Ive been shooting on my a7III for about four years now and usually I swear by my primes but I recently sold my 24-70 GM because it was just too heavy for hiking. I thought I could survive on just a 35mm but man I miss having that zoom range for landscape stuff.
Im looking for something versatile but I really cant spend more than $500 or $600 right now since I just moved to Seattle and everything is expensive here. I was looking at the Tamron 28-75 G1 used but wondering if there is something better or maybe even a sleeper prime that covers more ground. Whats the best versatile budget glass for Sony full-frame these days that doesnt feel like a toy?
Honestly, skip that G1. I had issues with the autofocus hunting and the weather sealing is basically nonexistent, which sucks for Seattle rain. It was not as good as expected for a trail lens. Just grab a used Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD instead. It is way more versatile. TL;DR: Get the 28-200mm used. The G1 build quality is disappointing and wont last.
> I was looking at the Tamron 28-75 G1 used but wondering if there is something better Just saw this thread and wanted to chime in since I went through a similar search last year. Like someone mentioned, those older G1 lenses can feel a bit dated now. I have been extremely satisfied with the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS for all my hiking trips. While it is an f/4 lens, the image quality is stellar and it works well for landscapes where you are stopping down anyway. You can usually find these used for around $600 if you keep an eye on local listings. It is a much better choice for Seattle because the 24mm wide end is essential for those big mountain views.
- Look for used copies on reputable gear forums to save on tax
- Check the zoom ring for any grit
- Verify the OSS works because it is a lifesaver for handheld shots Honestly, I have no complaints with this setup. It feels premium and much more reliable than a budget third-party zoom.
Jumping in... you gotta be careful buying used gear in Seattle because of the damp air. I would suggest the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is super light for hiking and usually hits your budget used.
- check the mount for corrosion
- test autofocus in low light
- look for internal dust Maybe grab a cheap rain cover too!
