I just got this Lumix S5 used because I heard it was good for photos but honestly I have no idea what I am doing lol. My sisters graduation is in two weeks and I really want to take those blurry background photos of her in her gown. People keep saying I need a prime lens but I dont really get what that means or which one fits this camera.
I saw some expensive ones but my budget is like 500 dollars max since I spent most of my savings on the camera body already. Is there a specific one that is good for beginners and makes the background look really soft? Which prime lens is best for portraits on Lumix S5?
Welcome to the S5 club! Ive been shooting for a long time and honestly, the safest bet for a beginner is staying with native glass so you dont run into autofocus issues. A prime lens just means it doesnt zoom, which allows for a wider aperture to get those blurry backgrounds youre looking for. In my experience, these two are your best bets under 500 bucks:
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8
- This is the king of budget portraits. It gives you that professional look with a very soft background. Its right at the top of your budget but worth it.
- Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f1.8
- A bit wider and cheaper if you want to save money. Id personally grab the 85mm. It makes people look better and the background blur is way more noticeable for graduation shots.
@Reply #1 - good point! But I actually prefer the Sigma glass for that amazing metal build and character!!
- Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary : This is perfect for environmental portraits where you want the graduation venue visible but soft.
- Sigma 65mm f2 DG DN Contemporary : This lens produces incredible, creamy backgrounds for those classic tight shots! I love these options because they feel much more premium than the standard plastic lenses.
Saw this earlier, but real quick... how much space are you actually gonna have at the ceremony? if youre stuck in a seat, that changes things. In my experience:
- Stick with the Lumix 1.8 series
- Focus on composition over gear
- Keep the background distant Honestly, go with Panasonic. Their 1.8 series is basically made for the Panasonic Lumix S5 and they're way easier to carry than the heavy pro glass.
Yep, this is the way
