I need a lens like, yesterday. I just picked up the S5IIx for a documentary project in Seattle starting next Thursday and I am totally stuck on what glass to get. I've been a Sony guy forever so this L-mount ecosystem is still kinda new to me and the options are more confusing than I thought they'd be.

I spent all night reading reviews and honestly I'm just more torn. I keep seeing people rave about the Panasonic 24-105mm f/4 because of the Dual IS and that extra reach on the long end, which would be killer for the handheld run-and-gun stuff I do. But then everyone else says the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is the gold standard for the mount. My worry is that f/4 is gonna kill me when we move indoors for the interview segments, but the Sigma is apparently a brick and I don't want to be hauling a massive setup through the rainy streets all day. Plus the lack of stabilization on the Sigma is making me nervous even with the Lumix IBIS being so good.

Here is what I am dealing with:

• Budget: Trying to stay under $1300 if I can, but I can go up to $1600 if it's really the one.
• Timeline: Needs to be in my hands by next Wednesday.
• Use case: 60% video (handheld), 40% stills. Lots of low light and outdoor moody shots.
• Weight: Needs to be manageable for a 10-hour shoot day.

Is there something I'm missing? I saw something about a Leica Vario-Elmarit but that’s way out of my price range lol. Is the newer Sigma 28-70mm any good or is the 28mm too tight for wide shots? I really need one lens that can do it all because I won't have time to swap primes in the mud. What are you guys actually using day-to-day for a one lens setup? Help me out please...