Best versatile zoom lens for Sony a7 IV and a7C II?

Question

So what is the best all-around zoom that actually balances well on both the a7 IV and the a7C II without being a total brick to carry around all day? Ive been shooting Sony for about five years now so I know my way around the E-mount system but I usually stick to my primes—mostly the 35mm and 85mm. But honestly I'm doing more travel work lately and switching lenses in the wind or on a boat is just a recipe for sensor dust nightmares and Ive already had to clean my a7 IV sensor twice this month.

I have about 2200 dollars to spend for a trip to Japan in three weeks and I am really torn. The 24-70 GM II is amazing glass obviously but it feels so front heavy on the smaller a7C II body and I really want something that feels right on both. I looked at the Tamron 28-200 for the range but Im worried the sharpness won't hold up for the large landscape prints I usually do. Should I just suck it up and get the Sony 20-70mm f4 G for the extra width or is there a better middle ground I'm missing that covers that standard range well? Maybe the Sigma 24-70 Art II? I just dont want something that makes the compact C body feel pointless to bring along...

Shubham@0902 · Accepted Answer

Regarding what #1 said about the Sony FE 20-70mm f4 G, its a solid choice for landscapes, but in my experience shooting in dimly lit shrines in Kyoto, that f/4 can be a bit limiting. Ive tried dozens of setups over the years and learned that weight distribution matters way more than the number on the scale. For your a7C II, the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G is really the sweet spot. Its only 440g and the MTF data is impressive, it basically performs like a few of my primes glued together.

Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G: Insanely sharp, fits the C body like a glove, but the 50mm reach is the trade-off.

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art: Significantly lighter than the first version and feels way better on the a7 IV. Honestly, if you want large prints, skip the super-zooms. Edge sharpness usually falls off way too much at the long end... just some food for thought.

CharlesBlons · Answer

To add to the point above: unfortunately most high-end zooms are just way too big for the C series bodies. I had issues with the weight balance on almost everything I tried. Even the GM II is kinda front heavy on the compact body. Just grab the Sony FE 24-50mm f2.8 G and save your money for the trip. It fits the small body way better and wont make your wrist ache.

tank_kpOi · Answer

You might want to consider the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G for its constant f4. Be careful, anything over 500g is gonna feel front heavy on that C body... MTF data looks solid.