My First Sony Lens!

27 Mar

After months of research and taking in a lot of advice (which I truly appreciate), I have finally picked my first Sony camera lens. And I couldn’t be more thrilled! The lens I chose is the Sony 24-70mm G Master Mark II.

It was a tough decision between this and the Sony 24-50mm, but in the end, the 24-70mm won out. Not only did I go for the 24-70mm, but I made sure to get the Mark II version. So, why did I choose this lens over all the other options? Here are my five key reasons.

1. The Versatile Focal Length

The 24-70mm range on a full-frame sensor covers almost everything I need, from portraits to landscapes. Coming from the 16-55mm on my Fujifilm setup, this lens hits the perfect sweet spot. Right now, I’m using it at 24mm for YouTube videos, and I can switch to 70mm for tighter shots—showing just how versatile it is.

I’ve heard from many photographers and videographers that this is the only lens they ever use, making it a no-brainer. Yes, it was expensive—even used, it cost more than my Sony A7 IV—but I already love it and can’t wait to fully test its capabilities.

2. Native Sony Lens Over Third-Party Options

One of the biggest contenders was the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, which is also a fantastic lens. However, I ultimately chose the Sony lens because of its native system compatibility. The differences are small, but I read that the Sony lens has slightly better stabilization, especially for video.

Since I plan to keep this lens for the long term, I wanted the best option available. I didn’t want to deal with minor issues that might become annoying over time, and stabilization is a big factor for me when shooting handheld.

3. Video Capabilities & My Filmmaking Background

Before I got into photography, I was a filmmaker, and while my YouTube channel is focused on photography, I still do some filmmaking work outside of it. Having a lens that excels in both photo and video was crucial.

Since it’s a native Sony lens, I know I’m getting the best possible performance, and I’m eager to create more cinematic content for my channel. It’s been a while since I pushed my filmmaking skills, and this lens will allow me to do that without compromise.

4. The Mark II’s Size and Weight Advantage

Some might ask, why not just get the original G Master Mark I? It’s significantly cheaper, after all. But as a travel photographer, keeping my gear lightweight is a top priority.

The Mark II is noticeably smaller and lighter than its predecessor, making it the perfect choice for my needs. When I travel, I want my gear to be as compact as possible. While the Sony 24-50mm was also an option for its size, I ultimately chose the 24-70mm for its added flexibility.

5. My Workhorse Lens

I’m hoping this lens will be my one-and-done workhorse. It will handle all my video, photography, and client work—much like my Sigma 18-35mm on my Fujifilm setup, which covered about 80% of my work for the first year.

Of course, having a backup lens is always a good idea, and I do plan to explore other options. In fact, I already have brands reaching out to let me test different lenses. There is one prime lens I have my eye on—if you think you know which one, drop a comment!

For now, this 24-70mm G Master Mark II is the ultimate all-in-one lens for my Sony setup, while for street photography, I’ll still be using my Fujifilm X100VI and Ricoh GR IIIx.

Final Thoughts

I couldn’t be happier with my choice. This lens is already proving to be an incredible investment, and I can’t wait to push it to its limits. If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile lens for both photo and video, I highly recommend checking out the Sony 24-70mm G Master Mark II.