Honestly, im so done with this 24-70mm zoom lens. It is way too bulky for walking around London all day and my neck is seriously killing me. I want something tiny that just disappears on my A7IV. I was looking at the 35mm f/1.8 FE, but then I started reading about the 40mm G lens and now my brain is just mush. My budget is around 500 quid because I need to save for a trip next month. Is the extra sharpness of the G lens worth the jump in price? I just need something discreet for candid stuff that doesnt make me look like a pro paparazzi guy...
To add to the point above: you might be overthinking the sharpness difference. Both lenses are plenty sharp for street work.
- The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is compact and perfect for low light.
- The Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is smaller and has better physical controls, but it is slower. Check out the lens comparison tool on Phillip Reeve's site if you wanna see side-by-side samples. Tbh, for candid shots, the extra stop on the 35mm usually wins.
Adding my two cents, if you want tiny, skip the G series and grab the Samyang AF 35mm f/2.8 FE. It is pancake-thin and costs way less than 500 quid.
- The sharpness is honestly fine for street work.
- You wont feel it on your neck at all.
- Saved cash stays for your trip. It works well for candid shots since the camera looks like a toy. Super satisfied with mine.
I totally feel you on the neck pain. Lugging a heavy zoom around London is a nightmare. Honestly, for pure street work, you really want something that keeps the setup balanced so you don't look like a tourist carrying a rig. I would suggest you stick to your budget and look at the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8. It is light and snappy for candid shots. Just be careful though, because if you go for the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G, the build is nice but you lose that extra stop of light which matters in those gloomy London alleys.
- The 35mm focal length is way more versatile for street stuff.
- Make sure to check for used gear at reputable shops to keep costs down.
- Dont forget to grab a smaller strap so the camera doesnt swing around. Be careful with the G lens hype. It is sharp, yeah, but is it worth missing out on a better aperture for your trip? Probably not.
