I finally pulled the trigger on a Panasonic S5II for my upcoming trip to Tokyo and Kyoto next month and now im stuck on the glass. I mostly do street stuff and some vlogging for my small youtube channel so I need a solid walkaround lens. I checked out the 20-60mm kit lens and it seems okay but the f5.6 at the long end is kinda making me nervous for nighttime street shots. Everyone says the Sigma 24-70mm Art is the gold standard for L-mount but it looks like a total brick and I dont want my neck to die after three hours of walking. Is there a middle ground that balances weight and speed? What is the best all-around zoom lens for the S5II that wont break my back?
I totally used to stress over f/2.8 until I took the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS to Osaka. Honestly, the S5II handles high ISO so well that f/4 was totally fine for night shots! The Dual IS 2 was a game changer for my handheld vlogging... so smooth!! It simplified my travel kit and its way cheaper than the heavy Art series too.
Honestly grab the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary for L-mount. It provides that constant f2.8 for night shots but weighs way less than the Art, making it perfect for long days in Tokyo.
Ive been shooting L-mount since the S1 launch and over the years Ive realized weight is the biggest dealbreaker for travel. Last time I was in Osaka, I lugged a massive setup and my wrist was shot by day three. If the kit lens is too slow but the Art zoom is too heavy, look at the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.. While f/4 sounds slow, the Dual I.S. 2 on native glass is basically magic for vlogging. Quick tip: the S5II sensor is a total beast at high ISO, so just crank it to 6400 for those night scenes in Shinjuku. Native glass also handles the phase detect AF slightly smoother during fast street movement compared to some third party stuff. You get way more versatility with the 105mm reach without the back pain tho.
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Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.
