What is the best Ta...
 
Notifications
Clear all

What is the best Tamron lens for Sony E-mount street photography?

2 Posts
4 Users
0 Reactions
9 Views
0
Topic starter

So I've been a Sony shooter for years, mostly sticking to those tiny Samyang primes or my trusty 35mm f/1.8 because I hate carrying heavy gear when I'm out doing street stuff. But I'm heading to Tokyo in about three weeks and I'm starting to realize that swapping lenses in the middle of a crowded Shibuya crossing is gonna be a total nightmare. I want to try one of the Tamron zooms since everyone raves about their E-mount lineup lately but I'm honestly torn. I used to be a prime purist but I'm tired of missing shots because I'm 10 feet too far away or too close and don't have time to 'zoom with my feet' without getting hit by a bike.

I've been looking at the 28-75mm G2 because obviously it's the gold standard for third party glass, but is it too bulky for stealth street work? I'm using an a7CII and I don't want to ruin the compact form factor with a massive setup that makes people stare. Then there's the 20-40mm f/2.8 which seems perfect for tight alleys but might be way too short on the long end? It's like every time I find a lens I like, I find a reason it might suck for this specific trip.

Here is what I'm looking for:

  • Budget is around $700-$800, maybe slightly more if it's really worth it
  • Needs to be fast. I mean like instant AF because I do a lot of candid stuff
  • Not a brick. I'm gonna be walking like 15 miles a day through Shinjuku
  • Weather sealing is a plus because June in Japan is usually rainy as hell

I've heard the 28-200mm is surprisingly good for a superzoom but that f/2.8 at the wide end only lasts for a second right? Is the image quality actually there for high-end street shots or is it gonna look soft? I usually shoot wide open to get some separation but maybe I'm overthinking it. If anyone has used these on an a7 series body for travel and street I'd love to hear what actually stayed on your camera the most. Just can't decide if I should prioritize the reach or the constant f/2.8...

12

You should absolutely get the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD for your trip! I used this exact setup on my Sony a7C II last year in Tokyo and it was a total lifesaver. It fits right into your budget at around 700 dollars and it honestly performs way above its price point. Here is why it works so well for street photography. First, the size and weight are perfect. It only weighs about 575 grams so you wont feel like you are lugging a brick around Shinjuku all day. Second, the weather sealing is fantastic. It poured when I was there and the lens handled the rain like a champ. Regarding the aperture, yes it drops from f2.8 quickly, but you still get amazing background separation at the longer focal lengths. The autofocus is incredibly snappy too. You definitely wont miss those fast candid moments. The image quality is shockingly sharp for a superzoom and it completely eliminates the need to swap lenses in crowded places. Highly recommend it!




Share:
Forum.Cameraegg.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.