I’m planning a trip and want to keep my setup light for the compact a7C. I’m torn between the Tamron 28-200mm and the Sony 24-105mm G. I need something versatile for landscapes and street shots without constant lens swaps. Does the Tamron balance well on such a small body, or is there a better 'do-it-all' option?
Curious about one thing: are you planning to do much shooting at night or in low-light museums during this trip?
Before I give advice, I want to make sure we're prioritizing the right features for your safety and gear stability. In my experience, choosing between the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD and the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS really comes down to whether you value that extra reach or the built-in stabilization.
1. **Stability & Safety:** The Sony a7C doesn't have the world's best IBIS. Since the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS has Optical SteadyShot, it's technically a "safer" bet for avoiding blurry shots if your hands get shaky after a long day of walking.
2. **The Balance Issue:** Honestly, over the years I've tried many setups, and while the Tamron is light, it's a bit long. If you're worried about the lens hitting things while it's hanging on a strap (a major safety concern for your glass!), the Sony feels a bit more robustly built, though heavier.
3. **Aperture Trade-offs:** The Tamron starts at f/2.8, which is great for street shots, but it narrows quickly.
Actually, wait, I'm getting sidetracked by the specs... if you're doing mostly wide landscapes, that 24mm on the Sony is a huge deal. Let me know about the lighting situation you expect, and I can give a more solid recommendation! FWIW, I've used both and still struggle to pick a favorite sometimes... haha. Hope this helps!
Bump - same question here
Hi there, I've been using the a7C for about a year now, and I totally get the struggle of finding that one perfect travel lens. Honestly, I've tried both of those, and for your situation, I would suggest going with the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD.
I was a bit worried about the balance at first since it's a bit long, but seriously, it handles surprisingly well on the smaller body. The main reason I'm so happy with it is the versatility. Having that f/2.8 at the wide end is a game changer for street shots when the light starts to fade, something the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS just can't do with its fixed f/4 aperture. Plus, the extra reach out to 200mm is fantastic for picking out details in landscapes that you'd totally miss at 105mm.
Here is why I think it wins for the a7C:
- Weight: It's around 575g, which is very manageable for all-day carry.
- Value: At roughly $700, it's significantly cheaper than the Sony G lens.
- Macro capability: It has a really impressive close-focus distance.
That said, you do lose the 24mm wide end and Optical SteadyShot (OSS). However, the a7C's IBIS does a decent enough job... well, actually, it's fine as long as you aren't shooting handheld video at 200mm. If you really need that 24mm for tight architecture, maybe look at the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS, but it's much heavier and not as sharp. Stick with the Tamron; it's the best bang-for-your-buck travel setup out there. Hope this helps!
Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, I was worried the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD would feel front-heavy, but it actually balances quite well on my Sony a7C. That said, since you mentioned landscapes, I've sometimes felt the 28mm wasn't quite wide enough. If you're cautious about missing those wide vistas, maybe consider the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS. It's heavier, but that extra 4mm at the wide end is seriously helpful for tight street shots! Hope this helps!
Seconded!
Any updates on this?
Been using this for years, no complaints
Same setup here, love it
Exactly what I was thinking
Gonna try this over the weekend. Will report back if it works!
No way, I literally just dealt with this yesterday. Small world.
Lol I was literally about to post the same thing. Glad someone else brought it up.
I completely agree with the consensus that the 28-200mm offers the best value for this kit! It is a fantastic lens that provides incredible versatility without breaking the bank. I did want to mention a couple of points regarding compatibility:
- Firmware updates for third-party glass often require a specific manufacturer dock or a direct USB connection.
- Some advanced in-camera lens correction profiles might handle differently than native optics... gotta check those profiles in Lightroom too. Its amazing how light the setup remains tho. Seriously perfect for travel!
Nice, didn't know that
