What is the absolute best all-around zoom for a Sony A7IV if I want to stop swapping primes every five minutes? Ive been looking at the 24-70mm GM II because the autofocus is supposedly unbeatable but that price tag is brutal. I also checked out the Sigma Art which is way cheaper and people say the glass is just as good but I keep reading about potential dust sealing issues and it makes me nervous.
Im shooting my sisters wedding in June so I really need something reliable and weather sealed because itll probably be raining. My budget is around $1800 max. Is the GM II really worth the extra cash or is the Sigma good enough for pro work...
Totally agree on the dust issues. Grab the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art instead. Its weather-sealed enough for weddings and saves you money for lighting gear.
I'm with you on the prime swapping, it's definitely a hassle during a fast-paced wedding. One thing people forget is that every time you swap glass in the field, you're just inviting dust to settle right on your sensor, which is a pain to clean later. Coming back to this, I think you're right to be worried about the weather sealing for a June wedding. I've had a few situations where the decent gear just didn't cut it:
- Seals around the mount can fail if they aren't thick enough.
- Internal fogging is a real risk when moving from a cold car to a humid outdoor venue.
- Front elements without fluorine coating are a nightmare to keep clean in the rain. I remember shooting a rainy garden ceremony about three years ago. I thought my setup was fine because it was weather resistant, but after twenty minutes of light mist, the autofocus started hunting like crazy because some moisture had gotten into the barrel. I ended up having to switch back to my old primes anyway just to finish the day. It was incredibly stressful. Since then, I've always leaned toward the most rugged build possible, even if it hurts the wallet upfront. It's basically about the peace of mind... knowing the kit will actually fire when the ring exchange happens is worth a lot. Hope you find something that makes you feel confident for the big day.