I just got a Panasonic S5II for my trip to Iceland next week and I have no clue what I'm doing. It didn't come with a lens and there are so many options online I'm honestly totally lost. I need something that can do everything like wide shots and also zooming in on stuff because I can't afford to buy like five different lenses right now and I dont want to carry them anyway. My budget is around $1000 maybe a bit more if it's really worth it but I need to order it today so it gets here in time for the flight. Sorry if this is a stupid question but what is the best all-around zoom lens for Panasonic L-mount?
> I need something that can do everything like wide shots and also zooming in on stuff because I can't afford to buy like five different lenses right now For a one-lens trip to Iceland, I would grab the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.. It covers almost everything you will need and the image quality is really solid for the price. It usually sits right around $1,100 brand new, but you can definitely find deals or open-box units that fit your $1,000 budget if you hunt around today. Another solid budget play is the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is much cheaper and lighter, but you lose that extra width on the wide end. Iceland basically screams for 24mm or wider for those massive landscapes, so the Panasonic is a better bet imo. If you really want to save cash, the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 is dirt cheap, but you will miss the zoom reach for sure... just get the 24-105.
Honestly the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art is my top pick because it offers great reliability. Ive been very satisfied with the build quality and it works well for everything from landscapes to portraits. It fits your $1000 budget and the constant f2.8 aperture is very helpful for darker days. No complaints here, it feels like a safe and professional choice.
To add to the point above, unfortunately that 24-105 is way too heavy. Are you doing long hikes?
- Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary: light/fast.
- Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f4-7.1 Macro OIS: amazing range.