so i just got the panasonic s5ii and honestly i have no idea what im doing. i bought it because i heard it was the best for video but now that im looking at lenses im just completely overwhelmed. there are so many options and i dont understand the difference between all the brands like sigma and the panasonic ones. i just want one lens that stays on the camera and can do everything because im going to japan for my honeymoon in like three weeks and i dont want to be that guy who is constantly fiddling with gear while my wife waits for me.
here is what i need i think:
- budget is around 1000 or maybe 1200 dollars if i push it
- needs to be able to zoom in on stuff far away but also take wide pictures of the streets in tokyo
- not super heavy because we are going to be walking like ten miles a day
- good for video too since thats why i bought this camera in the first place
sorry if these are really basic questions but i just dont want to buy the wrong thing and regret it. is there like one lens that everyone uses for this? i saw a 20-60mm one that comes with it but is that actually any good or should i get something better for a one-lens setup...
Congrats on the S5II! For a honeymoon in Japan, you really want something light. I've been super happy with the Panasonic LUMIX S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. and it's basically the perfect travel lens.
- It covers everything from wide streets to far away subjects.
- Super light so your neck wont hurt.
- Video stabilization works well. Its a total lifesaver for walking all day. Youre gonna have an amazing trip!
Late to the thread but honestly you're gonna be disappointed if you just stick with that kit 20-60mm. It's fine for basics but the reach is honestly terrible for a big trip. I had issues with it in low light too... Tokyo at night needs way more than what that lens gives you. It's just not as good as expected for a one-lens setup. Unfortunately, most budget zooms aren't gonna cut it for video. If you want one lens that actually belongs on an S5II, just grab the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.. It's usually around 1100 bucks. It's a bit heavier than the kit glass but the stabilization is killer for video. Plus it has a constant f/4 which is way better than those variable aperture zooms that get dark as soon as you zoom in. Dont get lured in by the cheap consumer stuff. You'll just regret it when your shots look soft.
You might want to consider the actual IP ratings and weather sealing specs if you are heading to Tokyo during the rainy season. Be careful with the cheaper kit options because moisture ingress is a real risk for the internal circuitry if the environment is humid. I would suggest checking the specific gasket count on the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 before you rely on it as your sole optic. Honestly, those Japanese subways are something else tho. I remember being at Shinjuku station and the sheer volume of people is insane. I actually spent three hours just trying to find the right exit because I got distracted by a tiny shop selling vintage fountain pens in the basement level. I ended up buying this limited edition green ink that cost way more than it should have, but the nib feel on the paper was incredible. It makes me wonder why we spend so much on digital gear when a piece of paper and some ink feels so much more permanent. I think I still have that pen in a drawer... anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there.
> @Reply #3 - good point! Be careful with the cheaper kit options because moisture ingress is a real risk for the internal circuitry if the environment is humid. Totally agree. I've been shooting with the L-mount system since it launched and honestly, reliability is everything when you're thousands of miles from home. I remember trekking through a massive downpour in Kyoto a few years back. My bag was literally dripping, but my Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. didn't miss a single shot. It is built like a tank. It's a bit heavier than some of the plastic kit lenses, but that constant f/4 aperture is a lifesaver for video work. It means your exposure wont jump around or flicker as you zoom in on things. The Dual I.S. 2 also makes handheld video look super smooth even without a gimbal, which is great for those busy Tokyo streets. If you're really worried about the weight of walking ten miles, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary for L-Mount is tiny and light, but you'll lose that wide 24mm end and the extra reach. Personally, I'd stick with the 24-105mm. It usually sits right around 1100 bucks and it just works... definitely wont let you down on a honeymoon trip.
