I just bought a Lumix S5II because I wanted to take better photos of my family but honestly im kind of overwhelmed with all the buttons and settings. My sister is getting married soon and she asked me to take some engagement photos for her at a park here in Seattle next month. I have the lens that came with the camera but the background isnt getting that blurry look that everyone likes you know? I think they call it bokeh. I read online that I need a prime lens for that but I dont really know what that means exactly other than it doesnt zoom.
I have about 800 dollars saved up for a new lens but looking at the options is making my head spin. I see stuff from Sigma and then some from Panasonic and the prices are all over the place. Is 85mm the one I want for this kind of thing? Someone told me that but then I saw a 50mm and it was way cheaper so now im just lost. I really want her photos to look professional and not just like I took them on my phone. Sorry if this is a really basic question but I just want to make sure I dont buy the wrong thing and waste my money because I cant really afford to buy more than one right now. Which L-mount prime lens should I get if I want those really pretty professional looking portraits with the soft backgrounds?
tbh I have been super satisfied with the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f/1.8 since I got it. It works well for portraits because it really makes the background melt away.
- Fits your budget perfectly
- 85mm is way more flattering for faces than 50mm imo
- Its light so you wont get tired carrying it Trust me, you wont regret this one for the engagement shoot.
Honestly, those f/1.8 primes kinda disappointed me. They felt sterile and the bokeh wasnt as smooth as I hoped for park shoots. Ended up trading mine in for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art for L-Mount. Its a bit over your $800 but finding a used one is the way to go for that pro look.
- Much deeper background blur
- Better contrast for skin tones
- Professional build vs plastic lenses
Yeah the previous guy is right about 85mm being better, but honestly, I've been pretty disappointed with how many people suggest 50mm lenses for portraits. I had issues with the Panasonic LUMIX S 50mm f/1.8 because it just wasnt as good as expected for getting that deep blur. You have to get so close to the person that it starts to distort their face, making noses look bigger than they are. Not great for engagement photos... Unfortunately, a lot of beginners get stuck with a 50mm and wonder why their shots dont look "pro." Here is why you want that 85mm instead:
- Background Compression: Long lenses physically pull the background closer to the subject, making the bokeh look much thicker.
- Better Distance: You can stand back and let the couple act natural without being in their personal space.
- Subject Isolation: It makes the person pop out from the grass and trees way better than a wider lens ever could. If you want the best possible look and can find a deal, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is miles ahead of the f/1.8 versions in terms of smoothness, though it is heavier. Just dont waste your cash on a 50mm and expect it to do what an 85mm does.
Would love to know this too
