Going with a prime lens can feel risky if you are used to the flexibility of a zoom, but the sharpness and low light performance are real advantages. For NYC, you want something small so you dont stand out too much. You cant zoom with the lens, so you just move closer or further from your subject. With a $600 limit, there are a few solid options that are reliable.

• Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
• Features a fast aperture for low light and linear motors for quiet focus.
• Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G
• Part of the compact G series with an aperture ring and weather sealing.
• Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE
• Lightweight third-party option that maintains sharpness across the frame. I think the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is the safest bet for a beginner. It is versatile enough for buildings and people. Just take it slow and get used to the fixed view before your trip... it takes a bit of practice but youll get the hang of it. Honestly, you might find that not being able to zoom actually helps you focus more on the composition.

Saw this earlier. Honestly, I had issues with some cheaper third-party lenses not keeping up with the a7IV speed. My first budget prime was not as good as expected for tracking moving crowds in Manhattan. Stick with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 for reliability and safety. Quick tip: just zoom with your feet. Moving around makes your shots look way better than standing still with a zoom.

Like someone mentioned, the reliability of these setups is usually the main selling point, but unfortunately I have had issues with the consistency of modern gear in crowded environments like NYC. I found the tracking performance not as good as expected when dealing with the heavy electronic interference you get near major transit hubs in Manhattan. It is quite disappointing when you invest so much into a system only for it to struggle with basic acquisition in low-contrast light. It actually reminds me of a trip I took to the New York Transit Museum a few years back. I spent more time looking at the vintage turnstiles and the mosaic tile work than actually worrying about my settings. There is this one specific display of old subway tokens that is absolutely fascinating if you are into local history. I ended up staying until they closed just reading the placards about how the fare system evolved over the decades. Anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there.

Building on the earlier suggestion, it seems the consensus is that sticking with native glass is the only way to avoid those tracking headaches people are talking about, but honestly the whole situation just makes me so mad for you.

• Honestly its ridiculous how much these companies are charging lately. Whether it is Sony or the third-party brands, the prices for a simple prime lens have become totally insane compared to a few years ago.
• It drives me crazy that you spend all this money on a pro-level camera and then they expect you to drop another huge chunk of change just to get a basic lens that works. It is such a scam.
• You really might want to consider being careful because the quality control across almost all these brands has been so hit or miss lately. I have seen so many people get duds right out of the box. I have been shooting for a long time and it still breaks my heart to see new photographers getting squeezed like this by corporate greed. Make sure to watch your wallet and dont let the gear stress ruin your excitement for the trip. You will be fine once you get there, just sucks that the industry makes it so hard on everyone starting out.

Just stumbled across this thread and honestly, stop stressing. I have been shooting in the city for years and the whole gear panic is just noise. Over the years, I have tried many different setups, and in my experience, the biggest mistake is overcomplicating it right before a trip. Just get a decent prime from Sony and forget the rest. You really cant go wrong if you stick to their native glass, as it just talks to the body perfectly every single time. Dont worry about missing the zoom. Seriously, just walk around more. Spend your time wandering through the West Village or hitting up the High Line instead of standing in some transit hub. You will get way more natural shots that way. Focus on learning how that one focal length frames the world rather than worrying about specs. You will have a blast just keeping it simple.

This ^

Like someone mentioned, sticking with Sony glass is the safest move. I've been super happy with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 because it just works every time. No focus hunting or weird issues. If you want something even tinier for Manhattan, the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is another solid choice within your budget. Honestly, you cant go wrong with either.