While the L mount is still the new kid on the block, Panasonic, Sigma and others have been hard at work cranking out lenses that make the platform shine, and none more so than the affordable L mount primes we have listed in this roundup.
I have spent a great deal of time with all of the lenses that we have listed below. Honestly, I have not been disappointed by any of them. Quite the opposite, actually. I have been nothing but impressed with the lenses. In fact, the L mount primes listed below are some of the best performers in this price range that I have laid my hands on.
The L mount primes below are all incredibly sharp. The autofocusing motors make them great performers. In addition, the affordable L mount primes are weather-sealed, which is something you don’t often see in budget lenses, and the way these lenses render images will make your jaws drop. Everything from the color rendering to bokeh and distortion to ghosting and flaring control are top-notch.
So, if you’re new to L mount cameras, like the Panasonic Lumix S5 (read our review here), and you don’t want to break the bank, check out the affordable L mount primes below. You won’t be disappointed.
Panasonic Lumix 24mm f/1.8 — A solid choice for landscapes and architecture
In our review, we said:
“Panasonic has done a great job with the Lumix S 24mm f/1.8. The lens is small and light yet is durable thanks to the quality plastics and the copious amounts of weather sealing. Image quality is excellent overall thanks to well-controlled chromatic aberrations, ghosting, flaring and great levels of sharpness”
Gear Editor — Brett Day
Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN — One of the best L mount primes for everyday photography
In our review, we said:
“The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is a lens that has been sorely needed for L mount cameras. There’s finally an option that won’t break the bank, and that doesn’t compromise on performance at all. This lens delivers superb optical performance in a sleek retro-styled body that will delight whoever uses it.”
Gear Editor — Brett Day
Panasonic Lumix 50mm f/1.8 S — Perfect for street photography
In our review, we said:
“The lens is well made, it has weather-sealing, and it’s easy to use. The optics, overall, are excellent. The autofocus motors are silent and they zip along at rapid speeds. The lens is incredibly accurate for stills. To top it off the colors and bokeh, to my eyes, are also very nice”
Gear Editor — Brett Day
Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN — A prime lens with incredible versatility
In our review, we said:
“The Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN is an interesting lens that packs a lot of things you’re going to love into a well-built, but still small, and light lens. The images you create will have something a little special about them”
Gear Editor — Brett Day
Panasonic Lumix 85mm f/1.8 — A must-have for portrait photographers
In our review, we said:
You’re going to create gorgeous images with fantastic colors and bokeh. You’ll see little to nothing in terms of chromatic aberrations and flare. Overall, if you need a fast prime for portraits, street, product photography, landscapes, low light work or a general walkaround lens, this 85mm option that won’t break the bank is a fine choice.”
Gear Editor — Brett Day
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro — One of the sharpest L mount prime lenses
In our review, we said:
“Overall the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro is a cracking lens that will please those who like to make the tiny things in this world come to life. When it comes to sharpness, this lens from Sigma is hard to beat. The colors and bokeh it produces are very nice, it’s built like a tank and autofocus performance is good too.”
Gear Editor — Brett Day
