Ive been staring at lens reviews for days trying to find the perfect prime for my Panasonic S5II. Im heading to Japan next month and want to capture some really high-end street shots but Im torn on what to get with my $1000 budget.
I read that the Sigma 35mm f1.4 is basically the gold standard for sharpness, but then other people say the native Panasonic 50mm f1.8 is better for the phase detect autofocus on this body. I dont want to sacrifice image quality for weight, but I also dont want a lens that hunts for focus. Which prime actually gives the best results for this sensor?
Ive tried many L-mount lenses over the years and honestly, the Sigma Art series is where youll find that high-end look for Japan. Since the S5II has phase detect, focus hunting isnt really a problem anymore.
- Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art L-Mount
- Sharpness is just incredible.
- Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f1.8 L-Mount
- Good for weight, but lacks that pro pop. The Sigma 35mm is definitely the winner... just ask if you need more help.
^ This. Also, honestly, I gotta disagree a bit on going for the heaviest glass for a trip like Japan. Walking 20k steps a day with a massive lens is a recipe for a sore neck, so I usually lean toward the compact stuff for reliability and ease of use. The Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary L-Mount is a really solid middle ground. It feels like a tank but fits in a jacket pocket, and the image quality is crisp enough for high-end street work. If you want the safest option for that S5II phase detect, the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f1.8 L-Mount is probably better. It handles flare well and the autofocus is basically flawless since its native. You wont notice a huge difference between f1.4 and f1.8 in most shots, but your back will thank you. Save the extra cash for sushi... having a lighter kit just makes the whole experience way better.
Just catching up on this. Honestly, I have been through so many lens swaps over the years trying to find the perfect travel setup for my Lumix gear. Memories of hauling a giant setup through Kyoto still haunt me... by day three I was ready to throw the whole bag in a river because of the weight. Even if the S5II handles the focus better now, that physical fatigue is real. Before you pull the trigger on anything tho, I gotta ask... what kind of street shots are you actually envisioning? Are you looking for that super compressed cinematic look for portraits, or trying to capture the wide neon vibes of Shinjuku? Also, are you firm on that $1000 being for a single brand-new lens? Or would you be willing to look at the used market to stretch that budget? In my experience, you can get a lot more bang for your buck if you aren't afraid of the second-hand market, but some people definitely prefer having a warranty for a big trip.
