I've done it...

waldo_posth wrote: lightweight (545g), but not too sharp at the long end. Both other lenses are bit heavier: 50-300mm 665g, 28-300mm 610g. But that's still lightweight IMO.

The 28-200 is 575g, if I was in the market for a super zoom that would be on my shortlist

waldo_posth wrote: The Tamron 28-300mm might be worth a look. I had the last DSLR version on the A99/A99II and it became my "always on camera"-lens. After 4.5 years the AF died - and Tamron repaired it due to their 5-year guarantee. I had the Tamron 70-300mm in the last (for mirrorless cameras) version, but sold it: lightweight (545g), but not too sharp at the long end. Both other lenses are bit heavier: 50-300mm 665g, 28-300mm 610g. But that's still lightweight IMO.

For those that migth be interested in the Tamron new 28-300mm lens, Dustin Abbott has done a good review of that lens here: Dustin Abbott review of the Tamron 28-300mm lens

I agree, but it might be a good option for some users. I posted the review since Harald did suggest it as a lightweight option. Normally for landscapes/cityscapes f8/f11 (or even f13/f16 for max DOF) is probably the aperture typically used and the corners often are hardly noticeable, I'm fine with my 28-200 as my go-to travel lenses, but yes the 50-300 is an attractive option, perhaps paired with the 17-50 which currently has a $150 price reduction and is selling for $550 at B&H photo. More temptations!

AudioDoc wrote: I agree, but it might be a good option for some users...

It's a good option for someone wanting a single-lens solution, say for travel. But like you, my ideal travel kit has been 1 short zoom and 1 long zoom (with some variations due to circumstances). So far I'm still resisting temptation too. It helps that since Covid19 I'm doing a lot less traveling...

^^^ +1000 addy and Wētāpunga ... my go-to AF 28 is the AF MinO 28/2 on the EA5 adapter ... for MF, i have nothing better than MD Rokkor-X 28/2.8 (49mm) ...

i find it insane that in the year 2024 i haven't found a 28 ... i would TOTALLY get a LeicaQ if i had an extra kidney to sell, but i think i only have 2 LOL ...

somehow Sony and Zeiss haven't made a fixed-lens competition for the Q???? SERIOUSLY ??????   Fuji can't make enough X100 and Sony (and Zeiss ZX) are ghosting it????? ay caramba!

I have rejected:
Minolta M 28/2.8 - mine has white spot disease, mostly fixable in post, but still not good enough
Contax G Biogon 28/2.8 - corners are nasty, and i have extremely low standards for corners! LOL ... if i say it's bad, it's baaaaaaaaaaaaad....
Laowa 28/1.2 - man i want to like it, but ... no
i still haven't bought the Sony E 28/2, the images are not all that ... and MF/aperture/focusHold doesn't exist ... i'm about to break down and get the G 24/2.8 just for the buttons ...

i CANNOT BELIEVE Zeiss hasn't made a fixed-lens compact with the (Contax G) Biogon (or Hologon!) lenses, with a curved sensor for superb corners ... but my opinions seem to be minority opinions (shrug emoji)

Nice one, "as a tourist": just buy an A6xx with some basic lenses, that will do as well.
What can't you shoot with the A6xx that an A7C could, as a tourist? That is just point and shoot.

I see it as a form of GAS, camouflaged by some non-valid arguments.

My thoughts...

Still haven't bought an A7Riv .

I think it's not a bad idea at all for that purpose. I have never had a problem with the old menu system. You probably are going to have everything customized anyway and will seldom have to dig into the menus.

The APC cameras would also work other than shooting wide, which is probably what you may want to do in cities in China, so I wouldn't go with that option which may require new lenses to shoot wide.

That 24 Mp sensor is great and entirely adequate for most photos unless you wanted to print really huge! Of course you can shoot panos with it in vertical mode for larger prints.

Yes, I understand the EVF is not great. The other negative for me would be the flip out screen, which is the reason I skipped the A7IV. For me that is a feature designed for vloggers and video and is crappy for street photography. I absolutely love the true fully articulating screen on my A7rV! But normally I prefer a tilting screen.

BTW the original A7 is very small and light when compared with the newer cameras and can be had really cheap used and might also be a good option.
Negatives would be the smaller battery, the louder shutter noise and no IBIS. I still use mine. Basically the same sensor as the A7c. That would be your cheapest option I think, though you would need at least one extra battery. I carry two with mine.