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.
If you want something that doesnt feel like a toy, you definitely need to prioritize the build quality over everything else! When I first started, there was so much paranoia about getting dust or moisture inside my camera. My first attempt was a super cheap zoom from a random person online, but the zoom ring got totally stuck after just two hikes in the mud... it was such a bummer! Since then, being way more careful has paid off and my current setup has been absolutely fantastic for my peace of mind. Here is what I always check for now:
- Proper weather sealing so I dont freak out if it starts drizzling
- A zoom mechanism that feels tight and doesnt suck in dust like a vacuum
- Enough weight to feel solid without being a total brick in my pack Seriously, having something reliable makes hiking way more fun because you actually focus on the view instead of babying your glass the whole time! The one I finally settled on is amazing tho because it has been super sturdy and hasnt let me down once... even when it accidentally bumped a rock last month!
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!
