> torn between the Tamron 28-75 G2 and the Sony 20-70 f4. Go for the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 and dont even think twice! I love this lens for events. Seriously, shooting a wedding reception at f/4 is gonna be a total nightmare once the lights go down. You need that f/2.8 to keep your ISO from hitting the roof and avoid grainy shots. The bokeh is fantastic too for those candid guest photos. While the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G has that sweet 20mm wide end for landscapes, it just isnt fast enough for a low-light wedding environment... kinda risky tbh. The Tamron is lightweight, way cheaper than the GM, and the image quality is amazing. Its basically a perfect match for the a7 IV sensor. Grab it and enjoy Italy!

Late to the party but I've been using the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 on my a7iv for months and I'm very satisfied with the results. If you're doing a wedding, you really need that f2.8 for peace of mind.

• Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
• Very reliable and light enough to carry all day. The autofocus is fast and I've had no complaints with sharpness.
• Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G
• Great for those Italian landscapes, but f4 is risky for the party. I wouldnt feel safe relying on it tho for an indoor reception.
• Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
• Works well and offers that wider 24mm view, though it's quite a bit heavier to lug around. Honestly, the Tamron is the safest bet for your budget. It's a workhorse lens and handles low light much better than the Sony G. I'm happy with how it performs in tricky lighting.

Unfortunately, relying on an f/4 aperture for a wedding reception is likely going to be a struggle. I recently tested the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G and the low-light performance was honestly not as good as expected for professional event work. While the 20mm focal length is excellent for those Italian landscapes, youll find yourself pushing the ISO to levels that compromise image quality once you move indoors. You should consider these alternatives that fit your budget:

• Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art - this offers a wider field of view than the Tamron while maintaining the fast f/2.8 aperture you need for the reception.
• Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 - a solid budget choice, though the 28mm starting point is quite tight for scenery. I had issues with autofocus hunting in dim light with the f/4 lens, which is a massive risk for a wedding. Using faster glass is definitely the way to go for this trip.

To add to the point above: I've learned the hard way that a wedding is no place to test the limits of your gear. In my experience, having that extra stop of light with f/2.8 is about more than just exposure... it's about your autofocus actually locking onto the bride when the reception lighting is basically nonexistent. Honestly, if you're worried about missing those wide landscapes but need the speed, you should check out the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. It is right at the top of your budget but that 24mm is much more versatile for Italy's narrow streets than the 28mm on the Tamron. I've used many lenses over the years and the Sigma feels a bit more professional in the hand, plus it has been super reliable for me in high-pressure situations. If you want to save some cash for extra pasta in Rome tho, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is still a very logical choice. Its light and wont break your back while walking around Venice. TL;DR: f/4 is too risky for the reception. Grab a fast zoom like the Sigma for the extra width or the Tamron to stay under budget. Reliability is everything when you're traveling!