I finally saved up and got a Leica SL2-S because I've always wanted one but honestly I am so lost right now. I want to take those really pretty blurry background photos of my daughter's first birthday party next month here in Brooklyn. I heard I need a prime lens for that but I dont even know what that really means lol. Is it just a lens that doesnt zoom? My budget is like maybe 1200 max if that even buys anything good for this camera. I see stuff about Sigma and Panasonic also fitting the L-mount thing so is that true? I just want her to look sharp and the background to look soft and nice. Which prime lens is actually the best one for portraits on these cameras?
Congrats on the SL2-S! It is an amazing camera and you are totally gonna love it!! For those blurry backgrounds, you definitely want the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for L-Mount. Its built like a tank and super reliable.
- Super sharp for portraits
- Gorgeous soft backgrounds
- Fits your budget perfectly Honestly, this lens is a beast and just makes every shot look professional. Tbh you wont regret it!
@Reply #2 - good point! Space is everything. Honestly I tried using a long lens in a tiny apartment once and it was a total disaster lol. I was basically hugging the wall trying to get the shot. Unfortunately, some of the higher end Leica branded lenses are just way too pricey for what they give you. I had issues with the weight on some of those too, theyre just not as good as expected for a long party. Since you want that blur but need space, maybe look at the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art for L-Mount. It gives you a more natural view so you can actually see the cake and the party, but that f/1.4 aperture still gets you that creamy background youre looking for. Quick tip: make sure you turn on the Face and Eye Detection in your SL2-S settings. Its a lifesaver with toddlers who wont sit still for a second. You got this, shes gonna look great!
Just saw this and congrats on the SL2-S! Before you buy, is the party in a cramped Brooklyn apartment or a bigger venue? 85mm is the classic choice but can be tight indoors. In my experience, you can save money with these:
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 is lightweight and way under budget.
- Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary gives you more room to breathe.
Re: "@Reply #2 - good point! Space is everything...." - yeah seriously, nothing worse than being stuck against a wall. Since you are new to the SL2-S, its worth checking out the official L-Mount Alliance site. It lists every compatible lens so you dont accidentally buy something that doesnt fit. Reliability is the main thing when a kids involved. You dont want the lens hunting for focus while shes blowing out candles. Most of the modern stuff is great but some brands just mesh better with the Leica body.
- Go with any of the Sigma prime lenses. They are built like tanks and have never failed me during a shoot. Just pick a focal length that feels right for your room size.
- Panasonic is also a great shout because their stuff is designed to talk perfectly with the Leica software.
- Check out the forums on DPReview or Fred Miranda. People post tons of sample photos there so you can see if the background blur looks the way you want it to. Tbh, as long as you stick to those two brands, you cant really go wrong for your budget. Most of their glass is super sharp and way more reliable than the cheap off-brand stuff you see online.
