So I just picked up an a7 IV after saving up forever and I need a single lens to take on my trip to Japan next month. I mostly do street and some nature stuff. I was looking at the 24-105mm f4 because of the reach, but then I read that the f4 might suck for indoor low light shots. Everyone says the Tamron 28-75 G2 is the way to go for the price but I'm worried 28mm isnt wide enough for the city shots I want to get. My budget is around $900-1k used and I just cant decide if I should prioritize the f2.8 or the extra focal range... what are you guys actually keeping on your cameras most of the time?
Honestly, you should look at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E! It hits your budget used and is absolutely fantastic. It gives you that 24mm width you want for streets while maintaining f2.8 for night shots... dont even worry about the weight. I love it!
I had high hopes for the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS on my last trip, but unfortunately, it was pretty disappointing once the light started fading. That f4 aperture is just too slow for night street shots... you end up bumping the ISO way higher than I like, which kills the fine detail. I also noticed some annoying soft corners at 105mm which is a letdown for landscapes. The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is decent, but missing that 24mm wide end is a real headache in tight urban spots. I felt constantly restricted. You might want to hunt for a used Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM instead. Its the older version so it fits your budget better now. Its heavy and the motors are louder, but it actually gives you the specs you're asking for without compromising on that wide field of view.
Seconded!
I've been thinking about this and i really agree with the suggestion for that 24-70mm. Honestly, the reliability is the biggest thing for me... its basically built like a tank and feels super dependable when you're out all day. You definitely want something that can handle the bustle of a trip like Japan without feeling like it might break if you bump into someone on the subway. Having that 24mm width is way better for those tight city shots tho.