I just bought one of those Sony mirrorless cameras because I am going on a big trip to Japan in November and I really want to take some nice photos but I have literally no clue what I am doing. I spent most of my money on the camera body itself so I have maybe $800 or $900 left for a lens but looking at the options online is just making my brain melt with all the numbers and letters like f/2.8 and 24-70 and G master thingies.
I really just want one single lens that can stay on the camera the whole time because I dont want to be that person holding up the group trying to swap parts out while we are walking around Tokyo or Kyoto. I want to take pictures of:
- the neon lights at night
- my wife in front of temples
- just random street stuff and maybe some food
Someone told me to get a zoom but then my cousin said a prime is better and I dont even know what that means really. I just want something that works for everything and isnt too heavy to carry around all day. Sorry if this is a dumb question and I probably sound like an idiot but what is the best all-around lens for these Sony cameras for someone who just wants one thing that does it all?
Regarding what #1 said about lugging gear, make sure to watch the aperture specs. I'd suggest the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 because f/2.8 is vital for those night shots.
I’ve spent way too many years lugging around huge camera bags only to realize I was missing the actual experience of being on vacation. Trust me, you don't want to be that guy. When I did my first big trip to Osaka, I thought I needed a different lens for every street corner. I actually ended up almost dropping my camera in a drain because I was trying to swap glass while it was drizzling near a temple... total nightmare. Never again. In my experience, the safest and most reliable move for a Sony setup is the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2. It is basically the gold standard for a one-lens setup. It hits the sweet spot because of that f/2.8 number, which means it lets in a ton of light for those neon signs in Shinjuku at night, but it still zooms enough to get a nice blurry background for portraits of your wife. It is way lighter than the high-end Sony glass and fits right in your budget. Since you are worried about holding up the group, this stays on your camera 100% of the time and you wont feel like you are carrying a brick all day. Quick tip: Get a Hoya 67mm NXT Plus UV Filter to keep the lens safe from dust and fingerprints while you're eating street food. Japan is incredible, so dont overcomplicate things. Just stick to one versatile lens and enjoy the trip.
+1
