Ive been shooting landscapes on my Lumix S5II for a while now using the kit lens but the corner sharpness just isnt cutting it anymore especially when I try to print big. Ive got about 800 to 1200 bucks to spend and I really need something wider for an Iceland trip coming up in two months. I was looking at the Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 because obviously the aperture is nice but that thing is heavy as a brick and the fixed bulbous front element is making me nervous about filters. Should I just suck it up and deal with the weight or is there a lighter prime that wont destroy my wallet? My brain is fried from reading reviews.
Been thinking about your question for a few hours now and honestly, I feel your pain. I tried the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art for a bit but honestly, the weight is just a massive headache for hiking. I had issues with it being way too front-heavy on long treks, and the filter situation is a total nightmare. Honestly, the results weren't quite as good as expected for all that lugging around. Before I give you a better direction, are you okay with manual focus primes or do you need the autofocus for your trip? If you dont mind manual stuff, I have some thoughts on the Laowa 15mm f/4 Wide Angle Macro, which is way easier to carry. Let me know what you think!
Honestly, I totally get why you're stressed. Carrying a heavy brick around Iceland sounds like a nightmare when you're hiking all day. I used to haul massive glass too, but trust me, you'll be way happier with something lighter that lets you actually enjoy the scenery. Since you want sharp edges for those big prints, I'd skip the Sigma and look into these instead.
- Panasonic Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro
- This lens is a game changer for landscape work because it takes standard 77mm screw-on filters, which is a massive relief for your wallet and your nerves. It's super light and the sharpness is honestly surprising for the price.
- Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary
- If you can live with a prime, this one is just incredible. The build quality feels premium and it's tiny compared to the zooms. The 14-28mm really hits the sweet spot for me. You get that ultra-wide 14mm perspective which is perfect for dramatic foregrounds in Iceland, but you aren't stuck with a massive front element that makes you scared of every raindrop. My images are consistently crisp corner to corner. Whatever you pick, just make sure you grab a solid circular polarizer, itll make those greens and volcanic blues pop way more than any lens upgrade alone. Have an awesome trip, Iceland is gonna be unreal.
> I had issues with it being way too front-heavy on long hikes Man, I feel this so much. I've been wrestling with the exact same weight dilemma for months. My back is basically screaming every time I pack my bag for a landscape shoot. It is honestly such a struggle trying to balance needing pro-level sharpness for those big prints against actually being able to walk a trail without hating life. I've been staring at my gear bag for twenty minutes today thinking about the same exact trade-offs. Since you want something sharp that wont break your back, have you considered the Panasonic Lumix S 16-35mm F4 L-Mount? It is way lighter than those big f/2.8 zooms and takes standard filters without needing a weird bulky holder. The corner sharpness is solid for prints, and you save a ton of cash to put toward your Iceland flights.
