I just picked up an S5II a few weeks ago after finally ditching my old micro four thirds setup and I am honestly kind of overwhelmed by the lens options for the L-mount. I need one solid do-it-all zoom because I am heading to Japan for three weeks in October and I really dont want to be swapping primes while walking around Tokyo with my kids.
I have been looking at a few options but I am torn:
- Panasonic 24-105mm f4 Macro
- Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art (the newer Mark II or the old one)
- Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 Contemporary
I read that the Panasonic 24-105 is great because of the dual IS and the extra reach but then some people say f4 is just too slow for moody street shots at night or indoor shrines. Then I look at the Sigma Art and it seems perfect until I see the weight... carrying that for 15 miles a day sounds like a nightmare. The 28-70 is light but I am worried 28mm isnt wide enough for tight city streets. My budget is right around $1200 so I am probably looking at used gear for the more expensive glass.
Does the f2.8 really make that much of a difference for travel or is the extra range and stabilization of the f4 kit more practical for a one-lens setup?
In my experience, you should grab a used Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS. It's a steal. Over the years I've seen these go for around $650, which is well under your budget. The S5II sensor is so clean at high ISO that f4 isnt really an issue for street stuff. Save that extra cash for the trip. Japan is pricey with kids!
Building on the earlier suggestion, that dual IS is basically magic, but be careful with the weight. Carrying the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art all day through Tokyo stations is gonna be rough with kids in tow.
- watch out for front-heavy setups
- check the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary for a lighter alternative I would suggest prioritizing comfort since youre walking so much tho.
I spent three weeks trekking through Shinjuku and Osaka with a heavy setup once, and I totally learned my lesson about weight. I eventually landed on the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary for these kinds of trips. It doesnt have the full weather sealing of the Art line, but its been through light rain and heavy humidity without a single hiccup. The build feels solid enough that I dont baby it. If you really feel like you need that 24mm for the architecture, the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art is a huge step up from the old one. Its way more manageable on an S5II and the constant f2.8 is a lifesaver when youre inside those darker temples or hitting the alleys at night. I found that having the extra light meant I wasnt constantly worried about my shutter speed dropping too low and getting blurry shots of the kids... kind of a big deal when theyre running around. The f4 is a great lens, dont get me wrong, but for me, having that extra stop of light for unpredictable indoor shots was worth the trade-off in reach. Just something to think about before you commit to the extra weight.
Ngl, you're spot on about the dual IS! It is absolutely amazing for handheld work and basically negates the f4 limitation. Love having that extra reach for compression!
