So I am heading to Japan in about two months and I really need to upgrade my glass before the trip. Im currently rocking an a7iii and just using the kit lens which is honestly killing me now. I have about 1200 bucks saved up for this. I have been looking at the Tamron 28-75mm G2 and everyone raves about it online but then I see people saying the Sigma 24-70mm Art is way sharper and better for landscapes. I am super torn because I dont want to swap lenses constantly while walking around Tokyo. Is the extra weight of the Sigma worth the trade off or should I stick to the lighter Tamron?
Honestly, Japan is a dream trip and you do not want to be stuck carrying a brick around the streets of Tokyo! I used to haul heavy glass everywhere but trust me, your back will thank you for picking the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for your a7iii. It is seriously amazing how light it is compared to the Sigma 24-75mm F2.8 DG DN Art. Sure, the Sigma is technically sharper if you are pixel peeping in a lab, but the Tamron is plenty crisp for travel shots and feels fantastic on the body. You will appreciate the extra agility when you are hopping on trains or darting into shrines. Grab a decent filter and save the extra cash for some good ramen, you wont regret it!
If you are strictly worried about Tokyo street photography, be careful with the weight of the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art. It feels like a tank. The Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is much more practical for all-day walking. Just make sure to bring a decent cleaning kit because the front element is kinda exposed. Dont overspend either, keep that extra cash for a fast prime if you can.
If youre looking at the numbers, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is technically the superior optic for edge-to-edge sharpness, especially if you shoot a lot of architecture. It uses 19 elements in 15 groups, including some fancy aspherical glass, which basically kills distortion. But yeah, it is a tank at around 835g. If you want a middle ground, check out the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. It gives you that wider 20mm perspective which is honestly a game changer for tight Tokyo alleys and busy streets, even if you lose a bit of reach on the long end. You just gotta decide if you want the clinical sharpness of the Sigma or the portability and wider start of the Tamron. Decisions, decisions...
