Im upgrading my gear before a big trip to Japan next month and need one reliable prime lens for my Sony bodies. Im currently torn between the classic 35mm f1.4 GM and the smaller 40mm f2.5 G. My total glass budget is around 1200 bucks max. Is there one prime lens that fits every Sony alpha body well enough to be my only travel setup?
> My total glass budget is around 1200 bucks max. Is there one prime lens that fits every Sony alpha body well enough to be my only travel setup? Technically yes, full frame E-mount glass works across the whole lineup, but that 1200 dollar budget makes the choice pretty interesting. Honestly, the Sony FE 35mm f1.4 GM is an absolute legend and easily one of the best pieces of glass ever made for these cameras, but it blows past your budget brand new. You might find a clean used copy if you look around, though. Since you are heading to Japan and need something light for walking all day, the Sony FE 40mm f2.5 G is a decent option that leaves plenty of cash for your actual trip. It is super compact and punches way above its weight class. Another solid route if you want to save even more money is the Sony FE 35mm f1.8. It sits right in the middle, gives you that extra light for evening street photography in Tokyo, and costs way less than the GM version. Personally, I'd grab the 35mm f1.8 and use the leftover money for train passes and food. Japan will destroy your feet, so keeping your setup light matters way more than having a ultimate portrait lens. Both focal lengths fit the Sony body physical mounts just fine, so it really just comes down to how much weight you wanna carry around shrines all day.