Quick reply while I have a sec. Italy has really narrow streets so you definitely want something that starts at 24mm or even wider for those big buildings. I would suggest the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art if you want that pro look. Its right at the top of your budget tho so keep that in mind. Just a few things to be careful with:

• This lens is pretty heavy so get a good strap for walking around.
• Make sure to budget for an 82mm protector filter cuz they arent cheap.
• Check for the Mark I version to stay under that 1100 limit. Honestly if you want to be super budget conscious you might want to consider the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 instead. Its way cheaper so you have more money for travel... it just doesnt do the blurry background for people as well as the Sigma.

I was in your shoes last year trying to stick to a budget! Italy is pricey so saving on gear is smart. I swear by the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary for travel because its so reliable and tiny!!

• lighter than the others
• leaves money for gelato
• amazing f2.8 speed You get such a fantastic deal with this one and its plenty sharp for your buildings and people pics! Youll love it!

> I just want one lens that I can keep on the camera the whole time and take photos of buildings and also people. In my experience traveling through Europe, the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS is the absolute king for a one-lens setup. Ive tried many zooms over the years, but that extra reach to 105mm is a lifesaver when you cant get closer to a statue. It basically lived on my S5II while I was in Rome last year and I never felt limited. It really is the perfect all-rounder.

Regarding what #3 said about I was in your shoes last year trying to stick to a budget... honestly its ridiculous how much these companies expect us to pay just to get a functional setup. You drop a couple grand on a body and then find out 1000 dollars barely gets you in the door for a decent zoom? Its such a scam. Brands just keep pumping out lenses with slightly different numbers that basically do the same thing but charge a premium for every little change... it drives me crazy. You really have to be careful because if you make one wrong move with your choice you are gonna be out a ton of money when you realize it doesnt fit your style. Make sure to double check everything because these companies dont care about your vacation or your bank account, they just want you locked into their ecosystem. Honestly, the way they gatekeep good glass behind these massive price tags while making the naming schemes as confusing as possible is just exhausting.

Just catching up on this thread and honestly, you have some solid advice here already. I have been shooting with this system for a long time and I am still so satisfied with how it performs. When you are traveling, you really just want something that is not gonna quit on you when you are in the middle of a beautiful city like Florence...

• native Panasonic glass is built like an absolute tank
• the weather sealing is top notch for those random rain days
• their stuff just feels reliable in a way that gives me peace of mind Tbh, I would just look at the Panasonic lineup and pick whichever zoom fits your budget. I have used a lot of their gear and I have never had a single issue with build quality or reliability. No complaints from my end. Just get a zoom from them and you will be happy with the results. They make things easy for people just starting out because the quality is so consistent across the board.