GH4 Help pick my next lens for GH4

C

Crevice

Active member
I have a GH4 that I use for everything, from run and gun, to inside, to vacations outside, documentary, etc. I use it for fun and not work, so there is no lens really out of the question. My budget is $600 and I already own the 12-35mm f/2.8 lumix for run and gun and the Sigma f/1.8 18-35mm in which I use for tripod and low light shots.

My question is simple, but hard to answer. What should my next lens be? Right now I am leaning on the Tokina 11-16mm for wide shots, but not sure. A prime from the 12-35mm range is also out of the question, since I have that range covered with what I have and though I am sure I can get something faster, considering how much I have spent in that range, I would rather not.

Suggestions?
 
I think the 35-100mm completes the set.
BTW, why do you have both the Sigma 18-35mm and the 12-35mm? They cover the same range, don't they?
 
I use the 12-35mm for run and gun, handheld shots. I use the sigma for tripod shots and for low light. The sigma is on another level in low light. Both are too good to pass man!

The 30-100mm is way over my budget. It's about 1k over my budget. My budget is $600.
 
I would sell the Sigma and get the 35-100. For me the possibilities opened up by the extra focal range would be greater than those i lost by giving up an extra 1 point something stops in a focal range I already have covered.

Similarly, I'm not sure why you would go for the 11-16 when you already have a lens that covers 12-16. 11mm is nice, but there are lenses that overlap less, unless you keep feeling like you can't QUITE get that shot.

But it's really about how you think you'll use the lens. If you don't have a clear idea, then I'd just wait to buy a new lens. Go out and shoot for a while and see what you think you're missing.
 
MarcusBrody said:
I would sell the Sigma and get the 35-100. For me the possibilities opened up by the extra focal range would be greater than those i lost by giving up an extra 1 point something stops in a focal range I already have covered.

Similarly, I'm not sure why you would go for the 11-16 when you already have a lens that covers 12-16. 11mm is nice, but there are lenses that overlap less, unless you keep feeling like you can't QUITE get that shot.

But it's really about how you think you'll use the lens. If you don't have a clear idea, then I'd just wait to buy a new lens. Go out and shoot for a while and see what you think you're missing.
Click to expand...

The sigma is one of the most beautiful lenses I have used and I just recently bought it. That is the last thing in the world I would do. But I respect your opinion none the less.

I know that they seem similar, but the way I use them is much different. The lumix I can just pop on and walk around the city and have IS, but once it gets low light, even at 2.8 it doesn't look that as great. The Sigma, I can't run and gun with as much, but in low light is so amazing that it reduces the need for any primes for me in that range. So though they overlap in function, the sigma in a way acts as multiple primes in one with its quality in low light and panasonic acts as great run and gun. I am set on that combo.

My question is what other lenses there are that I migth be missing out on.
 
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There are as many options as there are dollars.

you could get a Metabones Speedbooster for the Sigma.
you could get a few vintage primes... 50/1.4 or 85-100mm anything, really
Olympus 45/1.8
Lumix 14-140
Sigma 50-150/2.8, used
Sigma 50-500 AFD, used
a 500mm mirror lens

really I have no clue what you do, and as such know your wants less well than you.
 
mcbob said:
There are as many options as there are dollars.

you could get a Metabones Speedbooster for the Sigma.
you could get a few vintage primes... 50/1.4 or 85-100mm anything, really
Olympus 45/1.8
Lumix 14-140
Sigma 50-150/2.8, used
Sigma 50-500 AFD, used
a 500mm mirror lens

really I have no clue what you do, and as such know your wants less well than you.
Click to expand...


I have the speedbooster with my Sigma. I will look into those lenses you mentioned. Thanks.
 
I you already have the SB and want a wide, then the two best choices (IMO) are the Sigma 10-20/3.5 and the Tokina 11-16
 
I would look at buying some good used primes that fit your SpeedBooster, like an 85mm f/2.0 and a 135mm f/2.8. You should be able to buy both of these in Nikon or Canon mount for less than $600.
 
I was about to suggest Speedbooster plus Sigma 50-150mm f2.8, but McBob beat me to it.

At the other xtreme, the Olympus M.Zuiko 9-18mm is a nice, compact vacation lens.

And just this week I bought a $150 Nikon AIs 85mm f2.0 for my Speedbooster .... so I agree with TheDingo too.
 
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