I'd be careful spending that whole $1600 on Sony glass. You might want to consider the Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art instead. It is basically half the price and the image quality is stellar. I took one to Shinjuku last year and saved enough cash to stay in a much nicer hotel. Just make sure you're ready for the extra weight.

Ive been using the Sony GM line for years and honestly, the reliability is what keeps me satisfied. For a trip like Tokyo, you really gotta think about the weight on your neck after ten miles of walking. I have stayed very happy with the Sony FE 35mm f1.4 GM because it just works every single time, no complaints about the AF speed or the build quality.

• 35mm GM: Perfectly balanced on an A7RIII, weather sealing is top-tier, and it fits your budget comfortably.
• Sony FE 50mm f1.2 GM: The bokeh is a dream but its a heavy lens and honestly usually stretches past your $1600 budget unless you buy used. I personally stick to the 35mm GM for my travel stuff. Its been through some rough weather and never let me down. That 35mm focal length is much safer for those narrow Shinjuku alleys anyway...

Jumping in here because I totally feel your pain with this dilemma. Honestly, the mental exhaustion of choosing between a 35mm and a 50mm is real. Every single time I pack for a trip, I end up staring at my cabinet for an hour, agonizing over whether I want the wider context or that creamy subject separation. It sucks how much we obsess over these tiny differences when we could just be out shooting. I have wasted so many hours comparing the Sony FE 35mm f1.4 GM against the Sony FE 50mm f1.2 GM and I still end up feeling conflicted regardless of what I pick. That 50mm f1.2 is arguably the best lens Sony has ever made, but it is heavy and intimidating for street work. The 35mm is basically the industry standard for a reason. Dealing with that weight on your neck all day through Tokyo is gonna be a massive hurdle either way. Youre gonna be tired, frustrated by the crowds, and probably wishing you brought the other lens anyway. It is just the reality of the hobby, I guess.

Late to the party but I've done the Tokyo trek and your back will definitely feel it by day three. If you want my honest take on the practical side:

• Stick with Sony glass for the native autofocus, it's just snappy and works every time.
• You really can't go wrong with any of the G Master primes, they're built like tanks but they're expensive.
• Maybe look at the f1.8 range instead? They're way cheaper and half the weight for street work. Honestly, Tokyo is more about the experience than the bokeh anyway. Spending your whole budget on one piece of glass is a choice, but having an extra grand for food and shopping is its own kind of vibe. Just grab any high-end prime from the main brand and you'll have a blast without breaking the bank.

Good to know!

Same boat, watching this

AlexSondr is spot on about the physical toll. Over the years I have tried many setups and I have learned that the best gear is the stuff that doesnt make you want to quit early. If you want my veteran take on the brand landscape:

• Go with the native manufacturer glass and you basically cant go wrong. Their professional tier primes are designed to work perfectly with your AF system which is huge for street work.
• Just get any of the high-end primes from the main brand if you want that holy grail feel. The build quality and consistency are usually superior for travel.
• High-end third party options are great for the budget, but they often lack the same balance on a mirrorless body. In my experience, sticking with the native lineup is the way to go for a binge like this. You want to focus on the shots, not whether your gear is gonna struggle in low light or heavy rain tho...

Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.