I am so sick of swapping lenses constantly. I picked up the S5II for a trip to Japan next month and I thought the 20-60 kit lens would be enough but honestly the aperture is killing me in low light and the images just look... flat? I dont know how to describe it. Then I looked at the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 cause everyone raves about it but god its so heavy and I dont want to be lugging that around Tokyo all day while also chasing my kids. My logic was that a constant f2.8 would solve my problems but now Im worried about the weight and the autofocus speed. Is the Lumix 24-105 f4 any better? Or is f4 gonna be just as bad as the kit lens when we're inside shrines or restaurants? I've got maybe 1200 bucks to spend and I'm honestly just stressed that I'm gonna pick the wrong one and miss all the good shots. Like, should I just stick to primes? No, that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I just want one lens that stays on the camera 90% of the time. Everything feels like a massive compromise right now and my head is spinning looking at all these spec sheets...
In my experience:
- Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art: 10% lighter than V1, fits your budget.
- Panasonic Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8: Native AF is faster but its way heavier tho.
> Is the Lumix 24-105 f4 any better? Or is f4 gonna be just as bad as the kit lens when we're inside shrines or restaurants? The Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS is a massive upgrade over the kit lens tbh. Constant f/4 isnt nearly as restrictive as the variable aperture on the kit lens because the S5II handles high ISO like a champ. You can easily push to ISO 6400 in a dark temple and the images will still look clean. Plus, having that reach to 105mm is great for detail shots you cant get otherwise. If you're still dead set on f/2.8 but the Art lens is too heavy, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is basically the answer. It is way lighter and smaller, making it perfect for travel. You lose the 24mm wide end, but it fits your budget and wont weigh you down. Honestly, the 24-105 is the better one lens choice for Japan tho just because of the range.
^ This. Also, if you are really worried about the weight of the Art lens, I have been very satisfied with the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is basically the lightweight cousin of the lens everyone raves about. It cuts down the bulk significantly, which makes a massive difference when you are walking around Tokyo for twelve hours. Technical details matter here: you lose 4mm on the wide end compared to your kit lens, but you gain that constant f/2.8 aperture. In my experience, the autofocus on the S5II works well with this lens. Its fast enough for kids and reliable in low light. I have no complaints about the sharpness either. It certainly has more character and depth than the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 which, like you said, can feel a bit flat. Quick tip: since you are stressed about the low light in shrines, remember that the S5II has incredible stabilization. You can often get away with slightly slower shutter speeds. But having that f/2.8 as a safety net is much better than pushing ISO to the moon. This lens fits your budget perfectly and keeps the setup manageable. It is a very safe, professional choice for a one-lens trip.
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Exactly what I was thinking
