I finally bit the bullet and got an a7iv but now im completely stuck on what lens to actually keep on it most of the time. I'm going to Japan in about three weeks for a big trip so i need to decide fast. i want one lens to do it all cause i hate switching glass while walking around crowded streets in Tokyo.
I am basically torn between two very different paths. Option A is the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II. People say the image quality is insane and that constant 2.8 would be great for night shots in Shinjuku. But then there is Option B, the Tamron 28-200mm. It's way cheaper and the range is crazy for a single lens. I'm worried the 28mm isnt wide enough for some landscapes and the f2.8 aperture goes away as soon as you start zooming in.
- Budget: around $1100 or so max
- Use case: Travel, street, and some family photos
- Timeline: Need to buy it this week to test it out
- Priorities: Sharpness but also not breaking my back with weight
Is the Sigma too heavy for a three week trip where I'll be walking 20k steps a day? Or is the Tamron's image quality gonna make me regret not spending the extra cash for the Art series glass? Just want one lens i wont have to take off the body the whole time...
I had such high hopes for the superzoom approach when I did a similar trip to East Asia last year. I thought having that 200mm reach would be a game changer. Unfortunately, the results were just not as good as expected. Most of the long shots came out soft and I really regretted not having something crisper for the big landmarks. On the flip side, I had issues with the sheer bulk of those fast f2.8 lenses too. After three days of walking 20k steps, my wrist was literally throbbing. It kind of ruined the experience cuz I was constantly thinking about the weight instead of the scenery. If you want to stay under budget and still get pro results, maybe look for a used Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS. It is a bit of an older design but it is a total workhorse. I switched to it after my superzoom disaster and never looked back. It is sharp as a tack and the 105mm end gives you enough compression for cool street shots without being a boat anchor. You can usually find them for way under your budget used, which leaves you cash for actual fun stuff. Tbh the a7iv sensor is so good at high ISO that f4 is plenty for Tokyo nights anyway. TL;DR: Avoid the heavy f2.8 zooms and the mushy superzooms. Grab a used Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS to save money and your back.
Re: "> Is the Sigma too heavy for a..."
- Agree, but be careful. Walking 20k steps in Kyoto with heavy glass killed my back.
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lighter and cheaper.
> Is the Sigma too heavy for a three week trip where I'll be walking 20k steps a day? Honestly, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art is the absolute winner here! That constant f/2.8 is totally essential for those neon Tokyo nights. Since this newer version is about 10% lighter than the original, your back wont actually die. The sharpness is amazing compared to the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD, especially at the edges. Go for the Sigma!
