So I finally did it and bought a Sony a7c! I am literally so excited to start taking photos but honestly I am completely lost when it comes to the glass part of things. Like I have the little kit lens that came in the box but everyone online says it isnt very good and I really want my photos to look professional for my trip to Tokyo this October. My logic was that I should just get one lens that can do everything so I dont have to keep swapping them out while Im walking around because I just know I would drop something or get dust in the camera and that would be a nightmare.
I spent like three hours last night looking at different zoom lenses and my head is kind of spinning with all the numbers. I saw one that was 24-70 and another that was 28-200 and I was thinking that the 200 one must be better because it goes further right? But then someone on a blog said something about f-stops and how 2.8 is the magic number but those ones dont zoom as far as the others. Its all very confusing for a beginner like me so sorry if this is a really basic question but I really have no idea what I actually need. I just want something that is good for taking pictures of ramen and also big buildings and maybe some people on the street or a far away mountain.
My budget is around 900 dollars maybe a bit more if it is really worth it but I saw the Sony brand ones are like two thousand dollars which is just way too much for me right now. I saw a Tamron 28-75 that people seemed to like and also a Sigma one but I dont know if they work as well as the Sony ones or if they will break? I really just want an all around lens that I can leave on the camera forever and never have to think about it again. Is there like a gold standard for this? Should I go for the one that zooms the most or the one with the 2.8 number? I'm just so worried I'll buy the wrong thing...
Im really satisfied with my Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 because f2.8 is key for dim restaurants. Third-party glass is super durable now and saves you tons of cash, honestly.
@Reply #3 - good point! Julie is spot on about the kit lens being a bottleneck for that a7c sensor. If you want professional results and maximum reliability, you have to look at the weather sealing and the AF motor tech. Since you are worried about dust, a lens with high-grade internal gaskets is basically mandatory for peace of mind!
- Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS: This is the absolute gold standard for an all-arounder. The constant f4 is fantastic because your exposure values stay consistent while you zoom. It has amazing build quality and is officially rated for dust and moisture resistance. You can often find this for around 900 dollars on sale!
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: If you need f2.8 for dim ramen shops, the Sigma Art line is legendary. It features a dust and splash-proof structure that is incredibly robust for international travel. The autofocus speed on these is lightyears ahead of the kit glass! You will definitely love having 24mm for those massive Tokyo skyscrapers... honestly, 28mm often feels too cramped when you are standing at the base of a building.
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
I was so scared of getting dust on my sensor during my last trip to Japan, so I totally feel you! Using the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD was honestly a lifesaver, tbh.
- It stays on the camera forever so no dropping risks!
- Way under your 900 dollar budget too.
- The f2.8 at 28mm is fantastic for low light ramen shots.
Just found this thread and honestly I totally agree with the others about looking at third party lenses. Like someone mentioned, the Sony prices are just wild and unfortunately, their premium glass is often out of reach when you just dropped a ton on a new body. I was really disappointed with the kit lens myself when I first started... it just feels a bit flat compared to what the a7c can actually do. If you want to save some cash but still get that pro look for Tokyo, definitely look at the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary. Its way lighter than the others which is huge when youre walking 20k steps a day in Japan. Ive used it and the image quality is stellar for the price. You can usually find it under 800 bucks, leaving you extra money for all that ramen! If thats still too much, dont be afraid of the used market. Buying used from a reputable site is how I built my whole kit without going broke. Youll get way more bang for your buck that way. Let me know if you need help finding a good deal on one!
@Reply #5 - good point! Carlos is right to pause because it really is a lot to take in when you're starting out. I went through this exact same spiral before a trip to Europe years ago. I bought a bunch of gear and ended up only using one lens because swapping glass in the wind was a nightmare. I actually ended up selling half my kit to buy one good zoom and never looked back. If you're looking for that one-and-done setup for Tokyo, here's what I've found works best from a practical standpoint:
- The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is basically built for what you're describing. Its about 700 bucks and covers everything from wide street shots to distant details.
- For those dark ramen shops, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is the move. It's much faster than the kit lens and gives you that professional look.
- Since you have the compact a7c, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a great shout too. It's tiny and keeps the camera from feeling front-heavy. I usually tell people to just go to a shop and mount them to see how the weight feels in your hand. I've been using third party glass for years and it definitely wont just break on you. They're reliable tools, honestly.
