I just bought a Lumix S5II because the guy at the store said it was good but now I am totally lost with the lenses. I have my sister's wedding coming up in about two months and she wants me to take some fancy portraits of her but I only have the kit lens and it doesnt look like those blurry background shots you see online. I have been looking at the Sigma Art ones because everyone says they are the best for the L-mount thing but there are so many numbers and I dont get what they mean. 35mm? 50mm? 85mm? My budget is right around $1000 and I am really scared of buying the wrong thing and ruining her big day. We live in a small town in Oregon so there isnt a shop I can just go to and try them out myself.
I keep reading about f1.4 and f2.8 and my head is spinning trying to figure out the difference. Is 85 better than 50 for people? I want that really smooth blurry look for her photos but I am worried 85 might be too zoomed in if we are inside the church or something. Does one work better for a total beginner who has no idea what they are doing? I really need to know which one I should buy so I dont mess this up...
If you want that blurry look, you really gotta go with the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art L-mount. I've been using it and I'm super satisfied with the results. It's basically the gold standard for wedding portraits. 85mm is a bit tight inside, but for those fancy solo shots she wants, nothing else compares. It fits your budget and honestly, you'll be happy you got it.
Saw this and wanted to weigh in because picking the wrong focal length can be a total headache. > I keep reading about f1.4 and f2.8 and my head is spinning trying to figure out the difference. Is 85 better than 50 for people? Be careful with the 85mm in small spaces; you might find yourself backed into a corner trying to get a full body shot. For your budget, the Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art L-Mount is likely the smartest play. Its basically a do-it-all lens. That f1.4 aperture is the secret sauce for the blur you want... it lets in significantly more light than your kit lens. If you choose the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art L-Mount, the background blur is even more intense, but it is way more restrictive indoors. The 50mm is just more forgiving for a beginner. Just make sure to practice with the eye-autofocus on your S5II beforehand so you dont miss focus when shes moving around.
Honestly, you might want to consider the Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art L-mount. Its about $949 and has way better light transmission than your kit lens. Be careful tho, shooting wide open at f1.4 makes the focus area razor thin. Make sure you use the S5II eye-tracking or youll miss the shot. It gives that creamy background without being too cramped for indoor ceremonies.
