So I have this big trip to Japan coming up in like three months and I am trying to finally commit to a single lens for my Sony A7IV because I am just so tired of carrying a huge camera bag around. My budget is roughly $1200 and I really want something that can handle everything from tight Kyoto streets to some landscape shots near Fuji. Right now I am basically torn between three very different options and I cant decide which way to go.
First is the Sony 24-105mm f/4 G. It seems like the safe bet but it is kinda old now and I worry about the weight after ten hours of walking. Then there is the Tamron 28-200mm which people seem to love for the versatility but I am scared I will miss that extra width on the wide end for architecture. Lastly I have been looking at the Sony 20-70mm f/4 G. Having that 20mm sounds incredible for cityscapes but is 70mm enough reach if I want to get a nice compressed shot of a street? I am leaning toward the 20-70mm but the lack of range is making me nervous. Given I am mostly doing city walking and some light hiking, which one of these would you actually pick for a solo travel lens?
I’d be careful with the Tamron because 28mm is too tight for narrow streets. When I was in Kyoto, I missed shots cuz I couldn't back up enough. I would suggest the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS for peace of mind.
- OSS is a safety net for shaky hands
- Constant f/4 is better for consistency
- Consider the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art for better low light
Re: "I’d be careful with the Tamron because 28mm..."
- I couldn't agree more. In my experience, those few millimeters between 20mm and 28mm make a world of difference when you're staring up at a massive temple gate in Kyoto. I've tried many travel combos over the years, and I eventually realized that reach is easier to fake than width. The Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is basically the perfect walking lens because it's so light. If you really need that compression at 70mm, honestly, just toggle the APS-C crop mode on your Sony Alpha 7 IV and you've got a 105mm equivalent right there. The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is a tank, but it's chunky... definitely felt it in my neck by day three of my last trip. Save the weight, go for the 20-70mm, and use the extra budget for some good walking shoes or a nice dinner in Osaka.
You gotta go with the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G! Honestly, that extra width at 20mm is a total lifesaver for those cramped Kyoto alleys and shrines. I used it recently and barely missed the long end cuz the Sony A7IV has enough megapixels to crop in if you need... plus its way lighter for all-day walking. TL;DR: Grab the 20-70mm, the wide end is way more useful than extra zoom.
