What is the absolute best all-around lens for Sony cameras because honestly Im losing my mind trying to figure this out. I have a trip to Japan coming up in just about three weeks and my head is totally spinning from reading too many forum threads. I spent all of last night reading reviews where half the people swear by the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II saying its the ultimate workhorse, but then others are like no way its too heavy and expensive and you should just get the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 instead to save some cash and weight. My budget is around 1200 to maybe 1500 max if I really push it, though I am shooting on an A7IV right now. I do a mix of everything - street photography, random landscape shots when I hike, and low-light stuff inside izakayas or temples. The problem is every time I think Ive made a decision on a lens, I read three more reviews saying the autofocus tracking isnt as good or the corner sharpness is soft at certain focal lengths. I dont want to swap lenses constantly while walking around Tokyo in the summer humidity, I just want one single piece of glass living on my camera that wont let me down. Is there actually a definitive winner here or are people just arguing over minor pixel-peeping differences...
If you want a true one-lens setup for Japan, look at the Sony FE 20-70mm f4 G.
- The 20mm wide end is way better for cramped Tokyo alleys than 24mm.
- Constant f4 is fine on an A7IV since high ISO is so clean.
- Way lighter than any 2.8 zoom. Just be careful with night shots in dark izakayas, youll have to bump that ISO up a bit.
Been thinking about your dilemma since earlier today. Honestly I grabbed the Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II for a similar trip and ended up pretty disappointed by how heavy and bulky it got in the humidity. My shoulders hurt the whole week. You might want to check out the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art II instead. It hits your budget better and handles those tight spots way easier.
Honestly ditch the heavy GM glass and grab the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2. It totally fits your budget and saves your shoulders in Tokyo heat.
- Super light weight
- Great low light performance
- Fast autofocus It works amazingly well on the A7IV. You wont regret leaving the giant lenses at home.