16/03/2026 3:02 pm
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So I finally pulled the trigger on the S5II and Im honestly so hyped to finally have phase detect on a Panasonic body. Its been a long time coming. Im planning a big trip to Kyoto and Tokyo next month and I really want to move away from my heavy zoom and just carry two or three primes to keep things light while Im walking like 20k steps a day.
I spent all last night looking at the Lumix S 1.8 series, specifically the 18mm and the 50mm. Everyone says they are amazing for video because they all weigh the same so you dont have to rebalance a gimbal, which sounds cool but I mostly shoot handheld. Then I saw the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art and their I-series stuff. The Sigmas look like they have way more soul and sharpness in the samples Ive seen online but I keep reading conflicting reports about whether the Sigma autofocus is actually native-level on the L-mount or if it still hunts more than the Panasonic brand glass.
My budget is around 1500 bucks and I really want to get this right before I leave in three weeks. Since the S5II is so much better at tracking now does it even matter which brand I pick? What are you guys using as your go-to prime setup for travel?
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16/03/2026 3:25 pm
Regarding what #1 said about "I really wanted to love the Sigma I-series,..."
- Ive found that firmware updates basically solved those AF jitters on the S5II. In my experience, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is the sweet spot for Kyoto. Its sharper than the Lumix 50mm and way lighter than the Art series. Check the L-Mount Alliance website for the latest lens compatibility tables. It lists the exact AF motor types for each lens.
12
16/03/2026 3:25 pm
Wait, quick question before you commit... are you doing mostly night street photography in Shinjuku or daytime temple hopping in Kyoto? It really changes which aperture you should prioritize! Honestly, the S5II handles both brands so well now that it mostly comes down to the look you want. @Reply #1 - good point! about the hunting, but honestly with the latest firmware on the Panasonic Lumix S5II and the Sigma glass, its been a non-issue for me. Heres how I see the heavy hitters for your budget:
- Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art: This thing is a beast! The sharpness is actually mind-blowing and it has that character everyone talks about. Only downside is the weight. Its definitely heavier than the Panasonic primes, so those 20k steps might feel like 40k by the end of the day. Pros: Amazing low light and bokeh. Cons: Chunky.
- Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8: Best choice for portraits or picking out details in the Kyoto architecture. Its super tiny and feather-light. The bokeh is surprisingly smooth for such a small lens! Pros: Fast AF and light. Cons: Tight for narrow streets. Since you are going to Japan, you might want to save some of that $1500 for a nice dinner anyway! If you go with the 85mm and maybe a used Sigma, you could probably fit both in that budget easily.
5
16/03/2026 3:02 pm
I really wanted to love the Sigma I-series, but unfortunately, the autofocus on my S5II was a bit of a letdown. I had issues with it hunting during a trip to NYC last year, which was super annoying when trying to grab quick shots. For Kyoto, you definitely want something more reliable...
- Grab the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 for most shots.
- Get the Panasonic Lumix S 18mm f/1.8 for those wide street scenes.
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16/03/2026 4:05 pm
Can confirm
