I just picked up an S5II a couple weeks ago after ditching my old Fuji setup and Im honestly loving the full frame look but man the lens choices for L-mount are kind of overwhelming when you actually start looking to buy. Im headed to Tokyo in about three weeks for a vacation and I really want a solid prime lens for street stuff. I dont want to lug around a big zoom when I'm walking 20k steps a day ya know?
Ive been doing some reading and the two that keep popping up are the Lumix 35mm f1.8 and that Sigma 35mm f2 from their I series. People seem to love the Sigma because it feels premium and has that manual aperture ring which sounds cool but then others say the Lumix is better because the autofocus is more native and it matches the other f1.8 primes in size if I ever buy more. I also saw some people swearing by the Sigma 45mm f2.8 because its tiny and cheap but f2.8 feels a bit slow for night shots in Shinjuku maybe? My budget is capped at around $900 because I already spent a ton on the body and flights.
Basically my priorities are:
- light weight for all day carry
- fast enough for night street shots
- good build quality
- under $1000
I really like the 35mm focal length for just general walking around but I'm worried about the Sigma being too heavy or the Lumix feeling too plasticky. Plus some reviewers say the Sigma has weird bokeh sometimes? Im just really torn because I want something that wont weigh me down but still gives me that "pro" look for my travel photos. I mostly do stills but might grab some quick video clips here and there so the breathing thing matters a little bit I guess.
If you were me which one would you actually put on your camera or is there a secret third option I'm missing...
I have shot with both setups and you might want to consider the ergonomics before making a final choice. Since you are walking huge distances in Tokyo, I would suggest the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 for your S5II. It is very lightweight tho and the focus breathing is basically non-existent, which is a huge plus if you grab video clips. Be careful with the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary because while the metal build feels premium, that weight adds up when it is hanging off your neck for 20k steps. The f/1.8 aperture on the Lumix is much safer for those dark Shinjuku alleys than the 45mm you mentioned. Make sure to prioritize the native autofocus too. The Lumix glass usually communicates better with the body during fast street movement. If you can ignore the housing feel, the image quality is definitely pro-grade.
