> Are there any other hidden gems under $800? Yo, just catching up! Honestly, picking glass for the S5II is such a rabbit hole. I remember when I first started, I bought a "bargain" lens that literally had the mount wiggle after two months... I've been super cautious ever since. For your situation, I highkey recommend the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It’s remarkably light, which makes the S5II feel way more agile than those heavy Art lenses. The "why" is basically about balance. You get that constant f2.8 for low light, but it’s small enough for travel. Just be aware it’s not fully weather-sealed, so dont take it out in a storm!! If you need more range, a used Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. is the "safe" expert choice. Lesson learned: always check the sealing before you head into the wild. Good luck!

I feel u, picking lenses is scary, so for ur situation I would suggest the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. cuz it’s a total workhorse. - Make sure to check the zoom ring for stiffness
- Be careful buying used without a warranty Honestly, it might be the safest bet for a hobbyist... just stay cautious with ur cash! gl

Jumping in here... honestly, picking glass for the S5II is a long-term commitment so you gotta be careful. I've been using this system for years and I'd suggest starting with the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is super light and the f/2.8 is a lifesaver, but just keep in mind it isn't fully weather sealed. If you're shooting outdoors in the rain, you might want to consider something tougher. The Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 is a decent starter, but I've found that after a year or two, most hobbyists outgrow it because of that variable aperture. It just doesn't give you that nice bokeh for portraits. You might also want to look at the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.. It's a bit of a tank, but the constant f/4 is much more predictable and the stabilization is killer. Just make sure to check the zoom ring for any grit if you buy used, since those can get a bit crunchy over time. Feel free to ask more if you're stuck!

I went through this last year. honestly finding that sweet spot between price and performance on L-mount is kinda tricky but once u find it, the S5II really shines. basically, i started out using the Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 which came with the kit. it’s great for wide stuff but i highkey missed having a constant aperture for those moody shots. Background: Constant aperture zooms are vital for video and low light. Why it matters? it keeps your exposure locked when zooming and gives the phase hybrid AF more light to work with at the long end, especially in the evening. If the aperture drops as u zoom, the AF can hunt more. 1. My personal journey led me to the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary for L-Mount and i seriously havent looked back since lol. It’s way lighter than the Art series and for a hobbyist, u honestly wont notice the difference in sharpness unless youre pixel peeping at 400%. Plus it fits the budget perfectly if u find a decent sale.
2. I also gave the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. a spin like the first reply mentioned. It’s a beast for versatility but i found i preferred the f/2.8 of the Sigma for that creamy subject separation. i'm super satisfied with the Sigma setup now... no complaints!! Just make sure u update the firmware on the lenses too cuz it makes a huge diff with the new AF system. peace!

Any updates on this?

Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷

Just wanted to say thanks for everyone chiming in. Super helpful discussion.