So I just got the Panasonic S5II and I am honestly so lost with all the lens options out there. I bought the body by itself because I heard that was smarter than getting the kit lens but now I have a camera I cant even use yet lol. I am a total beginner like I barely know what an aperture is so please talk to me like I am five. I am going on a trip to Italy in three weeks and I really just want one lens that can do it all so I dont have to keep switching things out while I am walking around. I want to take pictures of buildings but also maybe some people or food?
Here is what I am looking for:
- something that isnt too heavy because I will be carrying it all day
- budget is maybe $1200 max but I could go a bit higher if it is really worth it
- good for both photos and video since I want to vlog a little bit for my family
- something that zooms a decent amount so I dont have to get super close to everything
I keep seeing stuff about Sigma and Panasonic brand lenses and I dont know if they all fit the same or if I need an adapter or something? Someone mentioned a 24-70 or a 24-105 but those numbers dont mean much to me yet. Which one is going to be the easiest for a newbie to just leave on the camera and forget about?
I would suggest focusing on these two options:
- Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS for range.
- Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary for weight. Be careful tho, weight matters when you're walking all day.
Building on the earlier suggestion, unfortunately many people forget how much your neck will hurt carrying heavy glass all day. I had issues with bulky setups and it really killed the fun.
- Try the Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO OIS instead.
- Its way lighter for walking and vlogging.
- The range is huge for buildings and food. Its not as good as expected in dark rooms, but the convenience is unbeatable for a beginner.
Just saw this. Honestly, choosing lenses is such a headache when you're starting out. I had issues with buying the big, expensive stuff early on and it was just a waste of money because they were too heavy to actually carry around. Unfortunately, a lot of the high-end lenses are way overpriced for what you get as a beginner. If I were you, I'd just stick with Sigma. You basically can't go wrong with anything from their lighter line of glass. They are way cheaper than the name-brand pro versions and much smaller, which is huge for a trip to Italy. Like someone mentioned, you really dont want a brick around your neck all day. Just get a standard zoom from them and it will fit your camera perfectly without any adapters. Itll save you a ton of cash for pasta and wine while you're traveling, and the quality is honestly gonna look the same to you starting out anyway. L-mount stuff is great but it gets pricey fast if you arent careful, so stay budget-conscious while you're still learning!
Great info, saved!
