I just bought this Panasonic S5II camera because everyone online said it was the best for the price and the guy at the camera shop near my house in Chicago really talked it up but now I am sitting here looking at it and I realized I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to the lens part. Like I literally just have the camera body and a strap and it looks so weird without anything on the front of it lol. I want to use it for everything really like I'm going on a big trip to Tokyo in about a month and I want to take some nice pictures of the streets and maybe some videos of the food but I dont want to be that person who has to stop and change lenses every five minutes because I know I would probably drop something or get dust inside the camera which sounds scary.
I have been looking online and I keep seeing people talk about L-mount and I guess that is what I need but then there are all these different brands like Sigma and Leica and then Panasonic makes their own too and the prices are all over the place which is making my head spin a bit. I have about 900 dollars left in my budget for this and I really just want one lens that can do a bit of everything like zooming in for a portrait but also wide enough to see a whole building if that makes sense. I dont know if I should get something that is heavy or if that matters more for the video stuff since the camera has that special stabilization thing.
Someone mentioned a 24-105 lens and someone else said 28-200 and I dont really understand the difference or if one is better for a beginner like me who just wants things to look sharp without having to be a pro photographer. I am really sorry if this is a super basic question but everything I read on the reviews uses all these technical words like aperture and chromatic aberration and I just want to know what is the best all-around zoom lens for the Panasonic S5II that wont break my bank account or my back from being too heavy...
> Someone mentioned a 24-105 lens and someone else said 28-200 and I dont really understand the difference I remember when I first got into L-mount a few years back, I was totally overwhelmed by the specs too. I actually took my S5II on a massive trip through the Pacific Northwest last summer and spent weeks debating which glass to bring. I eventually settled on the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS and I have zero regrets. It is basically the perfect travel companion because of the Dual IS feature. Basically, the lens and the camera talk to each other to make your footage super smooth, which is a lifesaver when you're walking through crowded streets and trying to film food.
- Pros: 24mm is wide enough to capture a whole building, and the close-focusing is great for food shots.
- Cons: Its a bit heavy compared to others. Another solid choice within your budget is the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. I borrowed one for a weekend and was shocked at how light it felt in my hand.
- Pros: Tiny, light, and f/2.8 is awesome for blurry backgrounds and low light.
- Cons: 28mm isnt quite wide enough for tight city streets, and you lose that extra zoom reach. Personally, I have been so satisfied with how sharp my photos come out with the Panasonic without having to mess with settings too much. It just works well for everything... streets, portraits, you name it. The extra width at 24mm is a big deal when you are standing in front of a massive temple in Tokyo and cant step back any further.
Seriously, you are gonna love that camera! If you want one lens that does it all without breaking your back, grab the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is so tiny and light! That f/2.8 is a total lifesaver for food photos in dark restaurants. It fits your budget perfectly and honestly makes the S5II feel way less scary to carry around. Have a blast in Tokyo!
Adding my two cents here since I am super satisfied with my S5II setup, it is such a killer camera for the price. Tokyo is gonna be incredible, you are lucky! Just a quick question tho before you pull the trigger... are you mostly gonna be shooting during the day or do you want to hit the night markets and low-light alleys? That really changes things for your budget. Few things to think about:
- Stick with the Panasonic brand if you can. The way their glass works with the camera internal stabilization is basically magic and makes video so smooth.
- Sigma is also a solid bet for staying under budget while getting really sharp results.
- Just get any standard zoom from either of those and you will be totally happy for your trip.
Totally agree that a versatile zoom is the smartest move for a first trip. Honestly, you dont want to be fumbling with gear in the middle of Shinjuku. One thing I always do before a big flight is spend a day walking around my own neighborhood with the setup. See how it actually feels on your neck. It is way better to find out a lens is too heavy now than when you are halfway across the world. Plus, it lets you see if you actually use the long end of the zoom or if you prefer wide shots. It is basically the only way to know if it fits your style before you are stuck with it.
Seconded!
This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖
