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...
Jumping in here because I actually made the mistake of bringing a massive, heavy zoom to Florence once and my neck was killing me by day two. You really need to be careful with the total weight of your setup when walking miles every day. Since your budget is $1100, the high-end Sony lenses are basically off the table, so I would suggest the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E. It is a beast for the price and the optics are stellar, but its definitely heavy. Just a quick tip: buy a B+W 82mm Master Clear Filter to keep on the front at all times. Itll protect your glass from the dust and grime in Rome without ruining your image quality. If you want something a bit lighter and more budget friendly, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is also fantastic and easier on the shoulder during those long museum tours.
> 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.
In my experience, the biggest technical trap is choosing focal range over aperture speed. That f/4 aperture is technically a full stop slower than f/2.8, which literally means you're losing half your light. If you want those blurry backgrounds for your wife, I'd really caution against the longer f/4 zooms. You'll just end up frustrated with the flat look. Also, dont worry about dust... just keep the sensor pointed down during swaps.
