add unnecessary bulk.
Totally agree with the previous advice about keeping things light. Since you are rocking an S5II, honestly the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 is unbeatable for weight and versatility. It is super sharp and handles most street stuff effortlessly.
- Extremely compact design
- Sharp rendering across the range
- Perfect for street photography If you want more light, maybe look at the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary instead. Both are awesome options, let me know if you need more technical info.
