Hi all,

I've been searching quite a bit and I'm beginning to think that my problem is just a skill/knowledge issue since I can't find the answer.

I've slowly been upgrading lenses and cameras since I got into photography 2 years ago. My first upgrade from kit lenses I got with my D7000 was the Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX and the 24-70 2.8 EX. From kit lenses, these changed what I expected from a photo in terms of detail. I've since added a Tamron 100-400 and then added a Sigma 150-600 C which is my primary since I'm into birds. While these two lenses felt better in terms of detail, to the EX lenses. I recognize that the purpose is totally different. Also, I've upgraded from the D7000 to a D500 and a Z50 around the same time I got those telephotos.

A few months ago I added the Tamron 70-200 G2 to my kit and it has blown me away in terms of detail. The 100-400 and 150-600C are great, but nothing compares to the 70-200G2. This has me looking back at the 50mm EX and 24-70mm EX and now those photos don't look as good. The detail isn't there at all. I've run some tests and I can get the 50mm to look sharp at f/4, but I prefer the f2.8 look. I rented a Tamron 24-70 G2, and shot it side by side with the 70-200G2 and it's no contest. The 70-200 just looks infinitely better wide open. I liked the shots I was getting on the 24-70 G2, but I wasn't blown away like I am with the 70-200. I should note that somewhere in between I picked up a Sigma 105mm Macro EX and this lens is on par with the 70-200. The only "issue" I have is that it doesn't work with the FTZ adapter. In terms of image quality, it's fantastic.

I want to upgrade the Sigma 50 and 24-70 EX lens to something 'better', but I don't know if my expectations are off. Watching reviews on the most recent F mount 24-70s, most people say they are all pretty comparable which makes me think that none of them share the same detail as the 70-200, but surely that cannot be true. Anyways... I want a general purpose lens for when 70mm crop is too long for my shots, please help me figure out what I'm doing wrong.