u/Salvo2001

https://preview.redd.it/8msts822yw0h1.png?width=482&format=png&auto=webp&s=90e1e9cf5190bc9aaa05e4f679a190e610f2598d

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for an 85mm lens for my Lumix S9 and while looking at budget L-Mount options, I came across these three Meike lenses. As you can see from the screenshot, the discounted prices are very tempting, but I'm quite torn:

1. Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II (~$200)
2. Meike 85mm F1.8 Pro (~$280)
3. Meike 85mm F1.4 (~$400)

My main questions are:

• Is the F1.4 worth the extra money? It’s double the price of the SE version. Also, considering the S9 is a very compact, viewfinder-less body, I'm worried the 1.4 might be too heavy and front-heavy. Has anyone tested the image quality and AF reliability of the 1.4?
• What's the real difference between the two F1.8s? Between the "SE Mark II" and the "Pro" version, do something justify the $80 price bump?
• Other alternatives in this price range? Sticking to the $200-$400 budget, is there anything else for L-Mount I should consider? Maybe hunting for a used Lumix S 85mm f/1.8?

Any advice or hands-on experience with these would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I currently own a Lumix S9 and absolutely love the form factor. My current setup is extremely light: the Lumix 18-40mm and the Sigma 45mm f2.8. It’s been great for city travel, but I’ve hit a wall and need some advice.

I have my niece’s baptism coming up soon. I need a lens that can handle indoor shooting (church/venue), and since the S9 only has a cold shoe, I cannot use a flash. At the same time, I want a lens that gives me more focal reach for general travel going forward. My budget is under €1000.

I’m currently torn between a few options and would love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation:

1. The "Sensible" Choice: Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 (around €629 new)

• My thoughts: The f2.8 seems mandatory for the indoor baptism since I can't use flash and the S9 relies on an electronic shutter.
• My doubts: Is 70mm too limiting for travel? Also, if I buy this, my Sigma 45mm f/2.8 becomes totally redundant focal-wise. Did anyone here sell their 45mm after getting a standard f2.8 zoom, or do you miss the tiny pancake-like form factor on the S9?

2. The "Travel Dream" Choice: Sigma 20-200mm f3.5-6.3 (around €740 new)

• My thoughts: This would be the ultimate travel lens. I wouldn't need to change lenses on the go.
• My doubts: Is it going to be an absolute disaster indoors for the baptism? F6.3 at the tele end with no flash and moving subjects sounds like an ISO nightmare on the S9. Has anyone tried this lens indoors?

3. The "Prime" Alternative: Adding an 85mm f1.8

• My thoughts: Instead of a zoom, I could keep my current kit and add a portrait prime like the Lumix S 85mm f1.8 (used) or the new Meike 85mm f1.8 Pro.
• My doubts: I'm worried 85mm is way too tight for an indoor event where I might not have room to back up, and I really want to avoid constantly swapping between the 45mm and 85mm during the ceremony. Also, is the Meike autofocus reliable enough for an event compared to the native Lumix?

Alternative suggestions? If you have any other lenses or combinations to suggest that I might have missed, please let me know! I'm completely open to different ideas, as long as the lenses aren't too heavy and keep the overall setup nicely balanced on the compact S9 body.

What would you do in my shoes? Thanks in advance for the help!