Im getting so sick of reading reviews online. Ive been looking for one solid all-around lens for my Lumix S5II because swapping glass constantly while hiking is killing me. I keep seeing people recommend the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 but then someone else says the Lumix 20-60mm is better for weight and landscape stuff... which is what I do most. But then I lose that low light ability and portrait bokeh. My budget is around 1200 bucks max and I need this for a trip to the Alps in three weeks. Is the extra weight of the 24-70 actually worth it or should I just stick with the kit zoom...
Honestly, I had some real issues with the bulk of the standard 24-70mm zooms on long treks. While the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art is optically stunning, the weight honestly just killed my back after three hours of elevation gain in the Dolomites last year. It felt like an anchor. If you want a middle ground, look at these instead:
- Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f4 Macro OIS
- It gives you that extra reach for mountain peaks which is super helpful, and the stabilization is solid. Unfortunately, f4 isnt great for low light, so it misses that creamy bokeh you want.
- Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary
- This is significantly lighter than the Art series. It is not as sharp at the edges as the bigger version, but it is way more manageable for hiking.
Honestly, I get your pain. I spent weeks debating this before a trip to the Rockies last year and ended up lugging around too much glass. If you're hiking in the Alps, weight is your worst enemy, but you really dont want to regret the shots you missed because the lens was too slow. I would suggest picking up the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art. Yeah, its definitely heavier than the kit lens, but that constant f2.8 aperture is a game changer for the Alps. When the sun dips behind those peaks, your kit zoom is gonna struggle hard. I tried using the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 for a while, and while the wide end is awesome for landscapes, the variable aperture just ruins your vibe once you try to take portraits or shoot in the shade. Be careful with the weight though. If you really cant stand the heft, you might want to consider just sticking with the kit lens and bringing a cheap prime for the evenings. But if you want one do-it-all piece of glass, the Sigma is the way to go. Just make sure to have a solid strap because carrying that setup for ten miles straight is a workout. Pack light otherwise and you'll be fine.
@Reply #2 - good point! I am literally having the exact same struggle right now. Ive spent like three months rotating through gear trying to solve this for my own travels and still cant make up my mind. It is so frustrating honestly.
- Hiking weight vs quality is such a nightmare
- My back is crying just thinking about the gear
- Still stuck in analysis paralysis for weeks now