So i just picked up an S5II and man im so stoked to finally be in the full frame game after years of using my old crop sensor stuff but now im looking at lenses and realized how expensive L-mount can be lol. Im based in Chicago and have a wedding gig coming up in like three weeks so i really need to nail down a standard zoom that wont break the bank but still gives me that pro look for the ceremony. My budget is sticking right around $1,100 max so im really torn between a few options right now.
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art seems like the obvious choice because everyone raves about the sharpness and that constant 2.8 is huge for the reception lighting but then i see the Panasonic 24-105mm f/4 which has that extra reach and built in stabilization which would be nice for handheld video stuff even though the aperture is slower. Then there is the newer Sigma 28-70mm which is way cheaper and lighter but im worried about losing that extra 4mm on the wide end for venue shots since i do a lot of architecture stuff too. Do you guys think the Sigma 24-70 Art is really the best bang for your buck for a general purpose L-mount zoom or is there something else i should be looking at before i drop the cash?
Saw this today and figured id chime in because weddings are high stakes. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art L-Mount is the standard for a reason but honestly you gotta be careful. The early batches had some nasty dust intake issues so make sure you're getting a newer serial number or at least a solid warranty. A few things I'd watch out for:
- Weight is a real killer. That Art lens is heavy and after 10 hours at a Chicago venue your wrists will definitely feel it.
- Weather sealing is huge. The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary L-Mount is way lighter but it's not as rugged. If it rains during those outdoor portraits you might be sweating.
- I would suggest looking at the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS for the stabilization. The Dual IS on your S5II is basically a cheat code for handheld video when things get hectic. Just make sure you test whatever you buy before the big day... nothing worse than a gear failure mid-ceremony.
Coming back to this, i went the super budget route and im really satisfied with the results. Honestly i think sticking with native glass is safer than that Sigma. I got a used Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 for wide shots and a Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 for the ceremony.
- native glass feels more reliable for AF
- way under your 1100 budget
- no complaints about the sharpness honestly
