I just got the a7IV last month and I'm honestly freaking out a bit because I have a huge trip to Japan coming up in like three weeks and I still havent settled on a main lens. I want something that can literally do everything because I dont want to be swapping glass in the middle of a crowded street in Tokyo. Im torn between three main ones right now: the Tamron 28-75mm G2, the Sony 24-105mm f4 G, and maybe the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art.
The Tamron is tempting because it's light and cheap—my budget is around $1100 max—but I'm scared 28mm isnt wide enough for the shrine architecture stuff I wanna shoot. Then the Sony 24-105 has that extra reach which sounds amazing for street shots but it's only an f4 and I'm worried about low light performance when we're out at night in Shinjuku. The Sigma looks incredible but it's so heavy and I dont know if I want to lug that thing around for 10 miles a day.
- Must be versatile for landscape and street
- Light enough for all-day carry
- Good in low light (maybe?)
- Under $1200
Does the extra 4mm on the wide end really matter that much for travel or am I just overthinking this whole thing? I'm so stressed about picking the wrong one and regretting it...
Honestly, be careful with that 28mm start. Japan has some really tight spaces in those shrines and narrow alleyways where you just cant step back. If you go with the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2, you might find yourself constantly wishing for those extra 4mm. Its a real risk. I would suggest leaning toward the Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS for the reliability and range, but since you mentioned night shots, you really have to consider if f4 is enough.
- Prioritize the 24mm wide end for architecture.
- Make sure to test the weight of the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art at a store before buying; 10 miles is a lot of walking with a heavy kit. Personally, I wouldnt risk the 28mm for a once in a lifetime trip. You just cant get that field of view back later if you miss the shot because of a tight street.
