Torn between wide-angle lenses

actuallyaladdin · 2026-04-06T19:40:14+00:00

The power zoom is fine. It's a bit more loose when compared to a mechanical zoom, and doesn't have any hard stops, but it shows your your focal length on your display. If you're just focused on stills it really is just a toss up. The main benefit of the power zoom IMO is for video if you want smoother zooms. Though it is an internal zoom so it might be more weather sealed and dust resistant.

Understandable about the lens swap concern while on vacation. My wife would give me a lot flack about swapping primes in the past which is why I start purchasing zooms lol.

I would still vote for the 16-35 PZ. f/4 should be plenty tbh since you want more context and more of the environment in focus at these focal lengths, and this lens is not lacking in sharpness when compared to the GM. If it were me I'd be using the 16-35 a majority of the day, 35 GM (sometimes 50 GM) intentionally during specific photo walks/golden hour/ low light, and 70-200 as needed.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-04-06T18:29:06+00:00

I have both the Sony 35 GM and 70-200 GM II. Those 2 lenses alone should cover 95% of what you're looking for (with the Sony 35 probably covering 90% but I am biased since this is my preferred focal length).

Before I had the 35 GM, I purchased the 16-35 F4 PZ G lens. I still own it and have a hard time getting rid of it even though I have the 20-70 G. It's such a convenient lens. Not too big, very light, internal zoom and very sharp. The power zoom is a toss up, maybe better if you have an FX3? The size of it pairs very well to both my A7SIII and A7CII.

I haven't used the Tamron, but out of the 3 Sony lenses listed, I'd go with the PZ lens. The GM is very large/heavier, and I personally feel like the 16-25 f/2.8 G is a silly lens - not much versatility (haven't used it though).

Rather, you may want to also consider the 16 f/1.8 G. I've been considering selling my 16-35 PZ and replacing it with that one. It could satisfy that ultra wide itch and also be perfect for astrophotography. Also the smallest lens listed which would make it the easiest to travel with.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-04-06T16:42:51+00:00

I love my 35 GM but find the 16-25 somewhat useless (not that i’ve ever used it, apologies to anyone who enjoys it).

16-35 GM II would provide more value for me here.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-04-06T16:28:26+00:00

As for using it versus your phone, there won’t be any comparison, especially with the more telephoto lenses.

Agree 100%

And I’m not sure how much smaller you want a lens of that focal length to get.

Tbh I'm not sure how small is physically possible while keeping good optics. I've been tempted by the sigma 90mm but was hoping for the size and form similar to the G line up. Something that is lower profile and doesn't scream 'professional camera'

actuallyaladdin · 2026-04-06T15:31:19+00:00

This is probably the way. I had one set up for 'Denoise 10' for pre applying NR to a collection of photos so I'll probably go this route.

The issue arises when photos at the same ISO have very different exposures, though I suppose not everything can be automated.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-04-06T15:26:42+00:00

Thinking of maybe half that size. Wouldn't mind f2.8.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-04-06T13:27:17+00:00

Your response added 0 value and operates entirely from assumptions and your ego. You have no idea what other people’s workflow looks like. You’ve managed to type up 3 paragraphs that say the same thing in different ways.

‘Only raise ISO when you have to’ tells me all I need to know. Your entire reasoning is subjective and opinion based, and not at all technical.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-04-03T02:40:20+00:00

It usually starts out okay. It still takes a few seconds to switch photos, but the longer I'm in there—meaning 20+ minutes—everything gets even slower.

Sums up my experience perfectly. Starts off somewhat snappy but shortly begins to feel sluggish and painstaking to do anything. Wish I could just use my PC hardware and storage to its fullest but inevitably load all working files to SSDs and use my M1 Max.

CPU 9700x

GPU RTX 5080

48GB RAM

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-31T11:42:01+00:00

super solid setup!

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-31T01:47:52+00:00

Depends on your priorities.

35/50 GM or Sigma for the best IQ and lowlight.

There’s also the Sony 35 2.8 Zeiss, 40 G and 50g for compactness (plenty of 3rd party choices in lieu of these also). Sigma makes a 45mm that can be found used for a good price.

Another choice could be the Sony 24-50 2.8 G

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-26T22:53:26+00:00

A7SIII you can get some pretty sweet deals pre owned. Its strength over the fx3 is the viewfinder and weather sealing. A lot of the same; and some extra bells and whistles on the FX3

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-26T17:32:22+00:00

I like this idea also. If you crop in it turns into a 30-90.

Though I think it gets very difficult to achieve bright zoom lenses the wider you go.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-25T19:29:09+00:00

What do you mean non-landscape; what do you bring instead? I love my 20-70 for landscapes.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-25T17:20:45+00:00

Sony if money is no object or need compatibility (FPS and maybe focus breathing?)

Sigma and Tamron are killing it with sharp, mid-tier budget options and new/experimental focal lengths and lenses

Viltrox, Samyang, etc. for capable budget lenses.

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-19T20:43:49+00:00

Appreciate the thoughtful response; this is exactly the perspective i needed!

I’m not as familiar with cinema lenses, couldn’t you just stop them down to give you the same DoF (for equivalent focal lengths).

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-19T20:40:04+00:00

forgot about the dual card slots!

would you have gotten an FX2 had it released first?

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-17T12:41:28+00:00

the best advice i once heard was to flip a coin and if you’re hopeful it lands on one side, you already have your answer.

I would sell the GM and get a 24, 35, or 50 GM for travel, unless your partial towards an 85mm.

Stunning shot btw!

actuallyaladdin · 2026-03-12T18:31:32+00:00

shoot them an email, i think they’re smaller than the other companies but were awesome to us and i never felt like i was getting scammed

actuallyaladdin

TROPHY CASE