What are the best c...
 
Notifications
Clear all

What are the best compact prime lenses for Panasonic S5?

4 Posts
5 Users
0 Reactions
57 Views
0
Topic starter

What are the best compact prime lenses for the Panasonic S5 right now that wont break my back or my bank account? I finally picked up an S5 after years of shooting on my old Micro Four Thirds setup and while Im absolutely loving the full-frame look and that low light performance is just insane compared to what I was used to, the weight is starting to get to me. I have the 20-60mm kit lens and its fine for what it is, but its kind of slow and feels a bit plasticky plus it just makes the whole rig feel way bigger than I want for casual shooting. I'm looking for something tiny that I can just leave on the camera for street photography and maybe some family stuff.

I did some digging online and saw a lot of people talking about the Sigma I-series, specifically that 45mm f2.8. It looks super cool and retro with the aperture ring and everything but then I read some reviews saying the autofocus is kinda hunting on Panasonic bodies because of the whole DFD contrast system thing. Then there's the Panasonic 35mm f1.8 which everyone says is amazing and has fast focus, but it’s actually not that small? Like, it’s the same size as their 50 and 85 which is great for video gimbals I guess but for me it kind of defeats the purpose of compact.

Im heading to Tokyo next month for a two-week trip and I really want to keep my kit light so I can walk around all day without getting a sore neck. My budget is around 500 or 600 bucks tops so I cant go crazy buying those expensive Leica L-mount glass pieces even though they look gorgeous. Is there a pancake lens Im missing? Or should I just suck it up and get one of the Sigmas even if the AF isnt perfect? I really want something that makes the S5 feel more like a portable tool and less like a heavy work camera. Are there any hidden gems from brands like 7Artisans or should I stick to the ones with electronics...


4 Answers
11

Check the used market for these to save a few bucks:


11

The Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary is amazing! Its metal construction provides way better reliability for travel.


5

Building on the earlier suggestion, I definitely agree that skipping those cheap manual lenses for a big trip is the right move. I tried a manual prime once for a weekend getaway and it was a total disaster because I missed half the candid shots. For Tokyo, you definitely want something snappy. I eventually grabbed the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary for my S5 and it really is the sweet spot for travel. Heres a few things to keep in mind:

  • The autofocus hunting is mostly an issue in video or very low light. For street photography, its actually pretty reliable.
  • It is incredibly light. I can walk around all day with it on a simple wrist strap and my neck doesnt feel it.
  • The build quality is all metal and feels way more premium than that plasticky kit lens. Its well under your 600 dollar budget and makes the S5 feel like a totally different camera.


3

tbh i tried some of those cheap manual lenses and it was pretty disappointing. unfortunately you lose all the autofocus and exif data which is a huge pain for travel. had issues with the build quality too... one of mine basically fell apart in my bag. not as good as expected honestly. just be careful with off-brand stuff because no electronics really ruins the s5 experience.


Share:
PhotographyPanel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Contact Us | Privacy Policy