After many thoughts in several directions, my kit is settling into place.
I had promised that if the S5 system didn't work sufficiently well enough I'd consider retooling the micro43 kit instead. Looking that over it doesn't make enough sense, as S5 and eM1.2 or .3 is a price match now - so I gave myself a week and considered.
Once I settled on the Lumix-S as my best choice, I evaluated my sorry lack of AF telephoto. It's clear that SA to L adaptation is not of value. So what about EF with the Viltrox adapter? It's actually less than the Sigma SA-L and far less than Sigma's EF-L option - so we're giving it a try.
Reviews suggest that 3rd party EF is less consistent with adapters from all brands, so the reverse-zoom Canon options were explored - well those in my miniscule budget zone at least. Too bad, as the Tamron 28-300 would be handy and it zooms the correct direction!
Of course I'm also wishing to keep weight down also! The table below sorts by grams with adapter included. The bulk factor eliminates a few - but many more are in play with EF. They actually have a 36x24 compatible 55-200mm.. bummer that it's old and reviewed poorly. They have a couple of 70-300 types, and an early 70-210/4. Wow: Tamron has one of those too.. ugh 990g when adapter is added.
I finally decided on a bargain 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 with USM drive but no IS. The S5 can stabilize it though, hopefully that will serve.
It leaves a sizable gap from 60-100mm though.
I expect a Meike 85mm or TTArt 75mm will plug it at some point. But another option would also serve: the EF 28-105 usm is small and light, faster than some at f/3.5-4.5, and it takes the same 58mm filters as the 100-300. And it's quite cheap! So I dumped most of the SA mount lenses and adapter to a reseller for the 28-105. The Lumix 20-60 will serve for wide work much of the time, and the two canons can fight over the rest. For now.
However..
I did stumble upon an open-box Meike 35/2 in L mount, for $50 off! The TTArt 40/2 was nice and tiny, but the Meike has a moisture gasket - which isn't proof of much, but feels comforting. I won't test it very hard for weather endurance, that's the 20-60's job! For clear nights and other low lights, though, it will be great.
