What is the absolute best all-around zoom lens for the Panasonic S5II right now because I am honestly losing my mind trying to pick one. I have been shooting with Lumix for years, moved from the G9 to the S5II recently to finally get that phase detect autofocus but my current lens situation is a total mess. I have been adapting some old Sigma EF glass with an MC-21 and the autofocus is just... not it. It hunts way more than it should and the weight is killing my wrists on long shooting days.
I am heading to Tokyo in three weeks for a big documentary-style travel project and I need one lens that can stay on the body 90% of the time. I have been looking at the Lumix 24-105mm f4 because of the dual IS but then I see the Sigma 24-70mm Art and worry I will miss that f2.8 for low light street stuff. But then there is the new Mark II version of that Sigma? Or even the 28-200mm travel zoom?
- Must handle the S5II autofocus properly without pulsing
- Budget is $1300 max
- Needs to be decent for video (minimal breathing)
I just want something that doesnt feel like a total workout to carry around all day but still looks professional for client work. Does anyone actually use the 20-60mm kit lens for serious stuff or is that just a waste of time...
> Does anyone actually use the 20-60mm kit lens for serious stuff ^ This. Also, dont sleep on the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6. I am super happy with how it handles 20mm for tight Tokyo streets. If you need that f2.8 tho, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is the real winner. Its way lighter than the Art series and fits your budget perfectly. The AF is flawless on the S5II.
I'm super satisfied with these zooms:
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art: Best for low light and sharp.
- Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.: Stable video and more reach.
To add to the point above: honestly you really should just stick with native glass for the S5II if you want that phase detect to actually shine. Adapting EF stuff is just a recipe for frustration and that pulsing you hate. I would just grab one of the newer native zooms from Sigma, tbh. Their L-mount glass is way lighter than those old bricks and the autofocus is snappy. It makes a huge difference for travel.
Saw this earlier but just getting a chance to weigh in now. Looking at the thread so far, you have a split between the heavy-duty professional glass and the more portable, travel-friendly options. Both brands have really stepped up their L-mount game lately, but they definitely prioritize different things in my experience. ^ This. Also, if you are doing documentary work in Tokyo, the environment is going to be unpredictable. Over the years, I have learned that reliability beats spec sheets every single time. Panasonic glass usually offers superior communication for video features like focus breathing compensation and that Dual IS which is a lifesaver for handheld work. Sigma, on the other hand, often gives you that extra stop of light which is hard to ignore for night street shots. I have a couple clarifying questions to help narrow this down. Are you planning on doing most of this documentary work handheld, or will you be using a gimbal? Also, how much of your work in Tokyo is actually gonna be in very low light versus controlled environments? Knowing that would help decide if the f/4 vs f/2.8 trade-off is worth the extra weight.
Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
To add to the point above: honestly it is just exhausting trying to find the perfect optic these days. The whole lens market feels like a total scam sometimes. You spend thousands on a camera body only to realize the glass is either a brick that ruins your back or some plasticky compromise that loses sharpness in the corners. It drives me crazy how these companies hold back features just to sell you another version two years later.
- The constant cycle of releases makes it impossible to feel good about a purchase for more than a few months.
- Why are we still paying premium prices for tech that should have been perfected a decade ago?
- It feels like they dont even care about the working pro anymore, just chasing specs to look good on a sheet. I really feel your pain with the heavy adapter situation. It is ridiculous that we have to jump through these hoops just to get the autofocus we were promised in the first place. You shouldn't have to choose between your health and your images. It is just such a mess right now.