Re: "Like someone mentioned, the weight is the real..."

• It is honestly the biggest trap in photography. I have spent way too much money on pro glass that just sits on a shelf because it is a total pain to carry. It is kinda disappointing how the industry convinces us we need a $1400 brick to take a decent street photo. I lugged a massive 1.4 prime around Kyoto last year and by day three, my neck was absolutely trashed. It totally ruined the experience for me. Since you are watching your budget, I would stop looking at the top-tier name brands. You can get most of the performance for way less:
• Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 FE: This thing is a steal. The build is surprisingly solid and it does not have that cheap plastic feel I hate.
• Rokinon AF 35mm f/1.8 FE: if weight is the absolute priority, this is the one. It is almost weightless on an A7IV. Market prices for Sony-branded stuff are just getting silly lately. Grab a third-party lens and use that extra $800 for some incredible food in Tokyo. Your back and your wallet will thank you...

> Does the GM really justify the extra $600 over the f1.8 version for someone just doing hobbyist street stuff... Honestly, no. The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Full-Frame Large-Aperture G Master Lens is a total masterpiece, but for a 10-mile walk through Shinjuku or Shibuya, its gonna be a literal pain in the neck. I've used most of these lenses and the weight difference is the one thing you will actually notice every single minute of your trip. The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Large Aperture Prime Lens is basically the smart choice. People get way too caught up in "nervous bokeh" on YouTube reviews. In reality, unless you are shooting through a chain-link fence or messy bushes all day, it looks totally fine for street work. Its light, fast, and the autofocus is basically instant on the A7IV. If you want that "forever lens" feel without the GM price or bulk, you should seriously look at the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E. It feels like a piece of jewelry with the all-metal build and that manual aperture ring is super satisfying to click around while you are hunting for shots. It is sharper than the Sony 1.8 and has better character, but its still small enough to not be a burden. Skip the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE for Sony E. The QC issues are real and the last thing you want is a lens failure or autofocus hunting while you are halfway across the world. Stick to the Sony f1.8 or the Sigma f2 and spend the extra cash on some good ramen.

Like someone mentioned, the weight is the real killer on these long travel days. I learned that the hard way in Osaka a few years back lugging a huge setup through the subways. Honestly, I would suggest being careful about just looking at the f1.4 monsters or the super cheap plastic options. There is a middle ground that people overlook which feels much more like a forever lens than the basic Sony f1.8 without the bulk of the GM. I actually disagree that you have to choose between weight and build quality. You might want to consider the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary I-Series. Its all metal and feels like a premium piece of kit, but its tiny.

• The manual aperture ring is a lifesaver for street photography.
• Focus is snappy enough for busy sidewalks in Shinjuku.
• It has way more character than the standard Sony f1.8. Just make sure to keep an eye on those magnetic lens caps they come with, they are cool but kinda easy to lose in a crowd. I think this fits your budget perfectly while still feeling like a pro lens.

Just found this thread. Honestly, recent experiences with 35mm glass have been pretty disappointing lately. It feels like you either pay a fortune or get stuck with major compromises that just ruin the experience.

• Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 Sonnar T* ZA: I really wanted this to be my go-to for travel because it is so tiny, but unfortunately the image quality just didnt wow me for the price. The f2.8 aperture is really limiting when you are in those narrow, dark alleys in Shinjuku at night, and I found the corners to be pretty soft. Tbh, it feels a bit dated now.
• Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2: This was another letdown for street work. While the glass is actually quite sharp, the autofocus is honestly agonizingly slow. It uses a gear-driven motor that hunts constantly in low light. I missed so many candid moments because it just wouldnt lock on fast enough. Not exactly what you want for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You are gonna love the food over there though. Last time I was in Tokyo I got completely obsessed with finding the best hidden vending machine corn soup. I probably spent more time looking for specific machines in Ueno Park than actually taking photos. Its weirdly addictive once you start... anyway. Since you have a decent budget, maybe try finding a used Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA. It is an older lens and some copies have annoying centering issues which is frustrating, but when you get a good one, that Zeiss color and contrast is beautiful. It is bulky, but you can find them for under $700 these days. Just check the lens for any soft edges before your flight!