p.1 #1 · Help with first normal range zoom for Sony--upcoming trip
I plan on going to Kyrgyzstan in a few months if all is well and thought I'd better up my game for AF as will not be doing landscapes and/or astro as usual.
I typically bring the Sigma 14-24/2.8 +/- Sig 20/1.4 for astro, Loxia 25/2, CV 40/1.2 then adapt my OM mount CV 90/3.5 and 180/4 to keep the kit size down and not sacrifice too much IQ. My wife and i use our OM-1 for the longer stuff as the lenses are substantially smaller. We may be doing more people shots and probably investigate the eagle hunters so though I'd better get some AF gear or rent it at least. Special sauce in the lens is desirable. I'm not going back to this place and a zoom seems attractve in this instance for quick flexibility. The 28-70/2 caught my eye but it is a tad big. I'd leave the CV 40/1.2 at home probably then. I don't think lack of AF on the Loxia 25 is much of a drawback and I like its rendering for landscapes. I tend towards being a prime fetishist so would consider a couple primes if that would do. ;-)
p.1 #2 · Help with first normal range zoom for Sony--upcoming trip
If I were going to travel with a normal zoom, I'd take my 24-70GMII, leave the Loxia 25 at home and take the CV 40 for low-light and more distinctive shots. Even if I didn't already own it, I'd rent that over the 28-70/2. It's a really pleasing all-arounder, I'd rather have the extra 4mm over the extra stop, it's lighter and a bit less bulky, and I already have an 82mm solution for filters. 86mm would require something new.
I went with the GMII because I wanted an OEM lens for my FX3. It's also nice that I can use it on the a1 with 30fps, should I ever feel the need, but, had I been looking for something specifically for stills, I probably would've gone for the comparable Sigma model. It's very competitive with the GMII optically, not significantly bigger or heavier, and could've saved me a bundle. It will make for a much less expensive rental as well.
Sigma and Tamron both make 28-70/2.8s, but there I'd look to Tamron. They don't produce a 24-70/2.8, so this is the model they take seriously, where it's a lower grade consumer offering from Sigma (still a good lens, but the build quality's significantly lower). Tamron's also got the 35-100/2.8 coming this month that could be worth a look. And Sigma has the 28-105/2.8 that's a chunk, but could let you leave the APO 90 at home.
Whatever your choice, I would plan to take the CV 40. It's small, it's sweet, and it gives you options a zoom can't.
p.1 #5 · Help with first normal range zoom for Sony--upcoming trip
Appreciate all comments thus far. In the comparison images on the-digital-picture.com site the corners and periphery are a tad better even at F8 for landscapes for the 28-70/2. Whether that is meaningful in images after processing I don’t know. I suspect the main use would be at 70mm F2 for the subject isolation. My largest filters are 77mm so would need special ones for either. I don’t know if the bulk is worth it. The Loxia 25 is small but the extra hassle can be limiting at times. The Sigi 28-105 /2.8 seems to hold its own too.
p.1 #6 · Help with first normal range zoom for Sony--upcoming trip
Have you considered the Tamron 28-200? It has beautiful rendering, and in the 28-105 range you are f/4.5 or faster. If you don’t need f/2.8 in the normal range (this lens only does it up to about 32mm), then this is a lens worth considering.
p.1 #7 · Help with first normal range zoom for Sony--upcoming trip
I have the Sigma 28-105/2.8 DG DN ART---it's an awesome lens but might be heavy and bulky depending on the amount of time you will be walking or hiking during the day. It's the only lens I brought (with the A7V) to Southeast Asia and Melbourne. It's superb for architecture, environmental portraits and head shots. Bokeh is beautiful!
p.1 #8 · Help with first normal range zoom for Sony--upcoming trip
all depends on your
budget
weight / size
range.
if you want prime like stuff,
you'd probably better w/ 50-150 sony f/2 + wide zoom lens, like sony 16-35 GM.
if you are willing to invent already enough for 28-70, 50-150 would be a good one to consider.
like jojib mentioned above ( and refer to the photos posted by jojib for portraits), it is a nice lens to consider at cheaper budget ( along with 35-100, 35-150 tamron).
you can still pair any of those w/ the wide angle lens (14-24 sigma)
