It all started with The Overland Track in Tasmania in January 2024, putting the Sony A7CR and a 40mm F2.5 G prime lens to the test through 8 days of wilderness trekking.

Now having started 2025 with Routeburn Track and more in New Zealand, I can reflect on what I love about using the camera and its lenses and what I don’t love, and what a “more perfect” version of it might be, as it’s not a perfect camera of course.

Buy this lens! Buy it if you don’t have a need for f/2 or wider apertures, nor are you seeking absolute perfection. Otherwise, this is one of the most impressive inexpensive, lightweight and compact 50mm lenses you can buy for Sony A7 cameras in my opinion. It’s the perfect 50mm lens for landscape photographers who have weight constraints when backpacking.

So I decided on the Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens because it offered a good compromise on size and weight without sacrificing build quality and optics. While not super lightweight like the 35mm F2.8 Zeiss, it still only weighs 295 grams and has a small footprint as well, which means it’s a great lens option for multi-day hiking where weight and size is always a concern.