BillyBe

I have an amateur question about expanding ones lens collection/assortment. In the Sony lens models (and all camera vendors for that matter), there are a number from which to choose. My initial kit has a distance zoom lens and a medium range lens. Previously with a Canon model I began to add lenses, and I added a wide angle lens and I added a longer range zoom lens. Now I know some will say "IT DEPENDS" on what you want to photograph. I was looking at the 90MM FE 2.8 Macro. My thought is 1) I don't own a Macro lens, 2) I may upgrade to a full frame chassis in the future hence the "FE", and 3) a Macro lens might actually draw me to different types of photo opportunities/subjects because of its specific range and qualities. but just like a plumber or a painter, who have different wrenches and different brushes to provide a tool set for different jobs/projects, is there an initial list of "Must Have" lenses, these types of lens/range options to just set the foundation for a good photo selection? I shoot mostly outdoors, landscapes, sunsets, and bird shots on the water. Let me know if you have any ideas on how to choose the next "must have" lens to add to the portfolio and why. I am aware this may be a rather odd question, and no I don't have unlimited funds, which is another reason to be selective about where to expand the lens options. But if I get some gift cash, I will probably want to get another lens, so let me know your thoughts on creating the tool kit of lenses. thanks.

CO

It depends on what type of photography you like to do. If you do macro photography, the 90mm is a good focal length. If you like to do low light photography a large aperture prime lens would be good. I purchased the Tamron 45mm f/1.8 SP VC lens for my Nikons. The vibration compensation really helps in low light situations, Unfortunately, vibration compensation is not in the Sony version of that lens. I would recommend Sony's 50mm f/1.8 for your camera.

Rashid Abdu Loc: Ohio

Why don't you look at the Sony Rx10 1V, with a zoom from 24-600mm f2.4 Zeiz. It has macro, portrait, and many other capabilities. Great for birds. with shutter speed of 24/second! At the end, you may find it less costly than a collection of lenses.
Good luck.
Rashid

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

There are no "must have" lenses, there are "desired" lenses. For outdoors, landscape, and sunsets, I would recommend prime lenses in the 24mm to 80mm range, for birds and wildlife, I would recommend zoom lenses that range from 70mm to 600mm. The most important thing to try to do is always buy full frame lenses in case you decide in the future to upgrade to a full frame camera.

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

Let your desire to approach a particular aspect of photography, or specific subjects - dictate your lens and camera purchases. If you want to do macro, get a macro lens. But be prepared to deal with lighting, extremely shallow depth of field, camera movement (you'll need to get a fairly decent tripod that will likely exceed the cost of your lens and possibly your camera), and maybe software if you will be taking multiple images at focus points that are progressively further away from the closest point - in order to stack them later), and exactly what kind of subjects you will be shooting - a person shooting jewelry and small inanimate objects will need a shorter focal length lens, say compared to someone doing flowers or live insects. Each discipline in photography has some basic level entry point - and can involve a considerable amount of $$$ if you decide to pursue your goals with enthusiasm. Refrain from buying "do-it-all" lenses - they seldom do anything well.

You'll find that some lenses are special purpose and only available for full frame - perspective control, long telephotos, and macro for the most part.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Bill, Go Macro. You will love the challenges of Butterflies, Dragon Fly's, mugs, and inner beauty of flowers.

(Download)

BillyBe

thank you Orrie. I think I made a good choice then for the post kit lens based on your feedback. The Sony FE4 24-70mm is the one I chose this summer. good feedback, thanks

BillyBe

thank you Stan. Love the blossom shot you shared. Macro is intriguing indeed.

BillyBe

thank you Gene. I am leaning that way towards more specialty lenses. Good feedback on the details and the technical things to consider. For an amateur like me, this is all good information.

BillyBe

thank you Rashid. I am looking at more purpose lenses than general all purpose, but i appreciate your feedback and I understand why the specialty lens approach will be more costly. So I will need to pace my spending over time. thanks for your reply

BillyBe

thank you CO. I had not considered the FE 50mm/1.8 when looking at the FE 90mm/2.8 G OSS. Good feedback. Bill

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

No, there is no such thing as "must have" lenses (that is for you to decide) but a decent range from wide to modest tele is a good thing/starting point, as that keeps you flexible in your approach to different photo genres! A fairly fast "normal" lens is also part of a good stable for shooting portraits, a lot of macro lenses make for good portrait lenses as well, so your choice of the 90mm/2.8 is a good choice!

BillyBe

Thank you Speters!

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

IMO, A nifty 50 or a 35mm prime f/1.8 or equivalent. The crop factor on my micro 4/3s is 2 so I have a 25mm f/1.8, a 50 mm equivalent. The 1.8s are WAY less expensive than the 1.4 or 1.2. I find these to be a very useful range and excellent in low light.

BillyBe

so Mizee, you are calling it a "Micro", not a macro eh? what is the technical difference in the terms?
thanks, Bill