Best all-around zoom lens for Sony E-mount full frame cameras?

Curious about one thing: how much low-light shooting do u actually do? f/2.8 on the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is killer, but f/4 reach is honestly sooo tempting!

Check out the Sony Alpha Blog if you haven't yet—Marc Alhadeff has this massive comparison table that ranks almost every E-mount lens by sharpness and bokeh. It’s lowkey the best resource for avoiding buyers remorse when you're dropping a grand on glass.

I've been through a few of these zooms on my own A7IV and honestly, it’s a tough call, but from a budget-first perspective, here is how I see the main contenders:

* Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art vs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: The new Sigma 'Mark II' is a total game changer. It's way lighter than the old version and the AF is super snappy. You're basically getting 95% of the GM performance for literally $1,100 less. I would suggest this if you need 24mm for landscapes but cant justify the Sony tax.
* Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2: This is the value GOAT. It’s so light it doesn't even feel like a f/2.8 zoom. But be careful—that jump from 24mm to 28mm is highkey noticeable when you're in tight indoor spots with the family.
* Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS: Don't sleep on this one just cuz it's f/4. The OSS (stabilization) is great for video and that extra reach to 105mm is sooo helpful for travel portraits.

Tbh, I’d probably lean toward the Sigma Art II. It’s the best 'Goldilocks' balance of pro build and reasonable price. Just make sure to get the 'II' version specifically, cuz the original was a bit of a brick. Good luck with the choice tho, it's a win-win situation really!

Just sharing my experience: I got the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for $700. its basically rock-solid and reliable for pro work without the GM price. Sooo happy!

Honestly, just found this thread and I think there is a big technical point being missed regarding the physical fitment and mount safety. If you are worried about all-day carry on your A7IV, you should really look at the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary as a more budget-conscious and lighter alternative to the bulky Art series. I mean, well actually, you lose a bit of the wide end at 28mm, but the weight savings are worth it.

• From a technical standpoint, the lighter weight reduces the torque on the E-mount flange, which I always worry about when hiking or traveling with heavy glass.
• Tbh, you need to verify the weather sealing. This lens has a mount gasket, but it is not fully sealed like the GM, so you have to be cautious in heavy rain.
• Check the firmware version immediately. Older stock might need an update to ensure the AF drive is fully compatible with the A7IV real-time tracking protocols.
• It uses a 67mm filter thread. This is a huge win for the budget because it matches most other common E-mount glass, so you dont have to buy multiple sets of expensive filters. Basically, just be aware that third-party lenses are technically capped at 15fps on Sony bodies. It wont affect you on the A7IV since it tops out at 10fps anyway, but its something to keep in mind for future-proofing your kit.

Commenting to find later

Ok so, I've been digging through some testing charts and real-world reviews because I'm always kinda worried about spending big money on a lens that might be too heavy or soft. If you're looking for that Goldilocks feel for travel, you should seriously check out the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G. It's a bit of a weird focal range, but after seeing some benchmarks on its resolution, it actually holds up incredibly well against the more expensive stuff on the A7IV sensor.

• that 20mm wide end is honestly a game changer for family shots in tight indoor spaces
• it weighs way less than those f/2.8 bricks so your neck wont be killing you by noon
• the sharpness across the frame is surprisingly consistent for a non-GM lens I'm still a little hesitant about whether f/4 is enough if you're doing a lot of late-night stuff, but for a general daily driver, it's probably the safest bet for staying mobile. Tbh, having that extra width at 20mm usually matters way more than the extra reach at 105mm when you're touring around.

Totally agree with TitaniumEcho on the weight thing. People always talk about sharpness but honestly if the lens makes your wrist ache after an hour you're just gonna leave it at home lol. The Sony A7IV is a great body but it's not exactly a massive tank, so putting a really heavy zoom on there can feel super front-heavy and kinda awkward if you aren't using a vertical grip or a cage for better ergonomics. Quick question tho to help narrow this down... are you planning on doing a lot of video with this too or is it strictly for photos? And do you find yourself shooting mostly at the wide end for landscapes or are you more into the tighter portraits/details? Knowing if you really need that 24mm vs being okay with 28mm makes a huge difference in weight and price.

In my experience, that expensive sony is amazing but the price is rough. i ended up with the newer tamron zoom and it’s basically glued to my camera now.

- it’s like way lighter than the bulky sigma
- cost is literally half the gm, so better value
- f2.8 is a must for family stuff indoors

basically depends on if u really need that extra width at 24mm tho? cheers!

Nice, didn't know that