So frustrated trying to pick one lens for my a7iii before my Italy trip next week. I saw the 24-70mm GM II is the 'best' but $2k is insane and I've heard the 24-105mm is way too heavy for walking. I only have like $800... What is actually the best all-around lens for Sony mirrorless?
Listen, I've been shooting Sony for a long time and honestly, that G Master price tag is mostly for people who get paid to beat up their gear daily. For a trip to Italy? You definitely want something that wont break your neck after four hours of walking through museums. In my experience, the absolute best bang for your buck is the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2. I have shot with the $2,000 Sony glass and for 90% of situations, you honestly cant tell the difference in the final photo. The Tamron is sharp, fast, and light enough that you wont be miserable by lunchtime. If you want even lighter, look at the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. Its basically the smallest f/2.8 zoom you can get for the a7iii. I've tried many lenses over the years and these two third-party options have basically killed the need for the expensive first-party stuff for most travelers. Both of these should land right in that $700 to $800 range if you shop around or look for a clean used copy. Over the years Ive learned that having money left over for a good meal and a bottle of wine in Trastevere is way better than having a lens that costs more than the flight. Just grab one of those and dont look back... you're gonna have a blast.
