Im losing my mind trying to pick a standard zoom for my S5II. I need something for an upcoming family trip to Japan next month and my budget is around 1200 bucks max. I spent the last three nights reading forums and watching YouTube reviews. I saw a ton of people swearing by the Panasonic 24-70mm f2.8 S Pro because of the insane sharpness, but then others say it weighs a ton and will kill my neck after walking around Tokyo all day. Then I looked at the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 DN Art since its cheaper and lighter, but Ive seen mixed things about dust getting stuck inside the front element. Why is there always some catch with L-mount gear seriously. Which one should I actually buy before I just leave without a zoom lens...
Honestly, just grab the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art. It is way lighter than the Pro version and the autofocus speed works well for travel. No complaints.
Regarding what #1 said about the Sigma, I unfortunately had a completely different experience with that lens. My copy of the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art actually sucked in dust particles behind the front element within just a few months of light street shooting, and the zoom mechanism developed noticeable creep. It is not as good as expected for travel reliability, especially in dusty environments like Tokyo streets. Since your budget is around 1200, you should seriously look at the Panasonic 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 S kit lens or pair your body with a good prime like the Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary. The Panasonic 20-60 gives you that ultra-wide 20mm end which is immensely helpful for cramped Japanese alleys, and it weighs practically nothing compared to the massive f2.8 zooms. If you really need a constant f2.8 aperture, the Panasonic 24-70 S Pro is optically superior and weather-sealed much better, though carrying it all day is brutal. Ultimately, save your neck and pick up a lighter variable aperture zoom or a compact prime. You will thank me later when you are walking ten miles a day.
totally agree with avoiding heavy glass for travel. i switched to a lighter prime setup for my last trip and my neck actually survived the vacation for once