Which Sony lens is best for shooting high-resolution landscapes?

Honestly, I would suggest being a bit cautious about dropping $2500 on a GM just for a single trip. I did something similar when I went to Zion last year, thinking I absolutely needed the most expensive glass to justify my high-res body. That massive, heavy setup made those long mountain hikes pretty miserable, and I honestly regretted the weight every mile. Since landscapes usually require stopping down to f/8 or f/11 anyway, paying that huge premium for an f/2.8 aperture you wont even use seems like a waste of cash that could go toward your actual travel expenses. If youre worried about filters and weight, you might want to look at the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 PZ G. It is incredibly sharp and much easier to hike with than the heavier alternatives. I saved over a grand going that route and still got 40-inch prints that look incredible. For those who really feel they need that f/2.8 speed, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E is a beast and way cheaper than the Sony version. Just be careful with those bulbous front elements... I scratched one once and it was a total nightmare. Using the leftover budget for a top-tier filter setup like the NiSi V7 100mm Filter System Kit is probably a smarter move for the Dolomites than blowing it all on one lens.

@Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, lugging a heavy f/2.8 GM up a mountain when you're gonna be shooting at f/8 or f/11 anyway is basically paying a tax in sweat and money for nothing. Since you're worried about filters and hiking, you should check out the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 PZ G. It's way lighter, cheaper, and takes standard 72mm filters without any bulky adapters. I've seen some tests on the a7R V and it resolves plenty of detail when stopped down. Another option if you don't need ultra-wide is the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G. The extra reach on the long end is killer for isolating peaks in the Dolomites, and 20mm is usually plenty wide for most vistas. You save like over a thousand bucks vs the GM II and your back won't be screaming at you on those trails. Sharpness-wise, modern G lenses are so good now that the 'GM or bust' mindset is kinda outdated for landscape work where you're always on a tripod anyway. Put that extra cash toward a really high-end tripod or a nice filter set like the Lee Filters 100mm System Starter Kit.

I've spent way too many hours staring at MTF charts and pixel-peeping files from my own 61MP setup. In my experience, the newer 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is actually the sweet spot for the Dolomites. I've tried many wide zooms over the years, and the version II of the 16-35 is significantly sharper in the corners than the original and even edges out the 12-24 at certain focal lengths. Plus, it's a lot lighter than it looks. Heres what I usually do for high-res trips:

• Stick with the 16-35mm GM II (usually around $2,298) because it handles those 82mm filters easily.
• Dont stress about the 12mm width... you can always stitch a panorama if you really need that ultra-wide look.
• Double check your weather sealing gaskets before you head into the mountains. I once lugged a bulbous front element lens through some wet weather and keeping it clean while shooting into the light was a total nightmare. The GM II has better coatings and the reliability is top notch when things get dusty or damp. You wont regret going with the more practical glass for those big prints... just makes life easier.

Oh man, the Dolomites are absolutely legendary! You're gonna love it there! Honestly, for that 61MP sensor on the a7R V, you really need to be looking at the absolute top-tier glass from Sony. I'm totally obsessed with MTF data and resolving power, and their premium series is basically designed specifically for these high-resolution bodies.

• Just go with any of the Sony G Master wide-angle zooms and you really cant go wrong!
• Stick with their newer lens designs because the nano coatings for flare resistance are just fantastic when shooting peaks.
• Definitely prioritize the one that supports standard front filters if you want those silky long exposures for the lakes. The resolving power on those premium units is exactly what you need for huge prints. You'll be amazed at the micro-contrast! Sony has really mastered the optics for their R series cameras lately, so you'll be in great hands no matter which G Master you pick!