Late to the party but +1 on going stabilized for travel—OIS actually saves my shots when I’m tired. If the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro O.I.S. isn’t around cheap, I’d look at Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. used (killer optics, heavier tho) or the budget-y Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (light, sharp-ish, no OIS… be careful). Honestly, IBIS + 24-105 range is the sweet spot

For your situation, I’d grab Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro O.I.S. used—actually stabilized, sharp enough, and 24-105 is perfect for travel. Unfortunately most “budget” L zooms skip OIS, so this one’s the safe bet imo.

To add to the point above: it seems like the thread is mostly leaning toward the 24-105mm or the 20-60mm, but honestly, I found the 20-60mm kinda disappointing once the sun started going down. The lack of OIS is a real dealbreaker if you dont have surgeon hands and the IBIS can only do so much. Unfortunately, the L-mount still lacks that perfect middle-ground budget zoom that isnt a brick. I tried to make the Sigma 28-200mm F4-7.1 Macro IS work for a trip last month and while the range is killer, that f/7.1 at the long end is just... not great for anything besides bright daylight. If you can find a deal, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is way better than the Contemporary version mentioned earlier, even if it weighs a ton. Its actually sharp enough to justify the weight, whereas some of these cheaper zooms just feel soft to me. Just be prepared for the shoulder ache tho. Basically, if you want sharp and stabilized for under $700, your options are still a bit slim pickings... kinda sucks but thats the L-mount life right now.

To add to the point above: while the zooms everyone mentioned are solid, I actually think you might be better off grabbing a prime lens or two instead of a mid-range zoom if you are really budget-conscious. I picked up the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 used for a steal, and it makes my travel photos look way more professional than any variable aperture zoom ever could. You get way better low light performance and that creamy bokeh without lugging around a heavy piece of glass. If you really need that versatility, honestly, I would suggest looking at the Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary as a secondary lens. It is incredibly small and stays on my camera 90 percent of the time when I am walking around cities. You dont get the stabilization of the bigger lenses, but the tiny form factor means you can keep the camera closer to your body, which helps a ton with stability anyway. I am perfectly satisfied with this prime-heavy setup and find it much easier to pack than those chunky zooms.

Following this thread

👆 this

Saving this whole thread. So much good info here you guys are awesome.

Same here!

Same boat, watching this

For your situation, I’d honestly steer you toward a stabilized “standard zoom” first, not a big travel zoom. I’ve traveled with L-mount a bunch and the general-purpose 24-70-ish range just gets used way more for street + landscapes. My pick in ur $400–$700 used window: Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-Mount). It’s small/light for what it is, actually pretty sharp in the center even wide open, and the 28mm vs 24mm sounds scary on paper but in real travel shooting… I kinda got over it fast. Plus f/2.8 helps keep ISO down when ur hands arent steady. If stabilization is the priority though (like, seriously), look at:
- Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro O.I.S. (L-Mount) — OIS is clutch for handheld, range is perfect for travel, and it’s sharp stopped down for landscapes. It’s not tiny, but it’s the “one lens” solution imo. Why I’d skip superzooms: they’re convenient, but you usually pay with softness at the long end + slower apertures, so you end up fighting shutter speed anyway. What body are you on (Panasonic w/ Dual I.S. or Sigma/Leica)? That changes the stabilization math a lot. cheers

+1

Facts.

Building on the earlier suggestion, I totally get the struggle. Everyone is pushing those standard zooms, but if you really want reach for travel without breaking the bank, you have to look at the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary. I picked one up used for around $650 and it totally changed how I shoot landscapes!

• It has OS (Optical Stabilization), which is a lifesaver when you're zoomed in and tired.
• It is surprisingly compact for the reach it offers.
• The sharpness is honestly incredible for the price point. Sure, it is not a walk-around lens, but if you pair it with a cheap prime or that Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6, you have a killer two-lens travel kit that covers everything. Don't let people tell you that you only need one lens. Sometimes having that extra reach makes all the difference for street portraits or compressing distant mountain peaks. Just my two cents!