Which L-mount prime lens is best for street photography?

Question

What's the absolute best L-mount prime for street photography right now? I'm leaving for a trip to Tokyo in literally ten days and I still cant decide on a lens for my S5II.

I've been looking at the Panasonic 35mm f1.8 since it's light and weather sealed which is great but then I see everyone on YouTube saying the Sigma 35mm f2 Contemporary has way more character and better build. Im totally stuck because some people say the Panasonic is boring but others say the Sigma autofocus is jittery for fast street snaps. I've only got about 700 bucks to spend and really need something that wont let me down in the Shinjuku crowds... what do you guys actually use daily?

IncroyableMax · Accepted Answer

I remember prepping for a similar solo trip last year where I needed absolute reliability without breaking the bank. Tokyo is basically incredible but can be kinda overwhelming if you are constantly worrying about your gear. I have been extremely satisfied with the Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary for several reasons:The all-metal build quality gives me a sense of security that plastic lenses simply dont provide in crowded places like Shinjuku. It feels very solid.I found that buying this lens used left me with enough in my budget to pick up a high-quality SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB UHS-II SDXC card, which is vital for peace of mind when shooting away from home.The physical aperture ring has worked well for me as it allows me to confirm my settings are locked before I even bring the camera up. If you are really looking to maximize your budget, you might also consider the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f1.8. It is frequently on sale and usually leaves you with enough cash for local food or a sturdy Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap to keep your S5II safe in those massive crowds. Honestly, having a bit of extra money for reliable power or storage is usually a smarter move than chasing the most expensive glass when you are on a tight deadline... plus the 50mm is surprisingly light tho. It has never let me down.

001War001 · Answer

In my experience the Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 is your best bet. Native AF is just snappier for those fast Shinjuku crowds and it wont let you down.