Finally made the jump to a Lumix S5II recently and I am loving it but my current zoom kit lens is just too soft for some of the portrait and street work I want to do. I need something sharper, definitely a prime. I am planning a trip to Tokyo in about three months so I need to decide on a lens soon because I want to get used to the focal length before I fly out.
Right now im really torn between the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and the Lumix 50mm f/1.8. The Sigma is obviously the better glass, but its a bit bulky and my budget is sitting around 800 bucks max, though I could probably stretch if I find a deal on a used one. The Lumix 50mm is so tiny and cheap which is great for travel, but im worried 50mm will feel too tight in narrow streets.
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4
- Lumix 50mm f/1.8
- Maybe the Sigma 45mm f/2.8?
Im really leaning toward the 35mm for the versatility but is the size penalty too much for an all-day walkaround lens? Has anyone used these on an L-mount body for travel before?
Honestly, skip the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary if you want sharpness, I had issues with corner softness that just ruined my street shots. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is way better optically but definitely heavy for an all-day trip. If you really want that travel vibe, maybe just grab the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 and call it a day. It is way smaller and honestly easier to carry around Tokyo.
Tokyo is gonna be absolutely amazing! Honestly, I totally get the anxiety about lens size. I recently picked up the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 and its been a life saver. It is way smaller than that massive 1.4 version but still super sharp! Definitely practice shooting in manual mode before you go so you dont miss those quick shots. You'll have such a fantastic time out there, just keep your gear light!
I actually really disagree about the bulkiness being a dealbreaker. I spent a week in Tokyo with a heavier setup and tbh it wasnt as bad as people claim if you have a decent strap. My own experience taught me that carrying something slightly bigger is worth the trade-off for that extra speed, especially for evening street shots. You might find that the extra weight is fine once you get into the flow of things.
