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Which Panasonic Lumix S lens offers the best value for portraits?

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I honestly have no idea what I am doing and this whole camera thing is way harder than it looks on youtube. I bought an S5II last week for my sisters wedding in Seattle next month but all my test shots look like they came from my phone and I am so frustrated right now. I spent most of my money on the camera and only have about 500 bucks left for a lens that can actually make people look good with those blurry backgrounds.

The kit lens just isnt doing it and I keep seeing all these numbers like 50mm and 85mm and my head is just spinning. Which Panasonic Lumix S lens is actually the best value for portraits if I dont want to spend a fortune?


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Hey there! Seriously dont panic because you picked an amazing camera with that S5II! The kit lens is fine for broad daylight but for that dreamy wedding look you absolutely need a fast prime lens. I went through the exact same thing when I started out and felt so lost. If you have $500 left you gotta look at the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 L-Mount. It is literally the best value lens in the entire L-mount lineup right now and it fits your budget perfectly! The reason your shots look like a phone is focal length and aperture. That 85mm focal length gives you fantastic compression which basically makes people look slimmer and pulls the background closer to them. Plus that f/1.8 aperture is huge for bokeh! Since the wedding is in Seattle you might be dealing with gray skies or dim indoor lighting and that f/1.8 aperture lets in way more light than your kit lens ever could. It only weighs about 355g and uses a 67mm filter thread, plus it has a linear motor for nearly silent autofocusing. That silent focusing is amazing for wedding ceremonies where you dont want to be a distraction! Quick tip: once you get the lens set your dial to A (Aperture Priority) and scroll that wheel until it says 1.8. It will handle the rest! Also make sure you turn on the Eye Autofocus in the settings... the S5II is scary good at locking onto eyes and it will make your life so much easier during the ceremony. Youre gonna do great and she is gonna love the photos!


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