Which third-party zoom is actually the best for a Sony a7IV because I'm honestly losing my mind looking at spec sheets. I'm going to Japan in three weeks and need a lens now but my budget is capped at $1100.
I'm torn between:
- Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art
- Tamron 28-75mm G2
The Sigma is a total brick and I'm worried about my neck after walking 10 miles a day in Tokyo but then the Tamron only starts at 28mm and I feel like I'll miss that extra width for the buildings. Is the Sigma's quality worth the weight or should I just go light with the Tamron?
In my experience, the choice here depends on whether you prioritize focal range or physical endurance. Over the years, I've found that the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art offers superior optics and that crucial 24mm width, but the weight is a significant drawback for a trip involving heavy walking. If you are doing 10 miles a day in Tokyo, that lens will honestly become a burden by day three. A more methodical approach would be to look at the Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS as an alternative. It fits your budget and provides the 24mm you need for architecture while being much easier to carry. If you're set on an f2.8 aperture, the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 is the better ergonomic choice, but you'll certainly feel limited by the 28mm focal length when shooting tall buildings or narrow Kyoto streets.
Like someone mentioned, that 4mm gap is real, but I have been very satisfied with the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for travel. It just works well without the bulk tho...
- Weight: Saves your neck on those 10-mile days.
- Value: Under $1100, you can still grab a Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 for wide architecture.
- Practicality: 67mm filters are cheaper anyway.
Gonna try this over the weekend. Will report back if it works!
Had a minute to think about this more. In my experience over the years, carrying heavy gear through Tokyo is basically a recipe for a sore back and a grumpy trip. I've tried many different setups for travel and always end up regretting the bulky stuff. Honestly, just go with Tamron. You cant go wrong with their glass lately, especially if you want to stay under budget and keep things light. They really focus on making things portable and affordable which is exactly what you need for those 10-mile days. Sigma is great but way too heavy for a vacation lens imo. Stick with the lighter brand and you'll be much happier when youre walking around Shinjuku at night. Its the safe play for a first big trip like this tho and you wont be constantly worrying about the weight. Reliability is key when youre far from home, and their stuff is a very safe bet for the price.
