What 35mm or 50mm prime lens are you guys using for street work on L-mount right now? Ive been shooting with the Lumix S5 for a couple years and honestly love the ergonomics but the heavy zooms are killing my back when I walk around downtown Chicago for hours on end. I really want something compact that doesnt look too intimidating since I like getting closer for candids.
I looked at the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 because it seems super tiny and fits the aesthetic perfectly but Im worried the aperture might be a bit slow for the evening shots I like to take. My budget is around 600-800 bucks and I need to pick something up before a trip to Tokyo in three weeks. Is the Sigma worth it or should I try to hunt down a used Lumix 35mm f/1.8 instead? I know the Lumix glass is supposed to be sharper but that Sigma pancake look is just so tempting for street setups where you dont want to stand out at all. Seriously having a hard time deciding if the extra stop of light is worth the bulk compared to that smaller Sigma footprint...
Had a moment to look over your options. Honestly, if you are hitting Tokyo for night shots, be careful with the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary aperture. It is beautifully built, but f/2.8 really limits your shutter speeds once the sun drops unless you crank your ISO way up. Consider these technical trade-offs:
- The Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 is significantly more versatile. You get that extra stop of light and the 35mm focal length is usually better for tight city alleyways.
- If you really want that pancake vibe, check out the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary. It sits right in the middle, offering better optics than the 45mm without being a massive zoom. Make sure to check your sensor noise levels at ISO 6400+ on the S5 before settling for a slower lens.
Jumping in here because Chicago streets are tough on the gear! Before you drop that cash, do you find yourself mostly shooting wide-open in deep shade or are you willing to embrace some motion blur for that candid vibe at night? If you want a secret weapon that won't break the bank, you should look at these:
- Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary
- It is way sharper than the 45mm and the build is incredible.
- Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8
- An absolute steal, usually found used for way under your budget, leaving extra room for travel food! The 35mm f/2 is honestly my favorite because it hits that sweet spot of size and low-light performance. It feels so premium without the massive weight. Let me know about your night shooting style!
Re: "Jumping in here because Chicago streets are tough..." - honestly, I was in your shoes last year before a big trip. I was super worried about gear failure or just missing shots because I couldnt decide on the right glass. I ended up grabbing the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary after stressing way too much about the aperture. It feels solid in the hand, which helps my anxiety about dropping stuff, but it isnt too heavy for all-day walks. You get that nice metal build that makes you feel like the lens wont just fall apart if you bump into a wall in a crowd. It works really well for evening stuff too, definitely better than the slower pancakes I used to mess around with. If you want something that you can rely on to just work without thinking about it, this has been my go-to. Just watch your step in those busy Tokyo intersections, the gear is fine but the crowds can be wild!
> I know the Lumix glass is supposed to be sharper but that Sigma pancake look is just so tempting for street setups where you dont want to stand out at all. I spent a week roaming through Kyoto last fall with a similar compact setup and honestly, the discretion you gain is worth its weight in gold. Being less noticeable helped me capture moments that would have vanished the second someone saw a massive lens pointed their way. I once tried to save space with a tiny manual focus piece, but I quickly realized that missing the shot because I was fiddling with focus rings was way more frustrating than dealing with a bit of extra weight. Just be careful with the slower aperture if you plan on shooting past sunset. I had a few shots turn into a blurry mess because I refused to crank the ISO. Make sure to test your high ISO performance before you leave, otherwise you might want to consider how much you really value that physical size over raw light gathering capabilities.
