So I just picked up an S5II and I'm looking for one lens that can basically stay on the camera all the time. I've got a big trip to Italy coming up in October so I need something that can handle everything from street shots to landscape stuff.
I've been looking at the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art and it seems like the gold standard for quality but its so heavy and I'm worried about my neck after walking around all day. Then I saw the Lumix 24-105mm f4 which has that extra reach and people love the macro features but is f4 gonna be a problem in churches or at night? I'm trying to stay under $1200 so buying both isnt really an option right now...
Does anyone have a favorite all-rounder that balances size and speed well?
I grabbed the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary for my trip last year and it was fantastic:
- super lightweight
- way cheaper than Art
- amazing low light performance!
Works great for me
> Regarding what #2 said about "Works great for me"
- I get why people love that compact Sigma, but in my experience, you really miss those extra 4mm on the wide end when you're staring up at a cathedral in Florence. Personally, I'd politely disagree with prioritizing the f2.8 over the focal range for a big trip tho. The Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f4 Macro OIS is basically the king of travel lenses imo. Tbh, f4 isnt the death sentence it used to be. The S5II handles high ISO so well that you wont even notice the noise at night, plus the dual IS is like magic for long handheld exposures in dim churches. Over the years, I've found that buying used is the way to go. You can usually find the 24-105 for around $700 online. That saves you enough cash to pick up a tiny Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f1.8 for those super dark dinners, and you'll still be way under your $1200 limit. Just my two cents... its a way more versatile setup for the money.
Can confirm
