yo, been shooting with L-mount for a solid few years now and i've definitely learned that the "pro" label doesnt always mean it's the best choice for a long day of hiking. honestly, dragging heavy glass up a trail is just asking for a shoulder injury or a dropped lens cuz you're too tired to handle it right... safety first, right? For your budget, i'd highkey recommend the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6. It’s technically a kit lens, but that 20mm wide end is a total lifesaver for landscapes and it weighs almost nothing. i've taken mine through some pretty dusty trails and it's held up great—super reliable for the price. If you're more of a prime person, definitely look at the Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary. It’s part of their I-series, so the build quality is all metal and feels like it can actually survive a few knocks in a city crowd or out in the wild. It’s tiny, sharp, and fits perfectly in a small sling bag. Both of these should be well under your $600 limit, especially if you look at the used market. just make sure you dont sacrifice build quality for a cheap price... you want stuff that wont quit on you halfway through a trip. gl with the new system!! 👍

I totally agree that keeping things light is the way to go, especially if youre doing any real hiking. Tbh while the 20-60 is a great starter, i think its worth looking at the Sigma Contemporary I series primes if you want better optical quality and that tactile feel without breaking the bank. Sigma has really filled the gap that Panasonic left in the mid-range market. From a market research perspective, the L-mount ecosystem is interesting because Panasonic focuses heavily on video-centric zooms or heavy pro glass, whereas Sigma has carved out this niche for small, all-metal primes that are perfect for travel. You can often find these around or under that $600 mark, especially if you catch a sale:

• Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary is incredible for landscapes because its super sharp and has a tiny form factor. Its also great for close-up shots of nature on a trail.
• Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a sleeper hit for city trips. Its basically weightless and gives a very classic look to street shots. Ngl, having a physical aperture ring on these Sigma lenses makes the shooting experience so much more enjoyable when youre out in the field. If you value build quality but dont want the weight of an f/1.4 beast, this is honestly where the best value is right now.

sooo i totally feel u on those pro prices. i remember dragging a massive heavy rig through the Rockies once and it lowkey ruined the hike cuz my shoulder was shredded... basically i learned the hard way that heavy glass stays in the bag lol. For your situation, i would suggest the Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6. honestly it's like the best value zoom out there. the 20mm wide end is perfect for landscapes, but make sure to be careful with it in heavy rain since it's not fully weather-sealed like the pro stuff. also, might want to consider the Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary if you prefer a prime. i've found it's super sharp and tiny for city trips. just make sure to double-check the mount firmware right away. Lesson learned: lighter gear actually makes you a better photographer cuz youll actually use it!!

Would love to know this too