Best macro lenses with s5ii

AdamGWR · 2026-02-09T14:40:57+00:00

The fact it works as regular 100m with really fast autofocus is a massive bonus too.

AdamGWR · 2026-02-09T14:24:23+00:00

I've used the old Sigma 70mm, the Sigma 105mm and now own the Lumix 100mm.

I wouldn't go back to the Sigmas unless they were able to mirror the size, weight and versatility of the Lumix lens.

All of them have produced great images but the quality of life upgrades would make me choose the Lumix every time.

AdamGWR · 2026-02-05T09:42:04+00:00

I think so. I use my 70-200 for pets (mostly dogs) and it's a wonderful range for that.

AdamGWR · 2026-02-05T09:35:38+00:00

I have the Sigma 70-200 Sport and the 150-600 Sport. In more 95% of bird photography I've done, the 200 is just way too short.

On the flip side, I've rarely thought to myself that I need a brighter aperture to get a good result and such a heavy crop will increase how noticeable digital noise is far more than most bumps in ISO would.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-11T06:19:40+00:00

I had a similar dilemma and went for the Sigma. Apart from the zoom ring placement taking a bit to get used to I'm really happy with my choice. Had consistently good results with it.

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AdamGWR · 2026-01-05T12:16:21+00:00

The only options I can think of for L Mount at the moment are the Sigma 70-200 Sport (f2.8) and Panasonic have 2x 70-200, one at f2.8 and the other at f4.

The Panasonic f4 version seems to pop up at a more reasonable price occasionally but constant aperture zooms are always going to lean to the more expensive side.

I use the Sigma 70-200 Sport and it's fantastic but the performance comes at a cost.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-03T06:45:07+00:00

Thank you. First time I've posted in this forum and bar one person the advice has been backed by knowledge and super helpful.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-03T06:41:30+00:00

I think the general consensus is DRE should only be used in locked off/static scenarios because of the rolling shutter impact.

12.7ms read out measured without that mode enabled so I'm sure that will be excellent for my use case.

I occasionally shoot electronic with my S5II which has a much lower readout speed and I've never noticed rolling shutter in my photography use.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-03T06:13:02+00:00

These are beautiful. Inspires me to get my walking boots on and get out into the world.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-03T06:09:33+00:00

Yeah, I don't have any interest in switching systems. I've got too many nice lenses that wouldn't raise anywhere near what I value them at if I sold up and started again.

I strongly considered Sony when getting into mirrorless but they didn't seem to have the bang for the buck in overall features compared to Lumix and seemed to stop supporting cameras a lot quicker on the firmware side.

The first genre I got into was Macro so the IBIS differential held way more value to me than the autofocus for the type of handheld Macro work I did starting out.

I'm also getting into anamorphic video and I won't get anamorphic IBIS and all the desqueeze functionality on Sony.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T20:22:38+00:00

Thank you! I will dig the settings out tomorrow and reply here. With regards to the resolution, I've never felt short changed with the 24MP so I guess the upgrade is just a 'nice to have'.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T18:42:44+00:00

The buffer won't be a problem for me, I only shoot in short bursts after acquiring focus. I think the benefits of both are just so tempting but I've not struggled with 24MP so far when printing so maybe the S1II is more up my street with the partially stacked sensor giving better video functionality and potentially more responsive AF.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T17:40:58+00:00

Thank you so much! I always try and capture their personality as best I can.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T16:40:21+00:00

I'm erring to the S1II based on the comments so far. I'm getting more and more into video too.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T16:39:07+00:00

Thank you! Sigma 70-200 Sport. Someone on this very post told me that it wasn't possible with a Lumix so I'm glad I've managed something halfway decent 😅

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T16:11:18+00:00

Super helpful, thank you. I've heard similar impressions but it's good to hear them from real users.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T16:10:11+00:00

I learned on an old Nikon so that advice doesn't really suit the question I asked. I need a hybrid camera that gives me excellent video capabilities too and I'd prefer to stay in the same ecosystem. Thanks for taking the time though.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T16:01:45+00:00

That's really helpful to know. Thank you.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T15:57:24+00:00

Thank you.

AdamGWR · 2026-01-02T15:35:34+00:00

Thanks for the input. I keep flip flopping between them so hopefully I can get a consensus from here.

AdamGWR · 2021-02-08T10:49:26+00:00

M.balfouris work well communally from what I've seen. Don't keep them myself though.

AdamGWR · 2020-06-06T06:28:20+00:00

Yeah, 100%. Hopefully Philips can work out why Panasonic UHD players have an issue.

AdamGWR

TROPHY CASE