14/03/2026 5:00 pm
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So I finally pulled the trigger on the a7R V and man the resolution is insane. Im heading to Iceland in three weeks for a big bucket list trip and I really need a wide angle that can handle those 61 megapixels without looking soft. I am totally torn between the Sony 16-35mm GM II and the 12-24mm GM.
The 12-24 sounds so cool for those crazy perspectives but its huge and i cant easily use screw-on filters which is a bummer for long exposures. The 16-35 is more practical but is it wide enough for those massive waterfalls? My budget is roughly $2600 and I want the sharpest glass possible. Which one would you guys pick for a trip like this?
4 Answers
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14/03/2026 5:00 pm
Honestly, I would go with the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II without much hesitation for a trip like that. Having used the a7R V quite a bit, I can say that its 61MP sensor really demands the best glass to resolve all that detail, and the mark II version of this lens is remarkably sharp even at the edges. While the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM offers that extreme perspective, it is much more of a specialized tool that can be a bit of a headache in the field. The biggest factor for Iceland is definitely the filter situation. Youre going to be shooting waterfalls constantly, and being able to quickly screw on an ND filter or a circular polarizer is a game changer. Lugging a massive, expensive filter holder system for the 12-24mm in those crazy Icelandic winds is just asking for trouble. 16mm is typically wide enough for almost any landscape there, including those massive falls. Quick tip: if you find yourself needing more width, just shoot a multi-shot vertical panorama and stitch it in post. Since you have the a7R V, you can stitch and still have a file with insane resolution. The portability and 82mm filter compatibility of the 16-35 make it the more logical choice for a bucket list trip where youll be on the move. It is just more versatile overall.
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14/03/2026 5:45 pm
Saw this and had to warn you. I took the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM on a similar shoot and unfortunately had issues with the size and spray. That front glass is basically a magnet for mist and cleaning it was a nightmare. Are you doing much hiking or just shooting near the car?
- Filters for that lens are pricey
- 16mm is usually wide enough
- Panos work if 16mm isnt enough Save your sanity and go with the 16-35.
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22/04/2026 9:27 pm
This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖
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14/03/2026 5:35 pm
Ive been very satisfied with sticking to native glass for high-res sensors. My experience in harsh environments taught me a few things:
- Front element protection is vital in places like Iceland where mist is constant.
- Native integration yields much more reliable results for long exposures. Honestly, just go with any premium zoom from Sony and youll be happy. Their high-end glass works well and I have no complaints. Primes are a good alternative for resolution, but zooms are safer.
