Ive been shooting with my Lumix S5 for about two years now and honestly, I love the ergonomics of the L-mount system, but Im struggling to find that one go-to lens that stays on the body 90 percent of the time. Im heading to Japan in October for a three-week trip and I really dont want to be swapping glass in the middle of a busy street in Tokyo.
My logic was that the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II would be the obvious choice, but its a bit heavy for walking around all day. I considered the Lumix 20-60mm kit lens because its super light and wide enough for architecture, but I find the f/3.5-5.6 aperture really limiting when the sun starts going down. Ive got about 1200 bucks saved up, give or take, and I dont mind looking at used options if it means better glass.
Should I just bite the bullet and carry the extra weight for the 2.8 aperture, or is there a prime lens combo that makes more sense for travel? Im kinda stuck in analysis paralysis here because every review says something different and I cant decide if the extra stop is worth the back pain...
Oh man, Japan in October is going to be absolutely amazing! You are going to love the vibe there. Honestly, I totally get the anxiety about weight because walking around Tokyo for three weeks is no joke for your back. When I took my kit over there, I tried lugging a heavy zoom and halfway through the first week I was just miserable. I ended up leaving it in the hotel locker and missing some cool night shots. For your budget, you seriously need to check out the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is so much lighter than the 24-70mm version but you still get that sweet constant f/2.8 aperture! It fits perfectly on the S5 and isnt front-heavy at all. I know you lose 4mm on the wide end compared to the other lens, but the size difference is a total game changer when you're weaving through crowded markets in Shinjuku. It stays glued to my camera whenever I travel because it just doesnt feel like a burden. If you really feel like you need that extra wide angle for architecture, just pack a tiny prime like the Lumix S 35mm f/1.8 in your bag, but honestly, that 28-70mm is usually all I ever need. Save your back and go for the smaller zoom, you wont regret it once you hit those long walking days!
To add to the point above: if you really want to avoid swapping lenses, the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. is often overlooked.
- It gives you extra reach for details that the 24-70s miss.
- The stabilization is killer for handheld night shots without needing a fast aperture.
- Much cheaper used, leaving room for a small fast prime like the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 for portraits.
Quick follow up here. I personally use the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary and it honestly solved my travel fatigue issues completely. It is significantly lighter than the 24-70mm versions but still keeps that constant aperture.
- Sharpness is great
- Weather sealing held up in light rain
- Fits in my small bag I prefer this over swapping primes because the focal range is just way more versatile for street photography. You will be very satisfied with the balance.
