p.1 #1 · Mid Range AFZoom for IQ and Sunstars - must be AF
Recently returned from YNP and Badlands and had some sunstar opportunities that left me with mixed results and feelings.
The 3 lenses I used for landscape were the 16-35gmii (absolutely no complaints throughout the range), 24-105 f4 (good, but left me wanting more in instances of high contrast lighting) and the 70-200gmii (really a great lens and worked so well even with TCs).
In the mid range, I left the Tamron 28-75 g2 at home (probably a mistake) and also left the 28-200 at home. I did extensive testing on all 3 lenses and at f8 they are really close, but I feel like the 24-105 let me down a bit under the most demanding light situations (sun in the frame). Even on a tripod shooting f/8 for general landscape and stopping down even more for sunstars, it couldn't keep up with the gmii lenses. Having the sun in the image created lots of flaring with the 24-105 that wasn't as prevalent as the 16-35mkii and 70-200mkii. I didn;t expect the 24-105 to run with the gmii lenses wide open, but I thought they'd fall in line closer at landscape apertures of f/8-f/11. However, without the sun in the image, I got a sunset shot at Pinnacles Overlook with the 24-105 that absolutely blows me away.
I understand the 24-105 is the oldest lens of the kit I brought. I have a great copy - sharp all the way to the corners. No IQ complaints in regular conditions, but under extreme contrast conditions (sun somewhere in frame) it falls a bit short (of the two gmii lenses). I wish I had brought the G2 to give it a try under those conditions, but space was limited. I left the 28-75g2 at home because it's shorter on both sides of the zoom and I felt the 24-105 would allow me to use one camera more throughout the range. Maybe its Swiss Army reputation reared it's head for me on this trip - but then there was the Badlands shot that is so sharp. It's really the lighting with sun in the frame that hurts the lens for me. Most everything else was great.
I'm wondering thoughts? Do I just sell all 3 (24-105, 28-75, 28-200) and buy the 24-70 gmii (honestly hate the short range) or is there another option to consider? Did I miss the boat by not giving the G2 a chance? I live in IL so there aren't really great vistas to test the limits of lenses under tough conditions. We really don't get to see the sun hit the horizon unobstructed.
I want AF because I like to use focus stack from time to time and I am not interested in a bag full of primes as I prefer not make lens switches all the time in the field. Please no Loxia/Batis/Voigt suggestions. Not interested in teles, especially MF. I typically carry 3 cameras with my 3 main landscape lenses mounted and would rather switch out cameras than lenses. Currently shooting a1/a1ii and a7r5 so no big differences in sensor resolution and DR.
p.1 #3 · Mid Range AFZoom for IQ and Sunstars - must be AF
Thanks for the advice, but my 300gm only weighs a pound more than the Sigma. Besides, seems a waste to lock a 2.8 lens at f8. And no, I’m not switching to Nikon. Shot Nikon for 32 years and switched in 2020. Nikon has some compelling lenses but I’m very happy with my kit minus this one hole that the 24-70gmii or tamron g2 could likely fill.
p.1 #5 · Mid Range AFZoom for IQ and Sunstars - must be AF
Yeah, the Nikon 24-120 is supposed be great, but I wouldn't leave Sony for it.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure there are other options for you at this point. I mean, there's the Sony 28-135/4 PZ, but it's made primarily for video and a tank. We use them at work for remote set-ups at events, but I otherwise wouldn't touch it.
It you want to lighten your load (and consequently rely more on your other two zooms) the little 28-60 has a reputation for being a surprisingly good landscaper. Fred compared it to some other lenses here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1682772/ No idea about flare resistance and sunstars, though.
p.1 #6 · Mid Range AFZoom for IQ and Sunstars - must be AF
Have you considered the Sony 20-70 f4? It's great for hiking because of how light it is, and has the wide 20mm end such that you can do away with your UWA. But if you really need wide, just throw in a Viltrox 14mm f4 air, it's so small and light that you'll barely notice it.
I haven't touched my 24-70gm2 in years because I really dislike the size and weight. I prefer using MF primes. My lightweight AF kit is the 20-70/4 with the 70-200mk2 or Batis135 and Viltrox 14 air.
