> What's the best all-around lens under $2000 for my Sony a9 III for travel photography So far we have the Sony GM II and the Sigma Art suggested, which are basically the gold standards for image quality right now. Both are killer choices but ngl, they are pretty pricey and can feel heavy after a full day of trekking around. Since ur looking for size and weight efficiency, I would actually suggest the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G. It is super compact and that extra width at 20mm is a total lifesaver for travel landscapes and tight streets!!! Plus, it is way under ur budget which is nice for the wallet. If u absolutely need that f/2.8 aperture, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a great reliability pick. It is lightweight and weather-sealed, and honestly, if something happens to it while ur abroad, it is not a two thousand dollar disaster to replace. I am not 100% sure if it keeps up with the crazy 120fps burst on the a9 III perfectly, but for general travel photography, it is plenty fast and reliable. Safety and weight are huge factors when ur on the move tbh.

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.

Yeah that point about size and weight is so spot on honestly because travel photography is such a different beast than studio work. I spent like weeks doing market research and comparing how different brands handle autofocus algorithms before I bought my current setup for my own travel kit. I used to think the native glass was the only way to go for high speed bodies but after looking at how the third party manufacturers have stepped up their game lately its a much tougher call. I remember on my last big trip I actually opted for a slightly slower lens from a different brand just because the weight savings were so significant and I honestly didnt feel like I lost any of that snappy performance I needed. Its kinda wild how the market has evolved to the point where we have so many specialized options that dont break the bank or your back. I’ve found that looking at the long term firmware support for different brands is just as important as the initial specs when youre trying to match a lens to a beast of a camera like the one youve got.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II.