@Reply #1 - good point! That 24-105 is a solid choice, but if youre trying to keep your budget tight for the trip itself, there are some other L-mount options that might suit you better. Japan involves a ton of walking so weight is a big factor too.

• Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary: Its significantly lighter than the 24-70 Art and usually sits around $800. You keep the f/2.8 for indoor shrines but save a lot of bulk.
• Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S.: This is basically the ultimate one-lens setup for travel. Its super compact and gives you way more reach than the 105mm for sniping those candid street shots.
• Used market: Seriously, check for a used Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. You can often find them for $900-1000, which leaves you some extra cash for a couple fast memory cards or a nice strap. If you want that extra reach, the 28-200 is hard to beat as a do-it-all lens.

Honestly, for a one-lens trip to Japan, I'm super satisfied with the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. over the Sigma. While f/2.8 is technically faster, that 105mm reach is a lifesaver for those tight street shots in Kyoto or getting detail on temple roofs. Plus, the Dual I.S. 2 on that Lumix lens works so well with the S5II body... you can basically shoot handheld at half a second and get sharp results because the lens OIS and body IBIS sync up perfectly. It really makes up for the f/4 aperture in low light if your subject isn't moving super fast. The macro capability is another technical win for this lens, ngl. You get 0.5x magnification which is basically half-macro. It works well for food photography or flower details in Shinjuku Gyoen. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for L-Mount is a beast for bokeh, but carrying it all day in Tokyo can get heavy and you'll find yourself wishing for that extra 35mm of reach constantly. No complaints on the corner sharpness of the Lumix either. Quick tip: look for a used copy of the 24-105mm. You can usually snag one for around $700, leaving you enough cash for a tiny prime like the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 for night street stuff. Let me know if you need more info on the AF-C performance with these!

Coming back to check on this... I have spent a decade hauling gear through Osaka and Kyoto and honestly, weight matters way more than you think after ten miles of walking! If your budget is capped at 1100, my best advice is to hit the used market for a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. I saved nearly 300 bucks doing that for my last trip, which paid for some incredible sushi in Osaka! Methodically planning your spending like this lets you get the high-end glass without sacrificing the actual experience of the trip itself. Quick tip: if you go for that f/2.8, grab a Urth 82mm Variable ND Filter Plus+ as well. Japan is surprisingly bright during the day and you will definitely need it to shoot wide open for those cinematic street shots. It is an amazing addition to any kit!