Seriously what is the actual best all-around zoom for the L-mount system right now because I am losing my mind looking at charts and reviews. I just picked up a Lumix S5II for a big trip to Japan next month and I need one lens that can do it all because I really dont want to be swapping glass while walking through Kyoto or trying to film in a crowded ramen shop.
I spent like four hours last night reading about these options:
- Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art (the new mark ii)
- Panasonic 24-105mm f4 OIS
- Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 Contemporary
Everyone says the optics on the 24-70 are incredible but then I see people complaining about the weight for all-day carry. Like is it really that bad? My budget is capped at around $1200 maybe $1300 if I stretch it but honestly I just want something that works. Then there is the Panasonic 24-105mm f4 which seems great for the extra reach and the dual stabilization but then people say f4 is basically useless for low light or getting that nice bokeh and now I am second guessing everything.
Im doing a mix of street photography and some vlogging for my small channel so I need the autofocus to be snappy. I read that the Sigma might have some pulsing issues with the AF on Panasonic bodies but then others say the firmware fixed it? It is so hard to get a straight answer. Is the 28-70mm Sigma too narrow on the wide end? I feel like 28mm isnt wide enough for some of the temple architecture I want to shoot but then its so much lighter and easier on a gimbal.
I am leaving in three weeks so I need to order something like yesterday. Should I just bite the bullet on the Sigma 24-70 even if it breaks my back or is there some hidden gem I am missing? Maybe the 20-60mm kit lens is actually fine and I am overthinking this? But then I worry about the variable aperture driving me crazy while zooming during video... I just dont know anymore.
I actually went through this exact same headache before my last trip and unfortunately, I regret the path I took at first. I started with the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS because everyone raved about the range, but man, f/4 in those dark Kyoto alleys was a mess. My photos were noisy and the vibe just wasnt there. I ended up swapping it mid-trip for the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art and even though its heavier, it basically saved my footage. The weight is definitely noticeable after eight hours of walking, but the image quality is so much better than the kit lens or the f/4 options. I also tried the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary but had issues with the 28mm being too narrow for vlogging. You really need that extra bit of width for the temples. Just grab a good strap and go for the 24-70 Art. Its the only one that didnt let me down.
Late to the party but I have been incredibly satisfied with the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art for travel. The Mark II is actually significantly lighter than the original, making it much more manageable for all-day street shooting. Technical tip: update the firmware immediately for the best AF performance on your S5II. It handles low-light vlogging perfectly and the constant aperture is a lifesaver for video consistency.
Re: "I actually went through this exact same headache..." - over the years I've learned weight kills the joy.
- Stick with Sigma.
- Fast glass is vital. Just get anything Sigma.
Solid advice 👍
Solid advice 👍
