What camera package for a new Sony a6300? I'm looking to buy a new Sony a6300. One package includes an 18-135 mm lens for 1198.00. The other includes a 16-55 and a 55-210 for 1246.00.

Waltman Loc: Vermont

I'm looking to buy a new Sony a6300.
One package includes an 18-135 mm lens for 1198.00.
The other includes a 16-55 and a 55-210 for 1246.00.
I'm leaning toward the 2 lens package but is there an advantage to the 18-135?
Thanks, Waltman

ELNikkor

I'm with you on the 2-lens package for only $50 more you've got more versatility at both ends. Changing lenses only takes a few seconds, and not having to on the 18-135 doesn't make up for its more limited range.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

The 18-135 is a new lens just released this year.
The 16-55 & 55-210 are older and considered 'kit' lenses.
A lot of people consider the image quality of the kit lenses to be suspect.
I don't use any of the three lenses, so have no opinion based on actual use.
The 55-210 can be found used for $150-$200 if you wanted to go with the 18-135 and get the extra reach of the 55-210.

Waltman Loc: Vermont

Thanks. I suspect I’ll be buying the 18-135 and add on other lenses later.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

ELNikkor wrote:

I'm with you on the 2-lens package for only $50 more you've got more versatility at both ends. Changing lenses only takes a few seconds, and not having to on the 18-135 doesn't make up for its more limited range.

Waltman Loc: Vermont

Thanks. I would like to find a good camera store so I can do a hands on with all the lenses.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Waltman wrote:

I'm looking to buy a new Sony a6300.
One package includes an 18-135 mm lens for 1198.00.
The other includes a 16-55 and a 55-210 for 1246.00.
I'm leaning toward the 2 lens package but is there an advantage to the 18-135?
Thanks, Waltman

The ONLY advantage of most longer range zooms over two shorter range zooms is lack of need to change lenses.

The two zoom package should have better optical quality. It definitely has longer reach!

Waltman Loc: Vermont

Thanks

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I have the A6300 and the two kit lenses. I find that the 16-50 stays on the camera most of the time, and that I have somewhat limited need for the 55-210. With Sony's Clear Image Zoom, or CIZ, you effectively double the long end of your lenses, so the 16-50 gives you the equivalent ot 16-100mm without appreciable loss of image quality. The caveat? It only works in JPEG mode. I would say that if a long lens isn't what you really need or want, the 18-135 is a good alternative, and with CIZ you get the equivalent of 270mm at the long end.

Waltman Loc: Vermont

Thanks

repleo Loc: Boston

I have the 16-50 , 55-210 and the 18-105 F4 G. I found the split at 50- 55mm very annoying so I got the 18-105 which is a great lens and I use it 90% of the time. The newer 18-135 is supposedly nearly as sharp as the 18-105 but it doesn't have constant F4 which I like on the 18-105. I use the 18-50 for when I want something I can carry in a jacket pocket. I have probably only used the 55-210 about 3 times in three years. I just don't have much use for a long lens, and if I did, the 55-210 wouldn't be my choice if I was to do it again.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

repleo wrote:

I have the 16-50 , 55-210 and the 18-105 F4 G. I ... (show quote)

Same here. I rarely use the 55-210, and I'm considering either the 18-105 or the 18-135. I used to think I need a nice long lens, but I don't shoot birds or a bunch of wildlife, so I don't need a lens for that. I like the 16-50, but it's a bit short for my use. I'm still thinking about it and saving up for the purchase. If I were looking to buy the A6300 as a kit, I'd get the kit with the 18-135, though.

Diocletian

The reviews on the 18-135 aren’t really that great. You may want to consider buying just the camera and getting the 18-105 lens instead. As a ‘G’ lens it is rated much higher than those other lenses you’ve mentioned - and makes a great walk-around lens.

The 55-210 rating is just below awful.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Waltman wrote:

I'm looking to buy a new Sony a6300.
One package includes an 18-135 mm lens for 1198.00.
The other includes a 16-55 and a 55-210 for 1246.00.
I'm leaning toward the 2 lens package but is there an advantage to the 18-135?
Thanks, Waltman

After buying my A6000, I got a Tamron 18-200mm. That covers a good spread with one lens. Given the choices you offer, I'd go with the first since I don't like changing lenses, and I find wide more useful than tele.

eadler

I'd suggest the Sony 18-135 and the Rokinon/Samyang (same lens different name) 12 F2 manual focus