Lumix 35mm 1.8 Review

The 35mm focal length is one of the most versatile choices for wedding videography. It strikes the perfect balance between wide and close-up shots. Whether you’re capturing detail shots, medium shots, or even some landscape-style footage, the 35mm does it all.

1. Versatility: A Lens for All Situations

The 35mm focal length is one of the most versatile choices for wedding videography. It strikes the perfect balance between wide and close-up shots. Whether you’re capturing detail shots, medium shots, or even some landscape-style footage, the 35mm does it all.

On wedding days, I’ve actually started to ditch my zoom lens and rely on primes, using the zoom only when I absolutely need that extra focal range. For instance, during the bride prep, the 35mm is perfect for capturing details, like rings, shoes, or the bride’s makeup application. It’s also great for intimate shots of the bride interacting with her bridesmaids.

Yes, you will need to take a step back if you want a wider shot, but when you’re intentional with your composition, that’s a small trade-off. Using primes forces you to focus more on framing and composition, making you a better filmmaker. If I’m not shooting the ceremony, I’m almost always using the 35mm. It truly is a one-lens solution for a variety of scenarios.

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2. Lightweight & Compact: Perfect for Wedding Days

One of the biggest reasons I recommend the Lumix 35mm 1.8 over the zoom lenses I mentioned earlier is its lightweight and compact design. Weighing in at just 295g, it’s a breeze to carry around. Compare that to the other lenses I mentioned, which weigh upwards of 900g or more, and the Lumix lens wins hands down for comfort, especially during long wedding days.

As any wedding videographer knows, gear can quickly add up. The more gear you have, the heavier and bulkier your kit becomes. Keeping things light is crucial for being able to move quickly and react to sudden shot opportunities. On a wedding day, I always make sure I have at least two cameras—just in case something goes wrong. I’ve had the experience where I nearly broke my camera right before a ceremony started (true story). So, while a versatile zoom like a 24-70mm f/2.8 or a 24-105mm f/4 is essential, having a lightweight prime like the 35mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.8 alongside it makes sure you’re covered for a variety of shot types.

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3. Cost-Effective: Quality Without the Hefty Price Tag

Let’s talk about price. The Lumix 35mm 1.8 is an incredibly cost-effective lens for the quality it delivers. If you’re looking for something with a faster aperture, you’d have to step up to the Sigma ART series or the Sony G Master lenses, which can cost significantly more. For example, I once bought the Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master, which is known for its beautiful bokeh and color rendition. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing lens, but the price tag was a huge downside. At $2000, I found myself terrified to take it outside, fearing it would get damaged. After a few uses, I ended up selling it.

For me, when shooting video, a 1.2 or 1.4 aperture is often overkill unless you’re going for very specific shots. The difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is minimal for most uses, and it’s something the average viewer likely won’t even notice. The Lumix 35mm 1.8 offers excellent image quality, sharpness, and color for a fraction of the price, which is why I prefer it over more expensive alternatives.

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4. Filter Size: Simplified Gear Management

Another advantage of the Lumix 35mm 1.8 is its filter size. When compared to other lenses like the Sigma 35mm 1.4, the Lumix 35mm has the same filter thread, which is a huge convenience if you use ND filters or Pro Mist filters. These accessories can get expensive, and if you’re someone who likes to swap filters between lenses, the Lumix 35mm is ideal because all of Lumix’s prime lenses have the same filter thread size.

This is especially useful if you’re using a gimbal and frequently swap between lenses—since they all share similar weight and filter sizes, you won’t have to constantly rebalance your gimbal when switching lenses.

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5. 35mm vs. 50mm vs. 85mm: Why 35mm Reigns Supreme

Of course, the best case scenario would be to have all three focal lengths—35mm, 50mm, and 85mm—in your kit. But if you’re limited to one lens, I’d choose the 35mm for its flexibility. While the 50mm is great, if you’re filming in 4K 60fps (which often results in a crop), the 35mm gives you more versatility, especially for wider shots without compromising too much on image quality.

The 85mm is fantastic for portraits, but if you’re shooting a wedding with only one camera, you may find the 85mm too limiting for wider shots or tighter spaces. The 35mm, on the other hand, is perfect for capturing a variety of shots with just one lens.

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Conclusion: A Must-Have for Wedding Videographers

In conclusion, the Lumix 35mm 1.8 is a highly versatile and affordable lens that I would recommend to any wedding videographer, especially those starting with the Lumix full-frame system. Whether you’re capturing intimate moments during bride prep, medium shots during the ceremony, or wide shots of the venue, this lens can do it all.

It’s lightweight, compact, and offers great image quality without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a reliable, all-around prime lens that can keep up with your fast-paced wedding shoots, the 35mm 1.8 should definitely be on your radar.

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