Best 24-70mm lens for Sony alpha?

Just found this thread and wanted to jump in because I went through this exact same search last year. I initially tried to save money with the 28mm options, but I ended up feeling pretty let down by the corner softness when I was out shooting landscapes. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art eventually became my main choice and the jump in technical performance was honestly night and day. It really hits that sweet spot for portraits too, with much smoother bokeh and better contrast than the older budget glass. You might want to consider the weather sealing tho. Be careful if you're shooting in dusty or damp environments... make sure to check the gasket on the mount is seated right. I would suggest verifying your copy doesn't have any decentering issues right after it arrives. Shoot a brick wall or something similar to check that both sides of the frame are equally sharp. Quick tip: always check for lens firmware updates. They can genuinely fix weird AF hunting issues you didnt even know you had.

tbh it seems like everyone is pointing you toward the cheaper Tamron or even old lenses to save money, which is cool... but if you actually have $2000 to spend, why not get the pro glass?? i’ve been looking at some testing benchmarks and it looks like having that 24mm wide end is way better for landscapes than the 28mm everyone else suggested, right? Here are two that actually fit your budget and perform amazing in real-world tests: * Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: basically the gold standard. super fast autofocus (good for portraits if the person is moving!) and really sharp in the corners for landscapes. it is right at your budget though!!!
* Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art: usually a few hundred cheaper. i hear the "art" series look is amazing for skin tones and it feels really solid, but it might be a bit heavier to carry around all day? honestly if i had $2k i’d probably just go for the sony and not look back lol. do you think the extra weight of the sigma would bother you for landscapes??

Been rocking the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G1 for five years now. Still sharp, reliable, and cost me under a grand. Great all-rounder, especially for portraits. Worth considering!

Hey! For landscapes *and* portraits, consider the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. Optically amazing and less distortion than most 24-70s, especially at the wide end. Fantastic value!

Hey! Portraits & landscapes? Think about lens drop safety first! A solid lens hood is key, regardless of glass quality. Consider the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 – fantastic image quality AND lighter, reducing camera strain (less chance of accidental drops!). Plus, cheaper to replace if the unthinkable happens! I'd rather replace a $1200 lens than a $2000 one. Amazing value!

Tamron offers decent value. Research Sony vs Sigma market share shifts before investing.

Don't overlook Tamron's 28-75mm f/2.8. Often under $1000 and optically excellent. Been using mine for years; great value for portraits and landscapes.

Hey! Instead of buying new, have you considered vintage glass with an adapter? You can find amazing, sharp 24-70mm lenses for way less than $2000. Be careful, though; older lenses might need cleaning/calibration. I'd suggest watching some DIY repair videos, but if you're unsure, make sure to consult a pro repair shop. Might save you some serious cash!