Im getting so frustrated trying to pick a lens for my S5 II. I mostly shoot street photography and some casual video for my YouTube channel, but I really need a decent zoom because swapping primes is killing me when I'm out in downtown Chicago. I have about 1200 bucks to spend and I need something by next month for a trip.
I spent all night reading forums and reviews. Everyone keeps recommending the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art, and I get that the quality is insane, but my logic was that maybe I should stick to native glass for the better stabilization? Then I saw people saying the Lumix 20-60mm kit lens is actually fine, but honestly it feels a bit too slow for the indoor stuff I do. Is the extra weight of the Sigma worth the trade-off, or am I just overthinking the stabilization benefits? Ive looked at the Lumix 24-105mm too but the f4 aperture scares me a little for low light. It feels like every time I narrow it down, a new thread pops up saying something else is better. Why is this so complicated? Just tell me what you would actually buy if you were in my shoes...
Adding my two cents! Forget the heavy glass and grab the Panasonic Lumix S 24-70mm f2.8 Pro. It is built for your body, super sharp, and totally reliable for travel!
Just catching up on this thread. Honestly, if I were you, I would stop sweating the stabilization and just grab the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art. I used the original version for ages in NYC and the weight is manageable once you get used to it. The bokeh and low-light performance will change your indoor videos completely compared to that kit lens. If the Sigma is too bulky, check out the Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f4-7.1 Macro OIS. Yeah, the aperture is slow, but the reach is insane for street stuff and it weighs basically nothing. If you really need to stick native and want constant aperture without breaking the bank, the Panasonic Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f2.8 is better but probably out of your budget unless you buy used. Dont overthink it, just pick one and go shoot.
Honestly, the choice is tough because the L-mount ecosystem is pretty solid right now. If I were you, I would skip the kit lens. It is sharp, sure, but you really need that f2.8 aperture if you're hitting up indoor spots. I know the weight is a pain, but the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art is basically the industry standard for a reason. You get better low light performance which beats the f4 aperture every time. Native glass is nice for the dual I.S., but the stabilization on the S5 II body is honestly good enough for street shots. If you need something lighter for travel, maybe look at the Panasonic Lumix S 24-70mm f2.8, but that is usually way over budget. Stick with the Sigma, carry a decent strap, and you will be fine.
