p.1 #1 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
Choosing only one lens can be tough because various focal lengths suit different photography needs. It's all about finding a compromise based on your most frequent use. Whether it's a zoom or prime lens, make sure it has autofocus for this discussion.
If you could only stick one lens on your full-frame camera, which would it be and why?
Let me know! 📷✨
p.1 #2 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
The FE 50/1.4 GM
The first 20 years or so with a camera in hand i had a fast 50 only. By time I have enjoyed other perspectives of the world as well but in the end it is the 50 I bring when out observing the world.
The 50/1.4 GM has this far done everything I have asked for.
p.1 #8 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
Sony 24-70 GM. Focal lengths covers 80% of what I shoot and 2.8 can be utilized by pushing the iso when needed. Not overly heavy and I’m sure image quality is too notch.
p.1 #11 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
I'm one of the 28-200 sorts.
For me, I want the availablity of the extended focal length range. Part of that's from finding 70mm too short enough times (for me) but that also developed during my 16mp and maybe 24 mp days. the added crop of the A7riv might reduce that "need" some.
Although I suppose if I was a more urban sort, the 20-70/4 could be a reasonable alternative.
p.1 #12 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
Easily the 24-70GM II.
Small(ish), light(ish), and can do everything. Landscapes, family, portraits, sports, vacations, etc. There is a reason there are so many 24-70/2.8 lenses made. Sony’s version 2 is outstanding.
p.1 #13 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
I'd like to say the 24-70 GM II, but it'd cost me being able to shoot my daughters field sports, so I guess I'd have to go Tamron 35-150.
The reality though is with one lens my camera wouldn't get used nearly as much. It'd be too big to carry around, not wide enough, not fast enough for low-light etc. depending on what I wanted to do.
p.1 #14 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
Wouldn't work for me. I'm sports and landscape oriented and that range requires multiple lenses. Now if I was strictly landscape then maybe. Probably would pick the 24-70 GM II.
p.1 #16 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
I'm with the 24-70 f/2.8 GMII. Pretty impressive performance and great range. Of course I'd like a 1lb 16-200 f/1.4 but I'm not holding my breath.
Of the 6,000 images I have in my Lightroom catalog for 2023, almost 2,000 were done with that lens. The only one that is close is the 70-200 at about 1,000, the 85 f/1.8 at 600, and the 50 f/1.2 with 600. The rest are macros with the Sigma 105 f/2.8 and the 16-35 PZ. I LOVE my lenses!
p.1 #19 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
It's the GM 50/1.4, a super lens that does what I look for: versatility (portraits, general through to landscapes), practicality, decent weight (516 grams), excellent colour palette, smooth transition zone, near silent and fast focusing, very fine (almost cinematic) bokeh (enough to impress long term reviewers) that does not mean total blur and good for f5.6 as well, 67mm filters, right-sized hood, case, weather sealing, and affordability. Such a balanced product. I agree with many others that it is the finest 50mm Sony has ever made. The bonus is the superb focal plane that permits wonderful separation.
In the critical 50mm space, Sony is actually competing with itself now. It will hopefully soon be joined by an 85mm of the same general specification and performance.
p.1 #20 · If you could only have one lens for your Sony...
Tamron 28-200, zero doubts. I mostly photograph landscapes, and I use this lens most of the time, after trying many other lenses in the same focal length range including the 24-105G and a boatload of different primes. This would support most of my photography without a second lens in the bag!
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