A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
p.1 #1A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
I’m a bit out of my depth in that I haven’t really used my 24mm f/1.4 GM for awhile. Recently, I didn’t have a Sony body and previously, I used other cameras without fast lenses. I’m off to South Korea for a couple of weeks and will be traveling with an A7R6 and one, or two lenses on my belt in a pouch. I’ll transport everything in a 25L Nomatic backpack. Right now I have the Loxia 21mm f/2.4, Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM, Voigtlander 35mm & 50mm f/2.0 APO Lanthar and 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM. That’s way more gear than I’ve ever traveled with and I’m thinking of deleting one lens. The two GMs are better when the weather turns and the 24mm also fills in when the light is low, but I’m thinking that I’ll mostly be taking photos of static subject. Is it reasonable to leave the 24mm at home since I have two other f/2 lenses that are superb wide open? I’m thinking that with IBIS and f/2, I should be ok in low light. Don’t get me wrong. The 24 is a superb lens, but five lenses is a bit much. Regarding bad weather, I’ve used the ‘M’ version of the 35mm APO-Lanthar in a rather rainy South Korea during my last visit..(wetter time of the year) and all worked out fine.
Sep 11, 2026 at 07:42 PM
p.1 #2A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
You would probably be fine with 21mm, 35mm and 100mm and drop both 24mm and 50mm.
Sep 11, 2026 at 08:03 PM
p.1 #3A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
curious80 wrote:
You would probably be fine with 21mm, 35mm and 100mm and drop both 24mm and 50mm.
Last time I took the 21mm and 35mm and left everything else at home, but the M11 Monochrom can shoot using incredibly high ISO..of course no IBIS. Shooting both the 50 and the 100 is something new for me. If I took only 21/35 then I would probably take the Loxia 85mm vs the 100mm.
Sep 11, 2026 at 08:39 PM
p.1 #4A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
I’d take the 24GM, 50, and 100. On your camera the 24 doubles as a 35 in crop mode. Using crop mode effectively with those three will give you the following focal lengths: 24, 35, 50, 75, 100, and 150mm. You can shoot it all with those.
Sep 11, 2026 at 09:57 PM
p.1 #5A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
bwcolor wrote:
Last time I took the 21mm and 35mm and left everything else at home, but the M11 Monochrom can shoot using incredibly high ISO..of course no IBIS. Shooting both the 50 and the 100 is something new for me. If I took only 21/35 then I would probably take the Loxia 85mm vs the 100mm.
If you have the 85mm then yes I would take 21/35/85. I understand the desire for f1.4 in low light, but more often that not you may not be able to use that f1.4 anyway to have enough depth of field.
curious80 wrote
You would probably be fine with 21mm, 35mm and 100mm and drop both 24mm and 50mm.If you have the 85mm then yes I would take 21/35/85. I understand the desire for f1.4 in low light, but more often that not you may not be able to use that f1.4 anyway to have enough depth of field.
Sep 11, 2026 at 10:50 PM
p.1 #6A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
All of your suggestions make sense and I appreciate your input. I thought that it would be interesting to state my original photographic goal and allow Grok4 access to my 2024 color album from South Korea which was shot totally on the X2D & XCD 38v. I stated that I would return to the same locations in that this will be my wife’s first trip to South Korea. I provided a lens list and Grok analyzed the location of each shot and suggested a heavy reliance upon the 50mm & 100mm lenses. It argued that the 35mm was too close to the 38v and I left the 24mm home. So this was essentially a 21/50/100mm kit.
Sep 12, 2026 at 07:29 AM
p.1 #7A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
If you’re using the A7R6, then IMO it’s silly not to take advantage of its incredible AF. Hence, I’d recommend your 2 GM’s and suggest buying an AF 50 — the little Viltrox 50/2 is excellent optically and cheap. There’s a couple fs in the b&s now, one is mine because I went to the Sony/Zeiss 55/1.8, another excellent option if you prefer the slightly longer look.
Sep 12, 2026 at 08:35 AM
p.1 #8A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
Jack Flesher wrote:
If you’re using the A7R6, then IMO it’s silly not to take advantage of its incredible AF. Hence, I’d recommend your 2 GM’s and suggest buying an AF 50 — the little Viltrox 50/2 is excellent optically and cheap. There’s a couple fs in the b&s now, one is mine because I went to the Sony/Zeiss 55/1.8, another excellent option if you prefer the slightly longer look.
Your suggestion makes sense and my lens/camera combination doesn’t. I think that is a fair analysis and conclusion. I’m a big fan of Viltrox. My daughter almost exclusively uses her 25mm Air on her A6700. I have the 16-35mm GMii, 24mm GM, 50-150mm F/2 GM, 40mm G, 17mm f/4 DG DN and 90mm same series, as well as the 100-400mm GM from 2017, or so and have owned, since it came out, the Sony/Zeiss 55/1.8..great punch in a compact inexpensive package. So, I do like and use autofocus lenses, but South Korea is a culture that is a good bit concerned with keeping privacy in public space. I saw a sign posted on a Busan beach warning photographers that there can be an enormous fine and up to ten years in jail for taking photographs of people on the beach without their permission. I have decades of use of manual focus lenses on Leica film and digital cameras as well as Bronica and Mamiya rangefinders. My choice of the A7R6 resulted from ownership of lenses and no Sony bodies. Also, I use and love the same APO-Lanthars on my ‘M’ cameras. I thought that the EVF was great for manual focus and I wasn’t interested in a Nikon. I’ll be taking photos of static subjects with unidentified people as part of the foreground/background and I enjoy using the lenses mentioned. I think a more pressing concern is rain and only having one lens that works in anything but a mild drizzle. All of the GM lenses mentioned are much better for harsher conditions. I’m not sure where Viltrox falls with respect to weather sealing.
If you’re using the A7R6, then IMO it’s silly not to take advantage of its incredible AF. Hence, I’d recommend your 2 GM’s and suggest buying an AF 50 — the little Viltrox 50/2 is excellent optically and cheap. There’s a couple fs in the b&s now, one is mine because I went to the Sony/Zeiss 55/1.8, another excellent option if you prefer the slightly longer look.
Your suggestion makes sense and my lens/camera combination doesn’t. I think that is a fair analysis and conclusion. I’m a big fan of Viltrox. My daughter almost exclusively uses her 25mm Air on her A6700. I have the 16-35mm GMii, 24mm GM, 50-150mm F/2 GM, 40mm G, 17mm f/4 DG DN and 90mm same series, as well as the 100-400mm GM from 2017, or so and have owned, since it came out, the Sony/Zeiss 55/1.8..great punch in a compact inexpensive package. So, I do like and use autofocus lenses, but South Korea is a culture that is a good bit concerned with keeping privacy in public space. I saw a sign posted on a Busan beach warning photographers that there can be an enormous fine and up to ten years in jail for taking photographs of people on the beach without their permission. I have decades of use of manual focus lenses on Leica film and digital cameras as well as Bronica and Mamiya rangefinders. My choice of the A7R6 resulted from ownership of lenses and no Sony bodies. Also, I use and love the same APO-Lanthars on my ‘M’ cameras. I thought that the EVF was great for manual focus and I wasn’t interested in a Nikon. I’ll be taking photos of static subjects with unidentified people as part of the foreground/background and I enjoy using the lenses mentioned. I think a more pressing concern is rain and only having one lens that works in anything but a mild drizzle. All of the GM lenses mentioned are much better for harsher conditions. I’m not sure where Viltrox falls with respect to weather sealing.
Sep 12, 2026 at 09:14 AM
p.1 #9A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
bwcolor wrote:
I’m a bit out of my depth in that I haven’t really used my 24mm f/1.4 GM for awhile. Recently, I didn’t have a Sony body and previously, I used other cameras without fast lenses. I’m off to South Korea for a couple of weeks and will be traveling with an A7R6 and one, or two lenses on my belt in a pouch. I’ll transport everything in a 25L Nomatic backpack. Right now I have the Loxia 21mm f/2.4, Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM, Voigtlander 35mm & 50mm f/2.0 APO Lanthar and 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM. That’s way more gear than...Show more →
It seems like you’re building a kit around the new body you purchased rather than bringing the best kit for the trip you’re actually going on.
Using the Voigtländer glass on the Sony feels like a losing proposition all around. The 24 should outperform all of them on the native sensor, while also giving you autofocus. I love manual-focus glass, but I’m just not seeing the upside here, mostly compromises.
The A7R VI is a beautiful camera, but it’s not something I’d bring the wrong glass for just because I wanted to use that body.
I’d either stick with your Hasselblad system or bring an M body to use with the APO glass.
Have a rad trip!!!
I’m a bit out of my depth in that I haven’t really used my 24mm f/1.4 GM for awhile. Recently, I didn’t have a Sony body and previously, I used other cameras without fast lenses. I’m off to South Korea for a couple of weeks and will be traveling with an A7R6 and one, or two lenses on my belt in a pouch. I’ll transport everything in a 25L Nomatic backpack. Right now I have the Loxia 21mm f/2.4, Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM, Voigtlander 35mm & 50mm f/2.0 APO Lanthar and 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM. That’s way more gear than...Show more →
It seems like you’re building a kit around the new body you purchased rather than bringing the best kit for the trip you’re actually going on.
Using the Voigtländer glass on the Sony feels like a losing proposition all around. The 24 should outperform all of them on the native sensor, while also giving you autofocus. I love manual-focus glass, but I’m just not seeing the upside here, mostly compromises.
The A7R VI is a beautiful camera, but it’s not something I’d bring the wrong glass for just because I wanted to use that body.
I’d either stick with your Hasselblad system or bring an M body to use with the APO glass.
Have a rad trip!!!
Sep 12, 2026 at 10:18 AM
p.1 #10A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
RustyRus wrote:
It seems like you’re building a kit around the new body you purchased rather than bringing the best kit for the trip you’re actually going on.
Using the Voigtländer glass on the Sony feels like a losing proposition all around. The 24 should outperform all of them on the native sensor, while also giving you autofocus. I love manual-focus glass, but I’m just not seeing the upside here, mostly compromises.
The A7R VI is a beautiful camera, but it’s not something I’d bring the wrong glass for just because I wanted to use that body.
I’d either stick with your Hasselblad system or...Show more →
Ok.. understood and certainly the 24mm GM is a fine lens and small for the slot that it fills. It outperforms the 21mm Loxia and is pretty much on par with the 35 & 50mm APO-Lanthar. It is clearly better in a dynamic environment and when it rains. If I were going to a different country where I could shoot more street, while showing people’s faces, I would not take manual focusing lenses. I anticipate that I will mostly use the 50mm & 100mm lenses. I’m going to the exact same locations as my last Korean trip and I want to have these images look different than my X2D/38v images of 2024.
Resolution Candidate Lenses
bwcolor wrote
I’m a bit out of my depth in that I haven’t really used my 24mm f/1.4 GM for awhile. Recently, I didn’t have a Sony body and previously, I used other cameras without fast lenses. I’m off to South Korea for a couple of weeks and will be traveling with an A7R6 and one, or two lenses on my belt in a pouch. I’ll transport everything in a 25L Nomatic backpack. Right now I have the Loxia 21mm f/2.4, Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM, Voigtlander 35mm & 50mm f/2.0 APO Lanthar and 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM. That’s way more gear than I’ve ever traveled with and I’m thinking of deleting one lens. The two GMs are better when the weather turns and the 24mm also fills in when the light is low, but I’m thinking that I’ll mostly be taking photos of static subject. Is it reasonable to leave the 24mm at home since I have two other f/2 lenses that are superb wide open? I’m thinking that with IBIS and f/2, I should be ok in low light. Don’t get me wrong. The 24 is a superb lens, but five lenses is a bit much. Regarding bad weather, I’ve used the ‘M’ version of the 35mm APO-Lanthar in a rather rainy South Korea during my last visit..(wetter time of the year) and all worked out fine.Using the Voigtländer glass on the Sony feels like a losing proposition all around. The 24 should outperform all of them on the native sensor, while also giving you autofocus. I love manual-focus glass, but I’m just not seeing the upside here, mostly compromises.
The A7R VI is a beautiful camera, but it’s not something I’d bring the wrong glass for just because I wanted to use that body.
I’d either stick with your Hasselblad system or...Show more →
Ok.. understood and certainly the 24mm GM is a fine lens and small for the slot that it fills. It outperforms the 21mm Loxia and is pretty much on par with the 35 & 50mm APO-Lanthar. It is clearly better in a dynamic environment and when it rains. If I were going to a different country where I could shoot more street, while showing people’s faces, I would not take manual focusing lenses. I anticipate that I will mostly use the 50mm & 100mm lenses. I’m going to the exact same locations as my last Korean trip and I want to have these images look different than my X2D/38v images of 2024.
Resolution Candidate Lenses
Sep 12, 2026 at 12:10 PM
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p.1 #11A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
Buy an AF 50 of some smaller, less pro looking sort, plus your 24 and 100, done.
Sep 12, 2026 at 12:45 PM
RoamingScott
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p.1 #12A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
bwcolor wrote:
All of your suggestions make sense and I appreciate your input. I thought that it would be interesting to state my original photographic goal and allow Grok4 access to my 2024 color album from South Korea which was shot totally on the X2D & XCD 38v. I stated that I would return to the same locations in that this will be my wife’s first trip to South Korea. I provided a lens list and Grok analyzed the location of each shot and suggested a heavy reliance upon the 50mm & 100mm lenses. It argued that the 35mm was too close...Show more →
It's disheartening to hear people offloading their critical thinking to AI when the problems aren't all that complicated to begin with.
All of your suggestions make sense and I appreciate your input. I thought that it would be interesting to state my original photographic goal and allow Grok4 access to my 2024 color album from South Korea which was shot totally on the X2D & XCD 38v. I stated that I would return to the same locations in that this will be my wife’s first trip to South Korea. I provided a lens list and Grok analyzed the location of each shot and suggested a heavy reliance upon the 50mm & 100mm lenses. It argued that the 35mm was too close...Show more →
It's disheartening to hear people offloading their critical thinking to AI when the problems aren't all that complicated to begin with.
Sep 12, 2026 at 12:51 PM
p.1 #13A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
RoamingScott wrote:
It's disheartening to hear people offloading their critical thinking to AI when the problems aren't all that complicated to begin with.
It's interesting to see what AI has to say about things... I don't think the OP is "offloading" their critical thinking. I do it all the time. Your posts are occasionally really condescending.
What's disheartening about consulting AI...
bwcolor wrote
All of your suggestions make sense and I appreciate your input. I thought that it would be interesting to state my original photographic goal and allow Grok4 access to my 2024 color album from South Korea which was shot totally on the X2D & XCD 38v. I stated that I would return to the same locations in that this will be my wife’s first trip to South Korea. I provided a lens list and Grok analyzed the location of each shot and suggested a heavy reliance upon the 50mm & 100mm lenses. It argued that the 35mm was too close to the 38v and I left the 24mm home. So this was essentially a 21/50/100mm kit.It's interesting to see what AI has to say about things... I don't think the OP is "offloading" their critical thinking. I do it all the time. Your posts are occasionally really condescending.
What's disheartening about consulting AI...
Sep 12, 2026 at 01:01 PM
RoamingScott
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p.1 #14A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
For an experienced photographer to willingly give AI access to a trove of their personal work, knowing that it will be used in generative AI, and then leaning on a language model's analysis instead of their brain, which has been trained for this moment for years, is sad. It's a sad commentary on where we are as a society and as humans in general.
If you think me wanting someone to use their own critical thinking still instead of leaning on AI is condescending, you have some self-reflection to do.
If you think me wanting someone to use their own critical thinking still instead of leaning on AI is condescending, you have some self-reflection to do.
Sep 12, 2026 at 01:09 PM
p.1 #15A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
RoamingScott wrote:
For an experienced photographer to willingly give AI access to a trove of their personal work, knowing that it will be used in generative AI, and then leaning on a language model's analysis instead of their brain, which has been trained for this moment for years, is sad. It's a sad commentary on where we are as a society and as humans in general.
If you think me wanting someone to use their own critical thinking still instead of leaning on AI is condescending, you have some self-reflection to do.
I’m aware of your opposition to using AI. I have a differing view. I use AI as another bit of information which I weigh differently based upon my own experience. AI is and will be used in the medical field, which I’m familiar with. This should be of greater concern. So, should someone completely rely upon AI at this point in time would be unwise and paid AI models are generally more useful than free models. The two APO-Lanthars are lenses that I have a good bit of experience with and I’ve used the 24GM with other Sony models. I recognize that given the differences between the two lens mounts and sensor coverings that the lenses do not always translate from one system to the other.
For an experienced photographer to willingly give AI access to a trove of their personal work, knowing that it will be used in generative AI, and then leaning on a language model's analysis instead of their brain, which has been trained for this moment for years, is sad. It's a sad commentary on where we are as a society and as humans in general.
If you think me wanting someone to use their own critical thinking still instead of leaning on AI is condescending, you have some self-reflection to do.
I’m aware of your opposition to using AI. I have a differing view. I use AI as another bit of information which I weigh differently based upon my own experience. AI is and will be used in the medical field, which I’m familiar with. This should be of greater concern. So, should someone completely rely upon AI at this point in time would be unwise and paid AI models are generally more useful than free models. The two APO-Lanthars are lenses that I have a good bit of experience with and I’ve used the 24GM with other Sony models. I recognize that given the differences between the two lens mounts and sensor coverings that the lenses do not always translate from one system to the other.
Sep 12, 2026 at 01:24 PM
p.1 #16A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
I personally love the 24GM because of its gorgeous OOF rendering. I bought it to shoot wide open, but I have used the aperture ring a few times and Holy Batman, it is pretty sharp stopped down.
As an owner of the 100GM macro, I would advise leaving that at home due to weight and bulk. Great lens, but I don't understand how people bring that or the 50GM f/1.2 on trips. Maybe they're stronger than I am?!
Finally, I would throw a word of caution out regarding third party 50mm lenses. I am sure the i50 from Sigma focuses fine since I have the i35, but I can tell you Samyangs, while lightweight and offering beautiful OOF rendering, are useless for even the slowest moving subjects even with the A9iii. I would try to locate a used ZA55. My local shop had one for $300, and I see there is one here on FM B&S for $375. Great little lens and it has zero focusing issues.
Have fun with your trip!
As an owner of the 100GM macro, I would advise leaving that at home due to weight and bulk. Great lens, but I don't understand how people bring that or the 50GM f/1.2 on trips. Maybe they're stronger than I am?!
Finally, I would throw a word of caution out regarding third party 50mm lenses. I am sure the i50 from Sigma focuses fine since I have the i35, but I can tell you Samyangs, while lightweight and offering beautiful OOF rendering, are useless for even the slowest moving subjects even with the A9iii. I would try to locate a used ZA55. My local shop had one for $300, and I see there is one here on FM B&S for $375. Great little lens and it has zero focusing issues.
Have fun with your trip!
Sep 12, 2026 at 02:21 PM
p.1 #17A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
RoamingScott wrote:
For an experienced photographer to willingly give AI access to a trove of their personal work, knowing that it will be used in generative AI, and then leaning on a language model's analysis instead of their brain, which has been trained for this moment for years, is sad. It's a sad commentary on where we are as a society and as humans in general.
If you think me wanting someone to use their own critical thinking still instead of leaning on AI is condescending, you have some self-reflection to do.
I guess I'll start reflecting
For an experienced photographer to willingly give AI access to a trove of their personal work, knowing that it will be used in generative AI, and then leaning on a language model's analysis instead of their brain, which has been trained for this moment for years, is sad. It's a sad commentary on where we are as a society and as humans in general.
If you think me wanting someone to use their own critical thinking still instead of leaning on AI is condescending, you have some self-reflection to do.
I guess I'll start reflecting
Sep 12, 2026 at 02:47 PM
p.1 #18A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
Newenglandrocks wrote:
I personally love the 24GM because of its gorgeous OOF rendering. I bought it to shoot wide open, but I have used the aperture ring a few times and Holy Batman, it is pretty sharp stopped down.
As an owner of the 100GM macro, I would advise leaving that at home due to weight and bulk. Great lens, but I don't understand how people bring that or the 50GM f/1.2 on trips. Maybe they're stronger than I am?!
Finally, I would throw a word of caution out regarding third party 50mm lenses. I am sure the i50 from Sigma focuses fine since...Show more →
I 100% agree with your representation of the 24GM. It was firmly mounted on an A9 last I visited France. I started this lens selection considering the 16-35 GMii and 50-150mm f/2 GM, so the 100mm Macro is heavy, but it could be worse. When not on the camera, I’ll be carrying it inside a case mounted to a sturdy tactical belt. I own the ZA55, but decided not to take it and yes, it was a brilliant little lens when it first appeared. It was probably my first non-APSc Sony (Zeiss) lens.
I personally love the 24GM because of its gorgeous OOF rendering. I bought it to shoot wide open, but I have used the aperture ring a few times and Holy Batman, it is pretty sharp stopped down.
As an owner of the 100GM macro, I would advise leaving that at home due to weight and bulk. Great lens, but I don't understand how people bring that or the 50GM f/1.2 on trips. Maybe they're stronger than I am?!
Finally, I would throw a word of caution out regarding third party 50mm lenses. I am sure the i50 from Sigma focuses fine since...Show more →
I 100% agree with your representation of the 24GM. It was firmly mounted on an A9 last I visited France. I started this lens selection considering the 16-35 GMii and 50-150mm f/2 GM, so the 100mm Macro is heavy, but it could be worse. When not on the camera, I’ll be carrying it inside a case mounted to a sturdy tactical belt. I own the ZA55, but decided not to take it and yes, it was a brilliant little lens when it first appeared. It was probably my first non-APSc Sony (Zeiss) lens.
Sep 12, 2026 at 03:02 PM
p.1 #19A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
im doing the same in Germany this december with an A7rV. I am taking a 20F1.8, 35F1.8, an 85F2 and my 20-70 for daytime. I am also considering taking the 16-25. Staying home are my 24GM, and 70-200F2.8
Sep 12, 2026 at 04:31 PM
p.1 #20A7R6 F/1.4 VS F/2
bwcolor wrote:
As an owner of the 100GM macro, I would advise leaving that at home due to weight and bulk. Great lens, but I don't understand how people bring that or the 50GM f/1.2 on trips. Maybe they're stronger than I am?!
Finally, I would throw a word of caution out regarding third party 50mm lenses. I am sure the i50 from Sigma focuses fine since I have the i35, but I can tell you Samyangs, while lightweight and offering beautiful OOF rendering, are useless for even the slowest moving subjects even with the A9iii. I would try to locate a used ZA55. My local shop had one for $300, and I see there is one here on FM B&S for $375. Great little lens and it has zero focusing issues.
Have fun with your trip!I 100% agree with your representation of the 24GM. It was firmly mounted on an A9 last I visited France. I started this lens selection considering the 16-35 GMii and 50-150mm f/2 GM, so the 100mm Macro is heavy, but it could be worse. When not on the camera, I’ll be carrying it inside a case mounted to a sturdy tactical belt. I own the ZA55, but decided not to take it and yes, it was a brilliant little lens when it first appeared. It was probably my first non-APSc Sony (Zeiss) lens.
21mm vs 24mm for me comes dow to how much you value or need the wider FOV of the 21mm. You can crop the 21mm to 24mm but you can't go the other way. If you feel that 24mm is as wide as you would want to go then I would agree with the 24mm/50mm/100mm suggestion. If you need the extra width of the 21mm then 21, 35 and 85/100 would be my recommendation. This is purely based on FL and not considering AF capability which you know better how important it is for you. Personally I would prefer to have the wider FL available
Newenglandrocks wrote
I personally love the 24GM because of its gorgeous OOF rendering. I bought it to shoot wide open, but I have used the aperture ring a few times and Holy Batman, it is pretty sharp stopped down.As an owner of the 100GM macro, I would advise leaving that at home due to weight and bulk. Great lens, but I don't understand how people bring that or the 50GM f/1.2 on trips. Maybe they're stronger than I am?!
Finally, I would throw a word of caution out regarding third party 50mm lenses. I am sure the i50 from Sigma focuses fine since I have the i35, but I can tell you Samyangs, while lightweight and offering beautiful OOF rendering, are useless for even the slowest moving subjects even with the A9iii. I would try to locate a used ZA55. My local shop had one for $300, and I see there is one here on FM B&S for $375. Great little lens and it has zero focusing issues.
Have fun with your trip!
21mm vs 24mm for me comes dow to how much you value or need the wider FOV of the 21mm. You can crop the 21mm to 24mm but you can't go the other way. If you feel that 24mm is as wide as you would want to go then I would agree with the 24mm/50mm/100mm suggestion. If you need the extra width of the 21mm then 21, 35 and 85/100 would be my recommendation. This is purely based on FL and not considering AF capability which you know better how important it is for you. Personally I would prefer to have the wider FL available
Sep 13, 2026 at 07:56 PM