Need a solid prime for street work on my Lumix S5II but I'm torn between the 35mm and 50mm focal lengths. I've been shooting for a decade, mostly Sony, but I switched to the L-mount alliance recently and the lens selection is kinda overwhelming for a newcomer.
I mostly walk around downtown Chicago so I need something fast but not too heavy for all-day carry. Budget is around $800 max. I was looking at the Sigma 35mm f/2 Contemporary because its tiny but I'm worried the autofocus wont keep up with moving subjects as well as the native Panasonic primes.
Should I just stick to the Lumix 1.8 series or is the Sigma i-series better for that tactile feel...
Saw this late, but I gotta chime in. I actually had huge hopes for the Sigma I-series because they look like tiny works of art, but unfortunately, the real-world performance for street work left me pretty disappointed. I spent a weekend with the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary and while the tactile feel is amazing, the autofocus just didnt feel as snappy as the native glass when things got busy. Its kinda a bummer because that metal build is sweet, but for shooting in downtown Chicago where the light changes every block, the native Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 is just way more reliable. Here is the lowdown on why I ended up switching back:
- The AF on the Lumix 1.8 series is basically instant on the S5II, whereas the Sigma had some issues with hunting in high-contrast shadows between buildings.
- Weight is a major factor... the Panasonic is mostly high-quality plastic, so its way lighter for an 8-hour walk through the Loop.
- The Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is dirt cheap and performs exactly like the 35mm, so swapping them mid-day doesnt mess with your muscle memory. I really wanted the Sigma to be the one but missing focus on a one-time candid shot is the worst feeling. If you can live with the boring plastic exterior, the Panasonic 1.8 primes are much better tools for the job. Tbh, save the extra cash for a good strap or some extra batteries instead. Those Chicago winters will kill your battery life anyway...
Bump - same question here
I actually have to disagree a bit with the previous take on Sigma autofocus. Since you are using the S5II with the newer phase detect system, the AF performance is night and day compared to the older contrast-only bodies. I have been very satisfied with the I-series for fast street work because those stepping motors are incredibly precise. If you want to save some cash and get a unique focal length that sits right between 35 and 50, check these out:
- Sigma 45mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary
- Sigma 65mm f2 DG DN Contemporary The 45mm is almost a pancake lens and it works well for that discreet Chicago street vibe. Its way under your $800 budget too. Honestly, the rendering is a bit more classic and less clinical than the Lumix primes, which I personally prefer. Ngl, the f2.8 might seem slow on paper, but the S5II sensor is so clean at high ISO that it doesnt really matter for most shots. Plus, having a physical aperture ring makes the shooting experience so much better... it just feels right in the hand.
