Im so torn on what to buy for my London trip next week. I keep seeing the Lumix 35mm 1.8 recommended but then people say the Sigma 45mm 2.8 is better for street because its tiny.
I only have $600 and dont want to choose wrong... which one is actually the better L-mount prime for this?
Just saw this. If we look at the raw specs, the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 basically wins for versatility in a place like London where it rains constantly. It weighs 295g which isnt heavy at all, even if the Sigma is lighter at 215g. Heres how they stack up for your $600 budget:
- Lumix 35mm has full weather sealing for the rain
- Sigma 45mm has a physical aperture ring which is nice for tactile shooting
- The f/1.8 aperture gives you exactly 1.33 stops more light than the f/2.8
- 35mm focal length offers a 63 degree angle of view vs 51 degrees on the 45mm The Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is definitely more pocketable tho. Honestly, if you find yourself in the Tube or walking Soho late at night, that extra stop on the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 is gonna matter more than saving 80 grams of weight. It hits right at the top of your budget but the technical trade-off for the f/1.8 is usually worth it for street work.
I've been using L-mount for a while now and found that build quality matters more than specs when you're traveling. I once had a plastic lens barrel crack in my bag during a flight to London, which was a nightmare. Now I tend to stick to the I-series from Sigma because they are built like tanks and wont fail in the middle of a trip.
- Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary: It is slightly more expensive than the Lumix but the all-metal construction is a huge reliability plus. It handles flares decently and the autofocus is reliable for street work.
- Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary: A very compact option if you need something wider for the London architecture. It is slower at f/3.5 but it’s sharp across the frame and fits into the $600 budget easily. Both have those brass mounts and weather sealing at the gasket, which is usually enough for light rain. It just depends on if you prefer the wider view or the standard 35mm look. Theyve served me well on a few rainy shoots.
Go with the f/1.8 aperture option because it is a massive win for your technical output! I love the light gathering data you get with that extra stop. Just watch out for these traps:
- forgetting to check for weather sealing
- buying a lens thats too bulky for stealthy shooting
- ignoring the minimum focus distance specs The faster prime is honestly fantastic for those dim London alleys tho!
Big if true
