03/04/2026 9:31 am
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I am honestly so fed up with my current setup. Ive been lugging around this chunky 24-70 and it is just way too heavy for walking around London all day. My neck is literally killing me after two hours and everyone sees me coming from a mile away with this massive piece of glass so I can never get a decent candid shot anymore. It is honestly ruining the experience for me and I just want something lighter that doesnt break the bank but still gives me that sharpness for street stuff.
Im really looking at Tamron since everyone says they are great for E-mount but I cant decide which one is actually the best for just walking around and shooting. Here is what I need:
- needs to be under like 800 dollars cause I already spent too much this year
- fast autofocus is a must because people move quick and I miss shots constantly
- lightweight enough that I dont feel like I have a brick on my chest
- preferably a zoom but I guess I could do a prime if its really worth it
I was looking at the 28-75 G2 but maybe thats still too big? Or that 20-40mm one looks interesting but I dont know if the range is enough for street. I just want to be able to blend in more and not look like a professional paparazzi every time I step out of my flat. What are you guys actually using day to day?
4 Answers
12
03/04/2026 9:55 am
Just saw this and honestly feel your pain. Lugging a heavy setup around London is the worst way to shoot. Quick question tho... what focal length do you usually find yourself using on your current zoom? Like, are you a wide-angle person or do you like to keep your distance? Knowing that would help a lot. I had high hopes for the Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 since it is so tiny and cheap, but unfortunately the autofocus was a letdown. It is way too slow for candid street stuff and missing shots is just frustrating. If you want a light zoom, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is super light and stays under your budget, but the range is a bit niche. I also checked out the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD which is basically the ultimate travel lens, but I worry it wont be fast enough for you in low light.
11
03/04/2026 9:32 am
I actually ditched my heavy zoom after a weekend in Shoreditch left my neck aching. I switched to the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD and it changed everything. It weighs basically nothing compared to the 24-70 tho.
- The VXD motor is silent and locks on fast enough for street.
- Its compact enough that you look like a hobbyist, not a pro.
- 40mm range is decent for street shots.
5
03/04/2026 9:55 am
> I was looking at the 28-75 G2 but maybe thats still too big? ^ This. Also, I have to politely disagree about the 28-75 G2 being too bulky. The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 works well for street and I have been very satisfied with it.
- Weight: Way lighter than G-Master glass.
- Performance: VXD autofocus is near-instant tho.
- Budget: Stays under your 800 dollar limit. Its basically the most logical choice.
4
08/04/2026 11:30 am
Re: "Just saw this and honestly feel your pain...."
- I spent way too many years swapping primes in the rain near South Bank, always paranoid about getting dust on my sensor or dropping a lens in the crowd. It was stressful and honestly took the fun out of shooting. I eventually simplified everything and picked up the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD. I have been so satisfied with it because it just works. No fumbling, no missed shots. Its light enough that I dont feel it by the end of the day, and the reliability has been top notch. Even tho it is a superzoom, the sharpness at the wide end for street stuff is surprisingly good. It doesnt look like a massive pro lens either, so I can usually blend in with the tourists around Piccadilly without anyone giving me a second look. Its been my most reliable piece of kit for a while now. Quick tip: Keep a high-quality UV filter on at all times to protect from city grime. Also, try sticking to one focal length for an hour at a time to train your eye, even if you have the zoom range available.
