I was in Venice in December, along with a few other cities in Northern Italy.
As usual, I was torn between which lenses to take. I often take my Tamron 35-150mm, the GM 28-70mm f2 that I love so much, GM 35mm f1.4, GM 14mm f1.8, etc, etc.
What I finally took was the Sigma 20-200mm, GM 24mm f1.4 and GM 16-35mm f2.8 II. I sold my Tamron 28-200mm in favor of the Sigma lens for the wider FL and slightly sharper results (really glad that I did!).
Long story short - The GM 24mm f1.4 and GM 16-35mm f2.8 II stayed in the hotel rooms and I used the 20-200mm for virtually everything. I stitched a few shots for wider. I was completely amazed with the results. IBIS has really changed the game and I am, inherently, a fast-primes guy.
I acquired an A7CR for the trip and really disliked it (sold it when I got back). It will be my A7R5 or A1 II for any future trips.
Below, are a few low-light samples.
EDIT: I would love to take a photography-specific trip to Venice as you are doing. For careful shooting, this city presents a ton of possibilities. Shooting, when traveling with my wife becomes a "run and gun" exercise.
I was in Venice in December, along with a few other cities in Northern Italy.
As usual, I was torn between which lenses to take. I often take my Tamron 35-150mm, the GM 28-70mm f2 that I love so much, GM 35mm f1.4, GM 14mm f1.8, etc, etc.
What I finally took was the Sigma 20-200mm, GM 24mm f1.4 and GM 16-35mm f2.8 II. I sold my Tamron 28-200mm in favor of the Sigma lens for the wider FL and slightly sharper results (really glad that I did!).
Long story short - The GM 24mm f1.4 and GM 16-35mm f2.8 II stayed in the hotel rooms and I used the 20-200mm for virtually everything. I stitched a few shots for wider. I was completely amazed with the results. IBIS has really changed the game and I am, inherently, a fast-primes guy.
I acquired an A7CR for the trip and really disliked it (sold it when I got back). It will be my A7R5 or A1 II for any future trips.
Below, are a few low-light samples.
EDIT: I would love to take a photography-specific trip to Venice as you are doing. For careful shooting, this city presents a ton of possibilities. Shooting, when traveling with my wife becomes a "run and gun" exercise.
I was in Venice in December, along with a few other cities in Northern Italy.
As usual, I was torn between which lenses to take. I often take my Tamron 35-150mm, the GM 28-70mm f2 that I love so much, GM 35mm f1.4, GM 14mm f1.8, etc, etc.
What I finally took was the Sigma 20-200mm, GM 24mm f1.4 and GM 16-35mm f2.8 II. I sold my Tamron 28-200mm in favor of the Sigma lens for the wider FL and slightly sharper results (really glad that I did!).
Long story short - The GM 24mm f1.4 and GM 16-35mm f2.8 II stayed in the hotel rooms and I used the 20-200mm for virtually everything. I stitched a few shots for wider. I was completely amazed with the results. IBIS has really changed the game and I am, inherently, a fast-primes guy.
I acquired an A7CR for the trip and really disliked it (sold it when I got back). It will be my A7R5 or A1 II for any future trips.
Below, are a few low-light samples.
Mar 27, 2026 at 11:03 AM
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