What is the best all-around lens for Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras if I can only bring one piece of glass on a three-week trip? I'm taking my A7IV to Japan next month and I'm honestly paralyzed by choice right now because I dont want to be that person carrying a massive bag of gear through the Tokyo subway system during rush hour. I need one lens that can do it all from street shots in Shibuya to temples in Kyoto.
I've narrowed my search down to three very different options and my budget is strictly under $1500 since I've already blown a lot on the actual trip. The first is the Sony 24-105mm f4 G which seems like the most logical choice but I'm really worried about that f4 aperture. Is it gonna be useless once the sun goes down or will the IBIS and the A7IVs high ISO handle it? I love the range but I hate the idea of missing shots in dim restaurants or night markets because the lens is too slow.
Then there is the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art (specifically the newer version if I can find it). Obviously the f2.8 is great for bokeh and low light but I feel like 70mm is kind of short for a "do everything" lens. I'm worried I'll constantly wish I had more reach for architectural details or candid street stuff. It just feels like a lot of weight to carry if I'm still gonna be limited on the zoom end.
Lastly I keep seeing people rave about the Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 for travel. It's way under my budget which is nice but is the image quality actually comparable to the Sony or Sigma? I'm planning on making some large prints when I get back so I don't want to regret going the "convenience" route over raw sharpness. I've got about two weeks left to make a decision and get it shipped before I head to the airport... which one would you guys pick if you were in my shoes?
> What is the best all-around lens for Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras if I can only bring one piece of glass on a three-week trip? I've done the Tokyo trek multiple times and in my experience the Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS is the way to go. You're overthinking the f4 thing... honestly. With the sensor in the Sony Alpha 7 IV, you can crank the ISO without worrying about grain ruining your shots. I've taken this exact setup through Shinjuku at night and it's plenty fast once you trust the IBIS. The 105mm reach is huge for picking out architectural details in Kyoto that you'd totally miss with a 70mm. If you're really budget conscious tho, the Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is shockingly good for the price. My tip: stick to the Sony for the better corner sharpness if you're planning on making large prints. It's worth the extra few hundred bucks for the peace of mind.
