Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
p.1 #1Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
So many options these days, so hard to choose! Hoping to hear from the good folks of FM to help me decide. Some context first:
I have an A7CR with a 20-70 F4 currently along with a 16 F1.8. I'm a hobbyist and primarily shoot cityscapes and architecture, at home and when I travel (ex. to London). While I love landscape photography, I'm not so enthusiastic and dedicated that I'm going on all sorts of dedicated treks to mountaintops at sunrise. That is to say, I'm not so dedicated that I care to have the GM trinity. I primarily care about portability and usability. I should also say that I'm mostly a Leica M shooter, so prefer to have AF zooms for my Sony setup as it offers something different.
Now my conundrum - given the two lenses I have, I started out by thinking I should grab a telephoto, like a 70-200 F4 Macro II. I wasn't quite sure on it because that's a chunky lens which means, especially for traveling, it is likely to remain at home. Or if I do take it with me, I don't know that I want to carry it around for 8 hours while walking the city. But looking at my LR catalog, I did hit 70mm quite few times and think I could've benefitted from longer reach in some situations (I often carry a very tiny 90mm with my Leica and come back always surprised at how much I used it). So then I started looking at some other options and have thought about the following groupings:
1.
Samyang Schneider 14-24 F2.8
Sigma 20-200 f3.5-6.3
2.
Samyang Schneider 14-24 F2.8
Tamron 25-200 f2.8-5.6
3.
Tamron 11-20 F2.8
Sony 20-70 F4
Sony 70-200 F4 Macro
All three have their benefits and drawbacks. I think I'd likely sell the 16 F1.8 I currently. The Samyang Schneider has great reviews, is very small and light, takes front filters, and I highly doubt I need to go wider than 14. Very appealing. Both the Sigma and Tamron superzooms complement the Samyang well in terms of range, with the Sigma wide enough that taking the Samyang becomes more of an option than a likelihood. When I looked at my LR catalog, my shots were at F8, so I'm not sure if the different in speed will really matter. In terms of the Tamron vs Sigma, above 35mm, the difference is just 1/3 stop it seems. Both also seem to have decent close-focus macro ability, which would be great. I was contemplating getting a small prime (like the 40mm 2.5 G or even a Voigtlander manual focus) as my fast lens (or even the Sony 24-50 f2.8, which is my most commonly used range - useful for when I just want a lighter-weight single lens casual setup).
Any perspectives from you experienced Sony shooters would be much appreciated! Cheers!
I have an A7CR with a 20-70 F4 currently along with a 16 F1.8. I'm a hobbyist and primarily shoot cityscapes and architecture, at home and when I travel (ex. to London). While I love landscape photography, I'm not so enthusiastic and dedicated that I'm going on all sorts of dedicated treks to mountaintops at sunrise. That is to say, I'm not so dedicated that I care to have the GM trinity. I primarily care about portability and usability. I should also say that I'm mostly a Leica M shooter, so prefer to have AF zooms for my Sony setup as it offers something different.
Now my conundrum - given the two lenses I have, I started out by thinking I should grab a telephoto, like a 70-200 F4 Macro II. I wasn't quite sure on it because that's a chunky lens which means, especially for traveling, it is likely to remain at home. Or if I do take it with me, I don't know that I want to carry it around for 8 hours while walking the city. But looking at my LR catalog, I did hit 70mm quite few times and think I could've benefitted from longer reach in some situations (I often carry a very tiny 90mm with my Leica and come back always surprised at how much I used it). So then I started looking at some other options and have thought about the following groupings:
1.
Samyang Schneider 14-24 F2.8
Sigma 20-200 f3.5-6.3
2.
Samyang Schneider 14-24 F2.8
Tamron 25-200 f2.8-5.6
3.
Tamron 11-20 F2.8
Sony 20-70 F4
Sony 70-200 F4 Macro
All three have their benefits and drawbacks. I think I'd likely sell the 16 F1.8 I currently. The Samyang Schneider has great reviews, is very small and light, takes front filters, and I highly doubt I need to go wider than 14. Very appealing. Both the Sigma and Tamron superzooms complement the Samyang well in terms of range, with the Sigma wide enough that taking the Samyang becomes more of an option than a likelihood. When I looked at my LR catalog, my shots were at F8, so I'm not sure if the different in speed will really matter. In terms of the Tamron vs Sigma, above 35mm, the difference is just 1/3 stop it seems. Both also seem to have decent close-focus macro ability, which would be great. I was contemplating getting a small prime (like the 40mm 2.5 G or even a Voigtlander manual focus) as my fast lens (or even the Sony 24-50 f2.8, which is my most commonly used range - useful for when I just want a lighter-weight single lens casual setup).
Any perspectives from you experienced Sony shooters would be much appreciated! Cheers!
Oct 27, 2026 at 02:21 PM
p.1 #2Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
Also take a look at the following option as your super zoom:
Tamron 28-200. It is meaningfully faster at the longer end. AF is acceptable, but many people complain it isn't sharp enough. I have found sharpness to be fine on the A7Rv and A1ii, but there are certainly situations when it does not resolve like a GM lens (or the Tamron 35-150).
The tradeoff of course is between speed and width. Sounds like you are more in the width category, but if you can deal with 28 as the wide end of your superzoom and want more speed, the OG Tamron may be for you.
Tamron 28-200. It is meaningfully faster at the longer end. AF is acceptable, but many people complain it isn't sharp enough. I have found sharpness to be fine on the A7Rv and A1ii, but there are certainly situations when it does not resolve like a GM lens (or the Tamron 35-150).
The tradeoff of course is between speed and width. Sounds like you are more in the width category, but if you can deal with 28 as the wide end of your superzoom and want more speed, the OG Tamron may be for you.
Oct 27, 2026 at 02:36 PM
p.1 #3Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
I often use an A7CR for travel. I sold my 20-70mm f4 and acquired the Sigma 20-200mm and happy that I did. Look up the LensTip tests for these two lenses. In the comparable ranges, they are very close. My experience agrees with that. I have a cabinet full of GM level glass, and, honestly, the 20-200mm really holds-up when critically viewing at 100% on a high resolution monitor. The first time I shot this lens, I couldn't believe it.
I have tried a number of lenses for a second lens when traveling. I think I will take my newly acquired 11-20mm f2.8 and skip the 24mm or 35mm f1.4 that i normally take along with the Viltrox 14mm f4.
I have tried a number of lenses for a second lens when traveling. I think I will take my newly acquired 11-20mm f2.8 and skip the 24mm or 35mm f1.4 that i normally take along with the Viltrox 14mm f4.
Oct 27, 2026 at 02:36 PM
p.1 #4Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
I do have the 3 lenses in your 3rd group. I am very pleased with that setup. BTW, you don't have to take the G 70-200mm lens all the time, only when you feel that a longer reach would be necessary. Often times, I leave it in the hotel room or the place you stay. I am just pointing that option out. Another UWA lens that I have been impressed with is the Viltrox 14mm f/4 as Jeff mentioned above. A super light lens with superb performance, I would say.
As you notice lens selection is highly subjective and what works for some may not for others. If you are confused now, wait until later after folks have added their preference...
. There is no such thing is the right or wrong selection...
As you notice lens selection is highly subjective and what works for some may not for others. If you are confused now, wait until later after folks have added their preference...
. There is no such thing is the right or wrong selection...Oct 27, 2026 at 02:46 PM
p.1 #5Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
TheEyesHaveIt wrote:
So many options these days, so hard to choose! Hoping to hear from the good folks of FM to help me decide. Some context first:
Now my conundrum - given the two lenses I have, I started out by thinking I should grab a telephoto, like a 70-200 F4 Macro II. I wasn't quite sure on it because that's a chunky lens which means, especially for traveling, it is likely to remain at home. Or if I do take it with me, I don't know that I want to carry it around for 8 hours while walking the city.
Any perspectives...Show more →
Before you discount the 2nd Gen 70-200/4 Macro...give it a fair try. This is a lens that has continued to excite and surprise me since the day I brought it home. And the best part is that it is an easy lens to carry!
Some perspective though because I think that weight/size is highly dependent on each persons history and/or experience. The same people who complain that the Sony 50/1.2 is too heavy have never carried a Zeiss Milvus or Otus 50mm for very long.
There is a dedicated thread here on FM for the 70-200/4 G II. I've updated the last two pages with some images taken this year with this lens. Of all those I own, this one will always be in my bag.
Al
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1816026/
So many options these days, so hard to choose! Hoping to hear from the good folks of FM to help me decide. Some context first:
Now my conundrum - given the two lenses I have, I started out by thinking I should grab a telephoto, like a 70-200 F4 Macro II. I wasn't quite sure on it because that's a chunky lens which means, especially for traveling, it is likely to remain at home. Or if I do take it with me, I don't know that I want to carry it around for 8 hours while walking the city.
Any perspectives...Show more →
Before you discount the 2nd Gen 70-200/4 Macro...give it a fair try. This is a lens that has continued to excite and surprise me since the day I brought it home. And the best part is that it is an easy lens to carry!
Some perspective though because I think that weight/size is highly dependent on each persons history and/or experience. The same people who complain that the Sony 50/1.2 is too heavy have never carried a Zeiss Milvus or Otus 50mm for very long.
There is a dedicated thread here on FM for the 70-200/4 G II. I've updated the last two pages with some images taken this year with this lens. Of all those I own, this one will always be in my bag.
Al
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1816026/
Oct 27, 2026 at 03:23 PM
p.1 #6Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
I'd love to try the 70-200 f4 macro (and I have thought about renting a few of these lenses for a week from LensRentals), but it just seem huge (bear in mind, I'm used to Leica M lenses most of the time, but even compared to Sony lenses like the 20-70 or the 24-50).
See this comparison: https://freeimage.host/i/nvkkc0P
Totally agree with the point above that I don't have to carry it with me all the time, but I'm really trying to think about, especially while traveling, when I would want that with me walking around the city (given I usually am walking 10-12 miles per day in places like London). If it is going to stay in the hotel even 85% of the time, that doesn't seem like a great use of space or money.
Edited on Oct 27, 2026 at 03:40 PM · View previous versions
See this comparison: https://freeimage.host/i/nvkkc0P
Totally agree with the point above that I don't have to carry it with me all the time, but I'm really trying to think about, especially while traveling, when I would want that with me walking around the city (given I usually am walking 10-12 miles per day in places like London). If it is going to stay in the hotel even 85% of the time, that doesn't seem like a great use of space or money.
Edited on Oct 27, 2026 at 03:40 PM · View previous versions
Oct 27, 2026 at 03:39 PM
p.1 #7Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
So we’re clear, the Tamron 11-20/2.8 is an APSC lens while the Tamron 12-20/2.8 is the full frame version. I also have the latter, the Sony 20-70/4 and 70/200/4 G oss ii. IMO, the 70-200 is nice and compact for a 70-200 that also serves as an excellent near 1/2 life size macro lens to boot, but that said it’s still pushing towards being a larger zoom. It’s also stellar on image quality and it remains stellar with the 1.4x attached too. Ironically, the 20-70/4 is the weakest optically of these three, but it’s so versatile it’s hard for me not to keep using it for travel. Just know the 24-70/2.8 GMii is the better lens and my normal landscape goto. And if I think I’ll prefer its IQ over the lesser weight and broader range of the 20-70, I will travel with it and live without the 20-24 range covered, just FWIW.
All that said I would and happily do travel with these 3 lenses for travel photography, plus a few smaller primes, but depending will leave the 70-200 in the room for city travel until I think I’ll want it.
Since this is a photography forum and I was near my gear, here's a shot showing relative sizes of everything I discussed:
In order, 20-70/4 @488gm, 24-70 GMii @695gm, 70-200/4 G oss ii @794gm, and Tamron 12-20 @570gm.
All that said I would and happily do travel with these 3 lenses for travel photography, plus a few smaller primes, but depending will leave the 70-200 in the room for city travel until I think I’ll want it.
Since this is a photography forum and I was near my gear, here's a shot showing relative sizes of everything I discussed:
In order, 20-70/4 @488gm, 24-70 GMii @695gm, 70-200/4 G oss ii @794gm, and Tamron 12-20 @570gm.
Oct 27, 2026 at 03:39 PM
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p.1 #8Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
I like the "trinity" range (but not 3 big, heavy 2.8 zooms) as a starter for "travel." Say, 16mm or 17mm to 200mm/300mm depending on 70-200 or 70-300, etc. My "urban "Old Europe" type focal range differs from my wandering the "American West" travels. 28mm and longer fits the west. 20-xx or xxx fits Old Europe.
I don't have one but the Sigma 20-200 is really, really convenient. That one lens trades faster f-stops or maybe some IQ. I still have my 17-28, 28-200 and 20-70. The 17-28 and 20-70 are smaller than the 2x-200s. There are wider or longer zooms that may fit your locales or patience better or pair better for you.
The 20-70 is a little smaller than the 2x-200s so maybe a better fit on the A7CR. There's a new 20-60/2.8-4? A bit smaller than the 20-70 but either, for me, may not be long enough frequently. So, I'd start looking at the 20-××s and consider from their.
I don't have one but the Sigma 20-200 is really, really convenient. That one lens trades faster f-stops or maybe some IQ. I still have my 17-28, 28-200 and 20-70. The 17-28 and 20-70 are smaller than the 2x-200s. There are wider or longer zooms that may fit your locales or patience better or pair better for you.
The 20-70 is a little smaller than the 2x-200s so maybe a better fit on the A7CR. There's a new 20-60/2.8-4? A bit smaller than the 20-70 but either, for me, may not be long enough frequently. So, I'd start looking at the 20-××s and consider from their.
Oct 27, 2026 at 04:22 PM
p.1 #9Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
Currently onebag travelling with the Sony A7CR, Sony 16-35 f/4 PZ, Sony 70-200 f/4 GII. Primarily a landscape shooter these todays. In previous years I used Tamron 50-300 instead of the Sony but I like exploring abstract mini landscapes - hence the change to the 70-200. Next trip, I would swap the A7CR for A7RVI and add 1.4X. None of that really helps you with your situation but it's another option you could consider.
If I wasn't onebagging I would absolutely consider the Tamron 12-20 f/2.8, Sony 20-70 and 70-200 f/4.
If I wasn't onebagging I would absolutely consider the Tamron 12-20 f/2.8, Sony 20-70 and 70-200 f/4.
Oct 27, 2026 at 05:37 PM
p.1 #10Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
dakel wrote:
Currently onebag travelling with the Sony A7CR, Sony 16-35 f/4 PZ, Sony 70-200 f/4 GII. Primarily a landscape shooter these todays. In previous years I used Tamron 50-300 instead of the Sony but I like exploring abstract mini landscapes - hence the change to the 70-200. Next trip, I would swap the A7CR for A7RVI and add 1.4X. None of that really helps you with your situation but it's another option you could consider.
If I wasn't onebagging I would absolutely consider the Tamron 12-20 f/2.8, Sony 20-70 and 70-200 f/4.
FWIW, one body, any three of the zooms above, plus 2 smaller primes or a prime and the 1.4x, plus spare batteries and a small filter case all easily fit into my medium-sized Domke J803 messenger style camera bag.
Currently onebag travelling with the Sony A7CR, Sony 16-35 f/4 PZ, Sony 70-200 f/4 GII. Primarily a landscape shooter these todays. In previous years I used Tamron 50-300 instead of the Sony but I like exploring abstract mini landscapes - hence the change to the 70-200. Next trip, I would swap the A7CR for A7RVI and add 1.4X. None of that really helps you with your situation but it's another option you could consider.
If I wasn't onebagging I would absolutely consider the Tamron 12-20 f/2.8, Sony 20-70 and 70-200 f/4.
FWIW, one body, any three of the zooms above, plus 2 smaller primes or a prime and the 1.4x, plus spare batteries and a small filter case all easily fit into my medium-sized Domke J803 messenger style camera bag.
Oct 27, 2026 at 05:52 PM
p.1 #11Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
The primary reasons for the Sony 70-200 f/4 G II are macro and TC compatibility. If size and weight are your main concerns, the Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 is the same size as the Sony but a full stop brighter.
Pair that with the Tamron 16-30 f/2.8 or 17-50 f/4 for the wide end.
Pair that with the Tamron 16-30 f/2.8 or 17-50 f/4 for the wide end.
Oct 28, 2026 at 09:55 AM
p.1 #12Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
The Tamron 70-180 is a stop brighter than the Sony 70-200 f/4 G II but it's actually slightly heavier (although not enough to matter imo). I've owned both and I still own the Sony and will probably never get rid of it.
Buy the Sony 70-200 f/4 G II, keep the 16mm and the other lens and you should be good.
Buy the Sony 70-200 f/4 G II, keep the 16mm and the other lens and you should be good.
Oct 28, 2026 at 11:06 AM
p.1 #13Lens Selection Help Please - Confused!
TheEyesHaveIt wrote:
(I often carry a very tiny 90mm with my Leica and come back always surprised at how much I used it).
Perhaps get a Techart LM-EA9 for your 90mm.
Or maybe a Viltrox 85/2.
(I often carry a very tiny 90mm with my Leica and come back always surprised at how much I used it).
Perhaps get a Techart LM-EA9 for your 90mm.
Or maybe a Viltrox 85/2.
Oct 28, 2026 at 11:40 AM