Ugh I just swapped over from Sony to the S5II and the lens choices are honestly giving me a headache. I leave for a three week trip to Japan in like 20 days and I still dont have my main lens sorted. Im stuck between the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art or just getting the Panasonic 24-105mm f4. I really want that 2.8 for low light stuff in the city but everyone says the 24-105 is the better walk around because of the range and the dual stabilization. My budget is strictly under 1200 bucks. Which one is actually the better all-rounder for travel or am I missing something else?
In my experience, the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f4 Macro O.I.S. wins for stabilization. Testing both showed me that Dual IS 2 on the S5II gives you 6.5 stops of compensation, which helps in low light.
- 24-105mm: Better reach and 0.5x macro
- Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art: Faster glass but weighs way more Go with the Panny. The extra reach is clutch for street shots and the f4 wont kill you.
@Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, I had issues with heavy gear on my last trip and it unfortunately made things miserable. Both those options are just too heavy for walking Japan. I found the f4 not as good as expected for night shots anyway. I chose the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is way lighter than the Art lens and much safer for a long trip. Fits your budget too.
Honestly, I would be careful about committing to a massive zoom right before a big trip. You dont want to be stuck in Tokyo with a sore neck and gear that feels like a brick. Like someone mentioned, the weight really adds up. I would suggest a more reliable two-lens approach to stay safe and stay under that $1200 budget.
- Get a used Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 for daylight and wide street shots. It is tiny and way lighter than the Art lenses.
- Use the savings for a Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 specifically for those night shots in the city. Going with a single heavy lens is risky if you arent used to it yet. This combo covers your low light needs and wont kill your shoulders during 20k step days. Just make sure to test the autofocus settings on the S5II before you leave so there arent any surprises.
Big if true
Did this last week, worked perfectly
Saw this and felt I should chime in before you commit. Honestly, neither is the perfect all-rounder if you dont consider the physical toll. Japan involves massive amounts of walking, so be careful with that heavy f2.8 glass. Your back will regret it.
- Watch out for f4 in those dark Tokyo alleys.
- Make sure to test your kit before the flight.
- I would suggest a small prime for nights instead. Let me know if you need more tips on packing light for the trip.
