23/03/2026 9:51 pm
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Ive been shooting Canon for over ten years but man this R5 is driving me nuts with the lens balance. My old EF 24-70 is just too heavy with the adapter for my trip to Portugal in three weeks and my back is already hurting just thinking about it.
I really want that Sigma look but I heard some of their older stuff has weird AF pulsing issues on mirrorless bodies which is the last thing I need when Im trying to catch quick street shots. Ive got about 1100 bucks left in the gear fund after buying the body. Which Sigma lens is actually reliable on the R5 for travel stuff?
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23/03/2026 10:15 pm
To add to the point above: so far the consensus is leaning toward the wider Art primes, which makes sense for travel. But coming back to this an hour later, I really think you should be careful about the total kit length on your R5. The adapter adds just enough reach that these lenses feel heavier than they did on a DSLR. Since you mentioned back pain, you really have to watch the leverage. Here is a breakdown of how the common Sigma options compare for your trip:
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Canon EF: This is likely your best bet. The AF is snappy after firmware updates, and that look is unmistakable. Its better for travel than the 50mm because the wider field of view is way more versatile for narrow European streets.
- Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Canon EF: I would suggest being cautious here. Its a masterpiece, but it is a total brick. On an R5, the balance is really front-heavy and it might make your wrist ache by noon.
- Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Canon EF: If you need a zoom, this is the one, but it weighs almost 900g. Tbh, it probably wont solve your back pain issues if the 24-70 already hurts. Make sure you grab a Sigma USB Dock for Canon EF with your leftover cash. Youll need it to stop that AF pulsing on mirrorless. Once you update the firmware and set the AF to High Speed in the dock settings, it actually tracks really well on the R5. Honestly, go with the 35mm and youll be happy.
11
23/03/2026 9:52 pm
> my back is already hurting just thinking about it. I hear you... that adapter leverage makes everything feel 2x heavier than it actually is. Honestly, over the years Ive tested almost every Art prime on the R series and the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Canon EF is basically the gold standard for travel. Its around 665g which is way more manageable than your current zoom setup. The AF pulsing you mentioned was mostly a firmware handshake issue between the lens and the R5 IBIS. If you grab the Sigma USB Dock UD-01 for Canon EF and update to the latest version, those micro-jitters basically disappear. If you need more versatility for Lisbon, the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Canon EF is a beast. It has 19 elements in 14 groups and the OS is rated for 4 stops, which pairs nicely with the R5 sensor. Both are way under your 1100 budget too and wont break your back.
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23/03/2026 10:05 pm
Late to the party but in my experience checking MPB for used gear is smart.
- Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Canon EF Firmware updates fixed the pulsing issues, its solid, tbh.
