Why I Sold a Lens I Loved

Just over a month ago, I said goodbye to one lens and hello to another.

Recently I posted about selling my Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS in favor of the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM. I already went into why I made the switch on my review, so I won’t repeat it again.

Despite the fact that the Sony 16-35 GM is one of, if not the best lens I’ve used to to date, there was something bothering me. I had always wanted the Sony 24mm GM ever since I tried it over a year ago.

Taken with the Sony A7III & Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

When I was looking at what to replace my Canon 16-35mm lens with, I did consider the 24GM but thought I really needed 16mm. I didn’t use the Canon lens that much since getting it but thought it might be different with the GM.

I’ve always wanted to go all primes but I never really thought it was feasible and thought I’d be limited if I don’t have a zoom. This all changed last weekend.

While looking at lenses online, I came across the Samyang 18mm f/2.8 FE. I remember the announcement of this lens but didn’t really pay much attention to it. Previously there haven’t been many AF primes in the 16-18mm range, especially at 180g like the Samyang.

What interests me most about this Samyang lens is, with something so light but wide I could carry that with me along with a standard/wide prime. I decided to take my 35mm out for a few Cityscapes shoots and I was really impressed with how it performed.

This brings me back to the 24mm GM. Now if I had the 24mm GM and that 18mm prime, I could pair it with my FE 85mm f/1.8 for a light weight travel kit.

Now based on all these factors plus the 24mm being on sale, I decided to take the plunge and sell the 16-35mm GM and pick up the 24GM!

Due to work and weather, I haven’t got to use the new lens much, but so far I’m really impressed. Maybe it’s due to the amount of time since I last tried this lens, but it’s even sharper than what I remember. I find the focal length works well for my Cityscapes and doesn’t feel limiting.

One thing I will say is depending on the distance to subject, I still prefer the 35mm for more close ups of people which is why I’ll be keeping both lenses. Below are a few test shots I’ve done with the 24mm GM.

Sony Alpha A7III + Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM @ f/1.4, ISO 200 and 1/13th sec.
Sony Alpha A7III + Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM @ f/3.2, ISO 100 and 1/400th sec.
Sony Alpha A7III + Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM @ f/4, ISO 100 and 1/40th sec.
Sony Alpha A7III + Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM @ f/1.4, ISO 200 and 1/30th sec.
Sony Alpha A7III + Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM @ f/1.4, ISO 100 and 1/100th sec.

I can’t wait to get out and use this lens more. It’s meant to be raining a lot here for the next week (which I like) so I guess that gives me time to finish off the 35mm review. Once I use this lens enough I’ll be sure to do a review of it too.

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