Like someone mentioned, waiting on Prime Day for Sony glass is usually a total bust. Honestly, if you want something sharp for Zion, dont bank on it. I picked up the Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Lens a while back and it is honestly a gem for the price. It is super light, weather-sealed, and seriously sharp for the landscape stuff you are trying to shoot.

• Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Lens
• Sony FE 28mm f/2 Prime Lens Check out the MPB or KEH sites instead of eBay if you go used. They grade the condition so you arent just crossing your fingers hoping the glass isnt scratched. You will save way more cash there than waiting for an Amazon sale that will probably just be discounted cleaning kits anyway. Seriously, treat yourself to some real glass before that trip.

Honestly, if you want something reliable for your trip, check out the Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 Full Frame Wide-angle Lens. It is super sharp and fits well within your budget. I have used it for months and its performance is solid. Don't waste your energy on Prime Day sales waiting for Sony discounts that rarely happen. Just get the gear and enjoy Zion, you will be much more satisfied having it in hand.

Building on the earlier suggestion, I have to disagree slightly about waiting. Honestly, I have seen the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Large-aperture Full-frame Lens dip just enough during these events to make it worth checking. It is sharp, super lightweight, and handles weather decently. Over the years, I have learned that if you really want that specific Sony look, you just have to be patient with the price tracking sites. That said, if you absolutely need something for Zion by November, looking at the used market right now is the smarter play. The Samyang AF 24mm f/2.8 FE Wide-angle Lens is another cheap, razor-sharp option that wont break your budget at all. Dont stress too much over the gear, just get something reliable so you can actually enjoy the trip.

Just saw this thread and honestly, I feel like you are setting yourself up for a headache waiting for those sales. Over the years, I have tried chasing the big discounts during these events, but it rarely pans out for the glass you actually want. Most of the time it is just random stuff that sits in a warehouse for months. Plus, dealing with shipping and potential returns during the holiday rush is a total nightmare I wouldn't wish on anyone. Before you drop your entire budget, I have to ask: what exact body are you shooting with? That makes a massive difference in how some of these lenses handle the focus tracking, especially when you are out in the field. Here is what I have learned from my own mistakes:

• Buying used from random listings without verifying the glass condition is a huge gamble.
• Never trust a deal that looks way too good to be true, especially on auction sites.
• Always factor in the cost of a solid weather-sealed filter if you are going to be out in the elements in places like Zion. Honestly, I would prioritize finding a reliable seller rather than looking for a bargain bin price. You really dont want your gear failing you right when you reach the canyon floor. Have you considered looking at reputable shops that offer a warranty on used gear instead of just gambling on eBay?

Bookmarked, thanks!

In my experience, Sony glass rarely gets deep discounts during Prime events. You might see 50 to 100 bucks off, but it's usually negligible. Honestly, don't wait for a gamble.

• Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Prime Lens
• Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens Grab the Sigma used on eBay. It saves you enough to afford a decent trip to Zion. Don't let a bad lens ruin your vacation shots.

Oh man, I totally feel your pain with the kit lens struggle. Been there, done that, and honestly it is so frustrating when you have that perfect vision for a landscape and the focus just keeps hunting. I remember missing some epic shots in the mountains years ago because I was fighting my gear instead of enjoying the view! Once I finally made the jump to better glass, my whole world changed. It is amazing how much of a difference the right lens makes for clarity and low light performance. Before you go dropping that cash, are you shooting on an APS-C or full-frame body right now? Also, are you leaning more towards something super wide for those dramatic Zion vistas, or do you want something a bit more versatile for other stuff? Just curious what your main focus is!

Works great for me

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖

@Reply #8 - good point! Seriously, dont risk your trip on a gamble. I finally upgraded my own glass last month and am so happy with the results. Just buy it now.

+1

@Reply #7 - good point! Honestly, I had issues with moisture in Zion before. Skip the sale and grab a used Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Full-frame Wide-angle Prime Lens. It's built for that.