24/04/2026 11:25 pm
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I have been staring at lens reviews for like four hours straight and my head is actually spinning. I am taking my a7IV to Iceland in three weeks and I still havent picked a wide angle for the landscapes there. I basically want the sharpest thing possible for under 2000 bucks because I dont want to regret it when I get home and see the shots on a big monitor.
Right now I am torn between the Sony 16-35mm GM II and the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. The Sony is super light which is great for hiking but man it is expensive and pushes my budget to the limit. The Sigma is supposedly sharper but that bulbous front element makes me nervous about filters and it is just so heavy to lug around all day. I also looked at the Sony 12-24mm f4 but I am worried it is too slow for when the light gets weird or if I try some astro.
My main constraints:
- Must be under $2000
- Needs to handle some rain and spray from waterfalls
- Sharpness is more important than weight but I am not a bodybuilder
- Needs to be shipped to my place in Oregon by mid-month
Is the GM II actually worth the extra 700 bucks over the Sigma? Or am I just paying for the brand name at this point...
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24/04/2026 11:26 pm
Honestly, lens prices these days are just disappointing. I spent a lot of time pixel peeping the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and unfortunately, the edge-to-edge resolution at 16mm just wasnt as good as expected given that massive price jump. Its light, sure, but you are definitely paying a premium for the badge. I had issues with the flare control on it too when the sun hits at a weird angle... not ideal for those long Icelandic golden hours when you want that perfect sunstar. The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is technically superior for raw sharpness, but man, that bulbous front element is a huge pain in the neck. I found it nearly impossible to keep clean near waterfalls because you cant use a standard screw-on filter to protect the glass. If you go this route, you have to buy a bulky external filter holder system which just adds more weight to your pack. Its frustrating because the glass is brilliant, but the design is a bit of a nightmare for wet environments. Since youre in Oregon, you should be able to get the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G delivered in a few days. Tbh, its actually sharper than both those zooms and way better for astro if the Aurora shows up. If you really need the zoom range though, just go with the Sigma and accept the weight. Quick tip: Buy a dedicated rain cover for the camera body. Even weather-sealed gear can fail when that Icelandic wind starts driving rain sideways into the ports. Youll be fine though, its gonna be an epic trip regardless of which glass you pick.
