2 Primes or 1 Zoom?

[bs.shoots]

I recently got an a7cii and to pair with the compact body, I thought of getting 2 of the trio compact lenses, 24mm F2.8 and 40mm F4.0. (I already have a 70-200mm)

However I stumbled upon the newly released 24-50mm F2.8 G.

I'm not sure which to get - I like the small factor of the prime lenses ON the body because it's discreet and helps me blend in as an average tourist / doesn't make it obvious when doing street. But if I add the dimensions of the 2 primes together, it takes up more space in the bag than the zoom lens. BUT THEN, the weight of the 2 prime lenses is 110g lesser than the zoom lens. The zoom lens has the added benefit of being more versatile.

 

So now I'm stumped. Each has their pros and cons and I can't decide which to get. I'd like to hear the views of you guys who are more experts at this.

 

Edit: I'm a bit concerned about weight because the last time I went overseas my shoulders were aching from carrying too much. Which is why I was looking for small compact primes in the first place.

Edited April 25, 2024 by bs.shoots

[XKAES]

I'd opt for a small zoom, but I must admit that there seems to be a dearth of lenses in the e-mount in the 24-50mm range -- for some reason.  I have a small 24-70mm, but that's an a-mount Tamron.  Maybe you can find something by looking at lenses slightly longer.  I have a heavy, but small 24-100mm a-mount, and Tokina made a 24-200mm a-mount.  Maybe there are similar lenses in the e-mount.  Kill three birds with one stone.

Edited April 26, 2024 by XKAES

[Phormula]

I would recommend the zoom.

I am a prime fan and I still use them in my non-Sony equipment, but when travelling I prefer to have zooms because of convenience and not having to change lens over and over. Usually I add a small fast prime for some night shots. 

[MikeInOr]

If you don't mind cropping your shots in post I would go with the primes for the small size and lite weight.

[PhotoSam]

It's entirely up to the individual. Personally I have opted this time round for the 24mm f2.8 and 40 mm f2.5 compact lenses due to their size, build quality and performance mix rather than a zoom up to 70mm. At 70mm and beyond I have the 85mm f1.8, 70-200 ii f2.8 and 100-400 supporting the A7Cii and A7CR. Every genre and every day can bring different challenges however I generally tend to use the 40mm in urban environments more than the 24mm. For travel I will often take the 24, 40 and 70-200 but only carry what I need on the day. Sorry I can't be any more helpful as it can vary wildly due to the number of variables and there simply isn't a correct answer. Whatever you decide, it's great gear and you will make it work. 

[Pieter]

I'm pretty confident OP made up his mind in the past 14 months.