15/02/2026 4:05 am
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Hey everyone! I've been shooting with a Sony A7IV for a few months now, mostly using primes like the 35mm and 85mm. While I love the sharpness of primes, I'm finding it really tough to keep switching lenses when I'm out traveling or doing street photography. I’m looking for that one 'Goldilocks' lens—an all-around zoom that I can leave on my camera most of the time without feeling like I'm sacrificing too much image quality.
I've been looking closely at the Sony 24-105mm f/4 G because of that extra reach, but I'm a bit worried about the f/4 aperture when the sun goes down. On the other hand, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 and the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art seem like incredible performers for a much better price than the Sony GM II. My main priorities are fast, reliable autofocus and overall sharpness, as I do a mix of stills and some light video work. Weight is also a factor since I’ll be carrying this on long hikes.
I’m honestly feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options and the price differences. For those of you who shoot Sony E-mount, which zoom lens has become your go-to for general purpose use, and why do you prefer it over the alternatives?
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15/02/2026 4:05 am
sooo i totally get the struggle! after years of shooting, i think the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is literally the perfect choice. it's usually $700-$800—a STEAL. * Tamron G2: cheapest/lightest for hikes!!
* Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: sharp but heavy * Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS: f4 is lowkey rough at night tbh the Tamron is the budget KING for ur A7IV. gl!
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15/02/2026 4:40 am
This^ Also wanted to add that the A7IV ISO is great. I tried the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary but unfortunately had issues with moisture after a drizzle... not as good as expected. For safety: * Stick with Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS for weather sealing
* Avoid third-party zooms in dusty environments Native sealing is way more reliable for peace of mind tho!
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15/02/2026 4:50 am
Respectfully, I'd consider another option because i think everyone is overlooking the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art. it basically fixes the weight issues of the original version while offering near-GM II performance for a way better price... seriouslyyy the best market value right now for an A7IV travel setup!!
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15/02/2026 4:20 am
yo, i feel u on the lens swapping struggle. i honestly went through the same phase with my A7IV. I tried to make the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS work for a long time cuz that 105mm reach is sweet, but unfortunately, the f/4 just wasnt cutting it for evening street shots. Plus, i found the sharpness at the edges a bit lacking compared to ur primes, which was kinda disappointing tbh. If youre worried about weight for hiking but need that low-light performance, here is the technical breakdown of what youre looking at: 1. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: Seriously sharp, basically GM level. But i had issues with it being a total dust magnet behind the front element, and its a heavy brick. After 5 miles on a trail, you’ll definitely feel it.
2. Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2: This is the value king. Its light and the AF is snappy for video. The trade-off is that 28mm start. Ngl, losing that 4mm on the wide end is annoying for landscapes.
3. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art: This is the newer version and they actually fixed the weight and size issues. Basically, if you want to stop overthinking it, I’d suggest the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art. It gives you the f/2.8 you need for night shots, but it’s much more manageable for hiking than the original Art lens. It’s the closest thing to the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II without spending two months' rent. Good luck with what you decide on!
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15/02/2026 5:10 am
Respectfully, I'd consider another option. Basically: 1. Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is $800 and tiny.
2. A7IV high ISO handles f/4 easily—don't fear the dark!
3. Save cash for your trips.
