What is actually the best all-around lens for a Sony A7IV if I want to stop carrying a heavy bag of glass everywhere? I am super stoked because I finally saved up enough to upgrade my kit, but now I am just paralyzed by all the choices out there and keep second-guessing myself.
I have been doing a ton of reading online and I keep seeing people swear by the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, and yeah, everyone says it is basically the gold standard for sharpness and quality. But then I see a bunch of forum threads about how the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 is way better for the price and lighter too, which matters because I am planning a massive hiking trip through the Rockies in late August and I honestly dont want my neck breaking after three miles of uphill trail.
My budget is around 2k max, maybe a little wiggle room if it is a total game changer. I mostly shoot street photography and candid shots of my friends when we are out, but I really want to start taking some decent landscape shots while I am in Colorado. The 24mm vs 28mm thing is kind of tripping me up though, like, is that extra 4mm really gonna make or break my wide angle shots of the mountains? Ive never used a zoom lens that wasnt a cheap kit lens before so Im kinda nervous about dropping a grand or two and realizing I should have gone with a prime instead.
Is the G-Master tax actually worth it for a hobbyist like me or should I just save the cash for a better tripod and batteries? I feel like if I keep reading reviews Im just gonna end up buying nothing at all. Has anyone here actually hiked with the GM lens, or is it just too much of a tank for a week-long trip? Just trying to figure out if I should just pull the trigger on the Sony or if I am missing something obvious...
Like someone mentioned, weight matters hiking. If you want better build and weather sealing, check out the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art. It hits that 24mm sweet spot perfectly.
Honestly, if you are doing long mountain hauls, the weight of the GM glass just feels like a brick after a few miles. In my experience, the extra 4mm at the wide end is actually pretty noticeable for landscapes, but you can always just take a quick panorama shot if you feel cramped. If you want that 24mm reach without the G-Master tax or the insane weight, you should look into the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G. I know, I know, it is an f/4, but for hiking, that extra wide angle is worth way more than the stop of light. It is stupidly light, sharp enough for any print you will ever make, and covers the perfect focal range for mountain vistas. I have used mine on several trips and the zoom range is honestly a game changer. If you really need low light for your street shots, just grab a cheap but tiny prime like the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G to keep in your pocket. You will save so much weight compared to the big zooms, and your neck will definitely thank you when you are at high altitude. Don't overthink the sharpness charts too much, honestly, most modern glass is more than good enough for candid stuff.
Honestly, skip the GM if you're hiking. That weight adds up quick. The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is plenty sharp and saves you a ton of cash for a decent travel tripod. That 4mm difference isnt as huge as people say, and honestly, you wont notice it much when you're exhausted on a trail. Spend the extra money on extra batteries and comfy boots instead.