PCB_smv

I have a Sony a6500 and am considering a 35 1.8 or 50mm 1.8 lens. Which would be best and how about used? I have no experience with used lenses. This would be for mostly people shots. Thanks!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am an Olympus user and my digital factor is X 2 so any lens I fit to my cameras will duplicate its focal length. With the Sony a6500 it is my understanding that the crop factor will be 1.5. If what I am saying is correct your 35mm lens will make an effective 50mm lens. It should be pretty good for people's pictures. The 50mm lens will become a 75mm lens which should be very good for head and shoulder portraits.
In regard to used lenses, it all depends. I have been very pleased with the used lenses I have bought from members of the forum. A very good source are the big, reputable dealers such as B&H, Adorama, Hunt and KEH cameras that usually offer a three months warranty on what they sell used.

blackest Loc: Ireland

35mm is more of a normal lens on that crop factor 50mm slightly telephoto usually the 50mm tends to be a bit cheaper and it is very versatile. I use both a 35mm and a 50mm I wouldn't give up either.

I think that you may find the 35mm better for normal views. If you were to shoot a portrait with it, if you give plenty of space for your subject you can crop to the 50mm field of view.

If you have a zoom that covers 35 and 50mm try shooting using either for a day. You won't have the depth of field or the speed but you can at least get a feel for framing. You could do a search on flickr for photo's taken with 35mm and 50mm lenses but you will have to be careful about the camera used. I think 35mm gets the priority in which to buy first but I think a fast 50 always has a place on any format.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

A word about buying a used lens. Some years back I found exactly what I wanted on EBAY. When it arrived it was in its original box with all the original materials including a pristine case. There wasn't a mark on the lens. It looked "factory fresh", "right off the showroom floor" so to speak. But hold the lens up to a lit light bulb and there were more things growing inside the lens than there are in my daughter's fridge. The seller "had no idea" and did not convince easily. "Let the buyer beware."

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

PCB, I have very strong feelings about buying used lenses. No, that doesn't mean I'm opposed, in fact, I'm in favor.

I saved my coins and I now own three Canon L series lenses. One is new and came with the camera, with an extra $1,100 if memory serves me correctly. But the other two are used, and it saved me a good amount of pocket change.

Here's my point. If you live near a camera store, go there first. My first used lens was on their shelf, but the best part was that I could try it out right there in the store. Then, I had 30 days in which to return, no questions asked. I also had 90 days to return for store credit. I could not lose. For the second one, I wanted a nice wide angle. They had one on the shelf, but my salesman suggested I wait. They "knew me" and treated me very nicely. He said his confidence was not high with that used lens. I would be spending about $800 (instead of 1,400 new), and he wanted me to be totally happy. Hence, he promised he would call when one came in that he liked. It only took about four days, he called, and told me he had a 'trade in' for a different lens, and this wide angle lens came with the original box, paper work, and it looked brand new. That was a deal I could not refuse.

Don't get me wrong, I love Amazon and other online dealers. But being able to buy my used lenses from my local store was a total win. That is my recommendation. I'll now keep my fingers crossed that you still have a camera store near you.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The 35 would give a wider view, but you also have to consider the merits of each brand, model, and individual condition. Of course, make sure it's an E-Mount lens. KEH is a reliable seller of used gear.

wrangler5 Loc: Missouri

+1 for KEH. I've dealt with them for more than 20 years and if they have what I want I would never hesitate to buy from them. I have always found their quality ratings to be conservative, and even their Bargain-rated lenses will work as intended, although they may look like they've been through a war. I bought a Leica rangefinder lens from them years ago that looked and felt perfect, but simply would not give sharp images on either of the bodies I tried it on. I could not figure out why, but they took it back with no questions.

lamontcranston

I have and use both lenses you mention. I prefer the 35 1.8 for it's wider view and it stays on my camera most of the time. With a 35mm equivalency of around 52mm the 35 1.8 is about as close to a "normal lens" as you can get. I have compared identical images taken with both lenses side by side and I cannot see any significant differences in the IQ. When I am considering a new lens I try to look for Open Box or Factory Refurbished items from B&H or Adorama first. You can return these lenses for up to 3 months if you are dissatisfied with them for any reason. I'm a bit leary of buying "used" lenses from private sellers or Ebay unless I know who I am dealing with.

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

Got a used lens from B&H. Like new except for the box. I always look first at Adorama & B&H.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I only buy used lenses. But I ask all the right questions and use PayPal in case there is an issue. Mold, excessive internal dust, evidence of shock (zoom and focus rings binding through the or range of travel, scratches, especially on the rear element, oil on the iris blades, rattling, etc) can be a good reason to not buy a lens, or if misrepresented by the seller, an irrefutable reason to get a refund.

I have yet to get burnt, and I have saved $1000s in the meantime.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sigma makes a 30mm 2.8 and a 60mm 2.8 - those are what I would be using - GREAT lenses especially for the price.....

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Sigma also makes a wonderful 19mm 2.8 that I purchased used on Ebay for $100. It is a very useful lens..I know several Sony photographers that have all three of these primes (19, 30, 60) as they are a great value, small, instant focus.

PCB_smv

Thanks for all the info. I wish I had a camera store close but they are over a hour away. I have ordered the Sigma 60mm, used from B&H. I like that they have a 90 day return policy. It sounds like a very good lens. I will probably get either the Sony 35 or the Sigma 30 later.