Which lens should I choose next for S9?

[max2331]

I have the Panasonic S9 with the 18-40mm and 50mm f1.8.

My main "problem" right now is with the 18-40mm lens. I mainly shoot our baby right now, often indoors and the 18-40mm is just such a dark lens. Plus I don't really like and need the ultra wide end. If it would just not be so nice small and perfect size wise for the S9. The 50mm f1.8 is nice and bright but inside often to long. I do video and photo.

I am either thinking of getting something like the Pana 35mm f1.8 or Meike 35mm f2, or a f2.8 zoom (Sigma 28-70mm or Pana 24-60)
The TTartisan 40mm f2 does not really convince me from what I read about it and it is to close to my 50mm.

What would you recommend on the S9 for me?

 

[HarisO]

I'd vote for the 24-60. It's a lens that will continue giving back. Once your child grows and becomes more active, with the 24-60 you'll be able to capture a wide range of situations without having to worry about switching to the correct lens. And the 24-60 balances nicely on the S9 body in my opinion. I guess the 28-70 could do the same job, but I have no experience with it, so maybe someone else can chime in on that.

 

[dirk]

I am either thinking of getting something like the Pana 35mm f1.8 or Meike 35mm f2, or a f2.8 zoom (Sigma 28-70mm or Pana 24-60)
The TTartisan 40mm f2 does not really convince me from what I read about it and it is to close to my 50mm.

The zooms are too big/heavy for the S9. I do think 35mm would be the best compromise. Look also at the Sigma 35/2.0 DG DN i-series lens. which might be even smaller than the Lumix 35mm.

 

[xaviergut]

In terms of size, to pair with the S9 I think about 4 small lenses; I mean smaller than the Lumix f/1.8 primes:

-Lumix 18-40mm
-Sigma 24mm f/3.5
-Sigma 45mm f/2.8
-TTArtisan 40mm f/2

Maybe the first 2 are too dark for your taste... Between the Sigma 45mm and the TTArtisan 40mm I would go for the Sigma. I know it is more expensive, but the IQ and the AF performance is better. I was not very impressed with my copy of the TTArtisan 40mm f/2, to be honest. It was somehow slow when using it with the mechanical shutter, I don´t know.... I just sold it.

As @dirk says the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN is more than excellent. It is smaller than the Lumix f/1.8 prime (which I own and it is excellent too) but a bit heavier:

 

[PJD]

Another possibility:

7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8​

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1923373-REG/7artisans_af24f18b_l_24mm_f_1_8_af_lens.html

(I haven’t tried one yet, but am curious about it myself.)

 

[pdk42]

Sigma 35/2 iSeries. It’s my favourite prime. But for your baby, what’s wrong with the 50/1.8 you already have?

 

[PJD]

... But for your baby, what’s wrong with the 50/1.8 you already have?

Max2331 wants something wider & similarly bright.

 

[max2331]

The only reason right now I am keeping the 18-40mm is it's size.
I don't like the small apertures at all especially indoors and the zoom range for me personally is too wide. I was with this lens 3 days in Praque and was always somewhere between 28mm and 40mm.

And I really need something wider & similarly bright to my 50mm f1.8. also Budget is somehow limited.

Again use case is baby, indoor and outdoor. 50% photo, 50% video

THe options I have in my head right now
1. Getting the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 and selling the 18-40mm as I will not use it than. Problem no small lens anymore
2. Just getting a 35mm, like the Meike 35mmf2 or F1.8 or Panasonic 35mm f1.8
3. Getting the TTartisan 40mmf2 and 75mmf2. Basically I could sell than the 50mm f1.8 but I am afraid IQ wise the 40mmf2 can't hold up with the 50mm F1.8 especially also for video

 

[CharlesH]

2. Just getting a 35mm, like the Meike 35mmf2 or F1.8 or Panasonic 35mm f1.8

I use the Panasonic 35mm a lot, especially for video. If I was looking now I might also consider the Sigma Contemporary 35mm.

 

[pdk42]

The only reason right now I am keeping the 18-40mm is it's size.

I don't like the small apertures at all especially indoors and the zoom range for me personally is too wide. I was with this lens 3 days in Praque and was always somewhere between 28mm and 40mm.

I can understand that. It's not a lens I crave either. Its small aperture wouldn't bother me for landscapes, but the range is too limited. And for travel, that small aperture is not ideal for low light.

And I really need something wider & similarly bright to my 50mm f1.8. also Budget is somehow limited.

Again use case is baby, indoor and outdoor. 50% photo, 50% video

THe options I have in my head right now
1. Getting the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 and selling the 18-40mm as I will not use it than. Problem no small lens anymore

The Panasonic 24-60 is also an option. Similar size and weight but a bit wider. For me, the extra FOV at the wide end easily makes up for a little less reach - you can easily crop 60mm to 70mm FOV.

2. Just getting a 35mm, like the Meike 35mmf2 or F1.8 or Panasonic 35mm f1.8

Don't forget the Sigma 35mm f2. It's a beautiful lens and will go well with your S9 I think.

3. Getting the TTartisan 40mmf2 and 75mmf2. Basically I could sell than the 50mm f1.8 but I am afraid IQ wise the 40mmf2 can't hold up with the 50mm F1.8 especially also for video

I'd caution against selling the Panasonic 50/1.8. It's a great lens, ideal for short portraits; and although I don't do video, I'm told its lack of focus breathing makes it excellent for that. You won't get a lot for it either because Panasonic often include it in kits with their bodies so prices tend to be low.

And why a 75mm? If you need a tighter crop portrait lens, the Panasonic 85/1.8 would offer that, plus of course the same video-friendly features of the other primes in the set. Or even consider the Panasonic 100mm macro. It'll do everything the 85mm will do, but will also add macro capability.

 

[sergun80]

THe options I have in my head right now
1. Getting the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 and selling the 18-40mm as I will not use it than. Problem no small lens anymore
2. Just getting a 35mm, like the Meike 35mmf2 or F1.8 or Panasonic 35mm f1.8
3. Getting the TTartisan 40mmf2 and 75mmf2. Basically I could sell than the 50mm f1.8 but I am afraid IQ wise the 40mmf2 can't hold up with the 50mm F1.8 especially also for video

1 It's too bulky for the S9 28-70 (although it's only 470g)
2 Meike 35/2 do not take, this is the first generation with not very good characteristics. Panasonic 35mm f1.8 - if you don't mind the money. You can consider the Meike 35/1.8 pro or 7Artisans AF 35/1.8. The Sigma 35/2 is the best choice, but it's also expensive.
3 TTartisan 40mmf2 and 75mmf2 . They don't cost anything to me. Even the 75th, which some praise as a portrait painter, I personally did not see any interesting picture from it.

 

[sergun80]

In your situation, I would use Sigma 28-70 as the main lens and close the question. The baby can be safely shot at f2.8 + the main focal length range.

 

[max2331]

1 It's too bulky for the S9 28-70 (although it's only 470g)

In your situation, I would use Sigma 28-70 as the main lens and close the question.

Aren't you contradicting yourself?

 

[sergun80]

Aren't you contradicting yourself?

Yes, but it's a compromise that can be considered) I currently have a 7Artisans AF 35/1.8 weighing 430g and almost the same size. It is clear that it is lighter than the zoom, but there is no zooming.

 

[pdk42]

Also - this idea that small bodies must have small lenses I think is a bit misguided. Stating the obvious, a small body + large lens is still smaller than a large body with the same lens. Of course, the balance is different, but IMHO I find the lens the main thing I hold on to anyhow.

Of course, I'd still recommend the S5ii over the S9 for the simple reason that an EVF and a second command dial are for me essential! But if you can cope without these things then I don't see why a chunky zoom won't work with the S9.

 

[xaviergut]

I don't konw, Max, what is your budget, but in MPB Europe you have the Sigma 35mm f/2 and the Sigma 24mm f/2 for about 500€. Similar price for the Lumix 35mm f/1.8 and the Lumix 24mm f/1.8. With all 4 lenses you can apply the crop zoom and they become a zoom lens, which is very useful for video. I would go for native lenses (Lumix, Sigma) if possible.

Selling the Lumix 50mm f/1.8 + Lumix 18-40mm it would be not that expensive.

My wife and I were considering the Lumix S9 as a family camera thinking about our little daughter. The image quality is very good in low light. We finally decided to keep using the S5II. But a small body with a small lens in order to record a small child sound a better option. This is the reason I would go for any of the Sigma DG DG i series.

 

[dirk]

Hi Max,

I mainly shoot our baby right now,

Over the next 12-18 months, you will do different kind of photos than once your kid is 2 years and older. Within the first 12-18 months, the kid is either not moving a lot at all or is not stable enough to walk for itself.

If the kid/baby is not walking, your 50mm lens is perfect for portraits with a little bit environment and (if desired) shallow DOF. That is easy. The difficult part is, once the baby is more active, tries to walk and you always have to have one hand free to support it, hold it or catch it

When my kids have been at that age, I used a lot focal lengths like 28mm, 35mm and 50mm. But the most used FL was the 28mm, because I needed to be very close to the baby to hold it/ catch it and with such a short distance, even 35mm was too short for good images.

The other problem is handholding and using a camera one-handed, because your other hand needs almost always to be free, just in case

I tried normal DSLRs with all kind of different lenses, Fuji X100 (35mm) and Ricoh GR (28mm). By far the most used and most helpful camera was the Ricoh GR with its 28mm. Although it was only APS-C, had slower AF and noise was an issue with low light.

the 18-40mm is just such a dark lens

I agree. And DOF is impossible with it. But DOF is very important with these images, believe me.

I don't really like and need the ultra wide end

Then do not use FL below 28mm

The TTartisan 40mm f2 .... it is to close to my 50mm

Yes and no. Yes, it is too close to the 50mm and no, because you get more of the environment on the image than with a 50mm. But if you have to choose only one FL, I would opt for 28mm as described above.

Think also about what you want to carry around if you walk in the city, shopping with your wife and the baby etc. What else do you have to carry? diapers etc. These are huge bags with "baby stuff" you always have to have with you. Do not underestimate this.

At that time I was not in the mood to carry on top of this additional photo gear with me, except, if it is small and light, like a Ricoh GR or a smartphone. Even a Fuji X100 was too big, because I could not stow it away in a jacket when I needed 2 free hands immediately.

The less you take your camera with you, the less memories you will have. Smartphones are great, but you will regret it later, if you made most images with a smartphone. The image quality even of the best ones can not match APS-C or fullframe sensors. And you can not go back in time anymore to take better images.

Therefore I would think about all options available. Test the different FL with your 18-40 zoom and see how you feel about the results. Not regarding aperture or DOF, only about the FL 24mm/28mm/35mm/40mm

I have had the Sigma 24/3.5 lens. Very small, very light, But because of the FL not the best for close ups with babies IMHO. And 24mm with F3.5, there is no DOF But each on his own. You have to find the FL, that you like the most.

 

[dirk]

...and do not underestimate the environment on your images with babies/young kids. It is nice to have great portraits of babies, but they get boring over the time. The fun stuff is to catch the moments when they do something and you can see the whole environment around it, slightly blurred. This gives the photo the context, the atmosphere. These photos are the ones you will enjoy the most 10, 20, 30 years later. It is more like "real life" and like a time travel into the past, bacause you see also the old furnitures, the old baby seat, the old toys laying around all over the floor etc. pp.

 

[pdk42]

Controversial claim - for family pictures, it's hard to beat a smartphone.

 

[Pete_W]

Controversial claim - for family pictures, it's hard to beat a smartphone.

Yes, I have found my iPhone is easier to use when I am playing with my 4-year old granddaughter, or if we're sitting at the dining room table or she's cooking with my wife in the kitchen. If I am able to remove myself from the action then I can hover with a regular camera. But most times I reach for the iPhone.