06/05/2026 11:25 pm
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What lens should I buy for taking landscape photos on a Sony a7R V because I am totally overwhelmed and I have a huge trip coming up in less than two weeks? I feel really stupid asking this but I just bought the camera body because the salesperson told me it was the top of the line for detail but I didnt realize it doesnt actually come with a lens attached to it. I opened the box and it's just the sensor staring at me and now I'm panicking because I leave for my honeymoon in Iceland in ten days and I have nothing to take pictures with.
I want to get those amazing, huge shots of the waterfalls and the big green mountains and maybe the northern lights if we are lucky but I have no idea what all the numbers on the lenses mean. Someone told me I need a wide angle but then I see things like 16-35mm or 24-70mm and I dont know which one makes the mountains look better. I have about $1500 left to spend which I know is a lot but I already spent so much on the camera itself that I cant really go much higher than that.
Does it matter if the lens says G or GM on it or is that just for pros? I just want something that is easy to carry around while we are hiking but will give me those really crisp photos like you see on travel blogs. Also do I need to buy a specific brand or does any lens fit on it? I saw some that say Sigma or Tamron and they are cheaper but I dont want to break the camera by putting the wrong thing on it. I'm just really worried I'm gonna mess this up and come home with blurry pictures of the most beautiful place in the world because I bought the wrong glass. If anyone can just tell me exactly what to order right now so it gets here before my flight I would be so grateful...
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06/05/2026 11:26 pm
Look, first thing is you need to get a cap on that camera body immediately. Leaving the sensor exposed to dust is a huge risk and cleaning it is a major hassle. For Iceland, you specifically need E-mount lenses. Brands like Sigma and Tamron are perfectly safe but you must make sure they are made for Sony E-mount specifically. I would suggest these two options based on my experience:
- Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is probably the safest bet because it covers wide landscapes and normal shots in one lens.
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ is better for those massive waterfall shots and very light for hiking. The G series is plenty for that sensor. GM is the top tier but it is much heavier and more expensive. Just be careful when you are out there... Iceland is wet and windy and you dont want to be changing lenses in the rain. Make sure to use a tripod for the northern lights if you go with an f/4 lens.
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07/05/2026 12:30 am
In my experience, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E is the smartest investment. It'll resolve that sensor's detail perfectly and handle the Northern Lights within your budget.
