dont stress about it too much. Japan is incredible and youll get great shots just by being there. since you want to avoid swapping glass in the rain or dirt, a superzoom is really your best friend. i usually recommend sticking to one reliable lens for travel so you dont miss the moment while fumbling with gear in a crowd. the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is basically made for your situation and fits the a7c ii size well.

• it covers a huge range from 28mm to 200mm which is way more versatile than the 28-70 you mentioned.
• it fits your budget easily, usually retailing around 700 bucks new.
• it has decent moisture resistance for some light Tokyo drizzle. those numbers just mean how wide or zoomed in the lens goes. a higher second number like 200 means you can zoom in way closer to things. this lens is a solid, safe choice for a beginner who wants quality without the headache of carrying a massive bag. you got this... just enjoy the trip.

Hey! Just saw your post and honestly, Japan is going to be amazing! You picked a fantastic camera with that a7C II... it is such a powerhouse for its size. I remember my first big solo trip to Osaka where I dragged a massive bag of glass everywhere and I ended up missing half the fun because I was too busy swapping gear. It was a total nightmare! To break down those numbers simply: the first number is how wide the view is (24mm or 28mm is great for street scenes) and the second number is how far it zooms. For a trip like this, you really want a 'do-it-all' range. My professional advice is to prioritize a lens that covers at least 28mm to 200mm. It gives you incredible flexibility without ever needing to open the camera body to the elements. The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is a fantastic choice that fits your budget perfectly and stays relatively light. If you prefer staying with the same brand as your camera, the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is an absolute legend for its sharpness and build quality, even if it has a bit less zoom. Quick tip: always check the 'minimum focus distance' too... it helps for those amazing close-up food shots in Tokyo! You are gonna have the best time!

Before weighing in, could you clarify if your focus is daytime sightseeing or low-light scenes in Shinjuku? This reminds me of a colleague who spent months over-analyzing his gear for a Kyoto trip. He eventually:

• Packed three chargers
• Forgot his power adapter
• Left his memory cards at home Honestly, practical logistics and travel costs often matter more than the glass once youre actually on the ground.