So I just got my first real camera which is a Sony a7iv and I'm honestly so overwhelmed by all the lens options out there. I'm going on a trip to Italy in about three weeks and I really just want one lens that can stay on the camera the whole time. My logic was that if I spend a lot on the camera it should just work but apparently the lens is even more important?
I saw a 24-70mm thing and then a 24-105mm and I don't really get the difference besides the numbers. One guy at the store said something about aperture and f/2.8 being better for blurry backgrounds which I really want for pictures of my wife but then another person said the f/4 one zooms further. I was thinking maybe the 24-105 is better because it's more zoom but then would I lose that blurry look?
I only have about $1100 left in my budget after the camera body and I really dont want to be swapping lenses while we are walking around Rome. It seems like a lot to carry and I'm worried about getting dust inside the camera if I open it up outside. Is there just like... one do it all lens that everyone uses for everything? Sorry if this is a super basic question I just have no idea where to start...
> One guy at the store said something about aperture and f/2.8 being better for blurry backgrounds which I really want for pictures of my wife but then another person said the f/4 one zooms further. Man, I have been there. When I first started with Sony years ago, buying the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS seemed like a no-brainer because the extra reach felt important. Honestly, it is a total workhorse for travel since you dont have to swap. But while walking around Florence, I realized f/4 just doesnt give that dreamy look for portraits that you are probably after. If you want that blurry background for your wife and only want one lens, check out the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. That lens fits your budget and the f/2.8 makes a massive difference in low light. Another solid pick is the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2. It is way lighter than the Sigma, which you will appreciate after walking 20k steps in Rome. Personally, I would go Sigma for the build quality. You lose some zoom compared to the 105, but the pro look is worth it imo.
