What is actually the best all-around zoom lens for the Panasonic S5 II if I want to stop pulling my hair out? Honestly I am so fed up with this 20-60mm kit lens that came with the bundle... it was fine for like a week but now that I'm actually trying to use it for real work and family stuff it's just failing me. I'm based in Chicago so half the time it's gray and gloomy out and that f/5.6 aperture at the long end is a total nightmare for light. I keep missing shots of my kids because the ISO has to crank up so high just to get a decent shutter speed and everything comes out grainy and gross.
I need something that stays at a constant aperture, preferably f/2.8, but I'm worried about the weight since I do a lot of walking around. I'm planning a huge trip to Italy next month and I really don't want to be lugging around a brick if I can help it, but I also can't deal with the limitations of the kit glass anymore. I've been looking at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art because everyone says it's the gold standard but then I see people complaining about dust getting inside or it being too front-heavy on the S5II body. Then there is the Panasonic 24-105mm f/4 which has the extra reach and macro, but is f/4 enough for low light? I just don't know. My budget is capped at around $1400 so I could maybe stretch for a used pro lens if that's the better move.
Is there a middle ground I'm missing? Maybe the Sigma 28-70mm Contemporary? Is that one sharp enough to justify the price over the kit lens? I just want one lens that I can leave on the camera 90% of the time and not feel like I'm compromising every time the sun goes behind a cloud. Does anyone have real world experience with these on the S5II specifically regarding the autofocus speed because that's my main gripe right now...
Just saw this thread and I had to jump in! I went through this exact same panic before a big trip last year and I was so worried about the weight. I ended up biting the bullet and getting the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art and oh man, it is fantastic! I was super cautious about the older version because of those dust issues people talked about, but this new II version is way better sealed and feels much lighter. I spent a whole week walking around dim buildings and the f/2.8 was a lifesaver... didnt even have to crank the ISO. The autofocus is so much faster than that kit lens too, it actually keeps up with kids! I know its around $1199 but for an all-in-one lens that actually works in gray Chicago weather? Totally worth it. It really cured my gear anxiety!
I have spent a lot of time with the S5 II and that kit lens is basically only good for outdoor hiking in bright sun. Since you are heading to Italy and want to keep things light without losing low-light performance for the kids, you might want to consider the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is significantly lighter than the Art series and wont feel like a brick after a full day of walking. A few quick tips based on my experience:
- Be careful with f/4 lenses like the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS for shooting indoors. Even with the S5 II sensor, f/4 usually isnt fast enough to keep shutter speeds high enough for moving children.
- Make sure to look at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art if you decide you really need that 24mm wide end. The Mark II is lighter and has better sealing and faster autofocus than the original version. I would suggest the 28-70mm for your specific trip though. It is plenty sharp and fits your budget perfectly.
Like someone mentioned, the Sigma 28-70 is the lightweight king and that Art II is amazing, but if you want the absolute best for your S5 II, you have to look at the Panasonic Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8. I grabbed a used one recently and it totally saved my photos during a gloomy winter shoot! The way it handles light is just on another level compared to the kit lens. Reasons it wins for me:
- Native communication means the AF is basically instant.
- The bokeh is so creamy, perfect for those portraits of the kids.
- It feels incredibly balanced on the S5 II body. It is definitely a bit heavier than the Sigma Contemporary, but honestly, the build quality gives me so much confidence. I did a whole weekend in the city with just this and a Peak Design Slide strap and it was totally fine. For an Italy trip, you want those memories to look stellar, and this lens delivers that pro look every single time! You can definitely find them within your budget if you look at the used market, and honestly, the leap in quality is worth every extra gram in your bag.
To add to the point above: i had a moment to think about your low light struggle and i totally get it. I was so sick of that kit lens failing me indoors that i just went all in on the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. Its a bit of a beast, sure, but being able to stay at f/2.8 all the way to 105mm is incredible for those candid kid shots when you cant get close. I am very happy with how it handles on the S5 II body and the image quality is just stellar. Since you are worried about weight for Italy, my practical fix was getting a Peak Design Capture Clip for my backpack strap. It takes the weight off your neck entirely and makes a heavy lens feel way more manageable while walking around all day. Honestly, it saved my back on my last trip. Quick tip: make sure you update your camera body to the latest firmware before you go. The recent S5 II updates specifically improved how the phase detect AF works with Sigma glass, and it makes tracking moving kids way more reliable than it used to be... definitely worth the five minutes to do it.
👆 this
Like someone mentioned, that kit lens is a total trap! I swapped mine for the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary before a trip and it was amazing. Here is why it wins:
- Only 470g, so it wont feel like a brick on the S5 II.
- Constant f/2.8 means your ISO stays lower in those Chicago clouds.
- Phase detect AF is lightning fast with this motor. Ngl, its the perfect middle ground for Italy.
