So I've been researching for days trying to find the perfect one-lens solution for my Sony A7IV before my trip to Japan next month. I have a budget of about $1100. I keep seeing people rave about the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art, but honestly it looks so heavy to carry around Tokyo all day.
Then I looked at the Tamron 28-75mm G2. My logic was that the lighter weight would be way better for travel, but then I read a bunch of threads saying 28mm isn't wide enough for street photography and tight city alleys, which got me worried.
I also stumbled upon the Sony 20-70mm f4 G. The extra wide end seems amazing, but I'm planning to do a lot of night market shooting, so I'm scared the f4 aperture is gonna struggle in low light.
So now I'm just stuck in this loop. Do I go for the constant f2.8 with the Tamron and just crop or step back, or do I sacrifice low light performance for the wider Sony f4? Or is there something else I missed entirely? What is actually the best all-around option here...
Like someone mentioned, weight is a huge factor for Tokyo. Before recommending one, are you planning to shoot handheld at these night markets, or will you have a tripod? I've been super happy with these alternative options, no complaints so far:
- Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary: Way lighter than the Art, great price, f2.8 works well.
- Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 Di III RXD: Ultimate convenience, starts at f2.8. Personally, the Sigma is my favorite travel setup.
Having shot in Tokyo, I would suggest going with the Sony FE 20-70mm f4 G. The 20mm wide end is critical for those narrow alleys, and it only weighs 488g compared to the heavy 835g Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art. If you go this route, make sure to keep these technical realities in mind:
- The A7IV second native ISO gain starts at ISO 3200, so f4 at night is actually very clean if you run it through modern denoise software.
- Be careful with motion blur; you will need to push your ISO higher to keep shutter speeds fast enough for moving crowds.
- The Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 is light at 540g, but 28mm limits your perspective in tight streets. I would take the 20-70mm. The wider perspective is way harder to replicate than just boosting your ISO a bit.
> weight is a huge factor for Tokyo. Unfortunately had issues with heavy zooms there, not as good as expected. I think renting a cheap prime locally might be a better budget move.
