I'm honestly losing it trying to pick one zoom for my S5II before my Iceland trip in three weeks. Budget is around $1100 max. I keep seeing the 24-105mm f4 recommended for the range but then everyone says f4 is useless for low light or any moody interior shots which I'll definitely be doing. So then my logic was maybe the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 for the speed but that thing is a literal brick and I'm gonna be hiking for hours. I even looked at the 28-70 but 28mm is just too narrow for big landscapes. Everything feels like a massive compromise and I cant decide if I need the reach or the constant aperture more. Is there a middle ground I'm missing?
Iceland is gonna be amazing! I have been shooting L-mount for years and honestly, for a trip like that, you really want the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS. I love it because the Dual IS is basically magic when paired with the S5II.
- Range: That extra 105mm reach is fantastic for compression on those mountain peaks.
- Weight: It is way lighter than the big Sigma. Your back will seriously thank you on those 5-hour hikes.
- Low light: Honestly, the f4 thing is overblown. The S5II handles ISO 6400 like a champ, so moody interiors wont be an issue. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is a total beast of a lens, but for hiking, the weight is a killer. I tried lugging a heavy kit through Vik once and regretted it by noon. Stick with the 24-105mm!
