Rab-Eye wrote:
I decided the Sony a6000 would meet my needs for a decent, mirrorless body for street photography. I got it as a kit with the 16–50 zoom lens. My intention was to keep the kit lens around just in case I wanted something lighter than my DSLRs, and thought I would add the pancake 20mm f/2.8 as my primary street lens. Having done some subsequent research, it sounds to me like the optical performance of the pancake lens is not worth the price of admission.
Of course, I still have my 16–50 kit lens I can use, but I'd be interested in recommendations for your ideal street lens for Sony mirrorless bodies.
Thanks!
I decided the Sony a6000 would meet my needs for ... (
show quote)
I own the 20mm f/2.8 and find it to be quite a decent lens - and at a 30mm equivalent it works very well for me as a "street" lens. I also own the 28mm f/2 FE lens which I have used a lot for a variety of work, including "street" - I also own all three of the SIGMA Art lenses (19, 30, 60) for my micro 4/3 camera - and they are extremely good - I'm sure you would be happy with those in E-mount as well.
As always, it's the compromises one has to make between performance, size, weight and cost. And to judge from the posts, we're all different - who knew?
For me the Sony 35mm f1.8 is the best fit for street. For travel it's the Sony 18 - 200mm.
I like and wanted a fast prime lens f1.8 not f4
So who says a lens for street photography has to be discreet? lol Get what you feel meets your style of shooting within budget of course. The 16-50 is a decent choice to start with unless you are shooting in low light. In which case If low light shooting is your thing, the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm f/2 is a good choice. Strictly manual focus, but great fun to shoot. Priced around $319 but check. Sometimes the Samyang is cheaper. Same lens - different branded name.
My 16-50 is in its box, sitting in the cellar. It just didn't yield the IQ I look for. I replaced it with a Sony/Zeiss 16-70. The 16-70 is on my camera for almost all of my shooting.
These are the same lense that I use Sony35mm f1.8 and Sony 18 - 200mm
Rab-Eye wrote:
I decided the Sony a6000 would meet my needs for a decent, mirrorless body for street photography. I got it as a kit with the 16–50 zoom lens. My intention was to keep the kit lens around just in case I wanted something lighter than my DSLRs, and thought I would add the pancake 20mm f/2.8 as my primary street lens. Having done some subsequent research, it sounds to me like the optical performance of the pancake lens is not worth the price of admission.
Of course, I still have my 16–50 kit lens I can use, but I'd be interested in recommendations for your ideal street lens for Sony mirrorless bodies.
Thanks!
I decided the Sony a6000 would meet my needs for ... (
show quote)
I have found my Sony 18-200 gives me great images, sharp from my navel to the horizon, as well as maximum flexibility. KEH has them used for about $500.
If you can call a $1,800 lens a no-brainer, God bless you!
Rab-Eye wrote:
I decided the Sony a6000 would meet my needs for a decent, mirrorless body for street photography. I got it as a kit with the 16–50 zoom lens. My intention was to keep the kit lens around just in case I wanted something lighter than my DSLRs, and thought I would add the pancake 20mm f/2.8 as my primary street lens. Having done some subsequent research, it sounds to me like the optical performance of the pancake lens is not worth the price of admission.
Of course, I still have my 16–50 kit lens I can use, but I'd be interested in recommendations for your ideal street lens for Sony mirrorless bodies.
Thanks!
I decided the Sony a6000 would meet my needs for ... (
show quote)
Truthfully, the 16-50mm takes quite a beating from many people on here; however it is also very highly praised by those who give it a serious try! I've used it extensively for many thousands of image and can tell you that it's certainly well up to the task of use for street photography. It's sharp enough, it has nice color, it's extremely compact and not noticeable, it's wide angle is simply great, as is it's slight tele! You already own it. It is optically stabilized, which is a very very wonderful thing! People tend to sneeze at it, simply because it comes with the camera and it's a "kit lens"...if it were sold separately at a price of $649.00 they would all speak very differently about the very same lens! It is a matter of human nature more than anything! I would highly recommend that you at least give it a try! You have nothing to lose, and you might love it for what you want to do... Happy shooting!
BIG ROB wrote:
Truthfully, the 16-50mm takes quite a beating from many people on here; however it is also very highly praised by those who give it a serious try! I've used it extensively for many thousands of image and can tell you that it's certainly well up to the task of use for street photography. It's sharp enough, it has nice color, it's extremely compact and not noticeable, it's wide angle is simply great, as is it's slight tele! You already own it. It is optically stabilized, which is a very very wonderful thing! People tend to sneeze at it, simply because it comes with the camera and it's a "kit lens"...if it were sold separately at a price of $649.00 they would all speak very differently about the very same lens! It is a matter of human nature more than anything! I would highly recommend that you at least give it a try! You have nothing to lose, and you might love it for what you want to do... Happy shooting!
Truthfully, the 16-50mm takes quite a beating from... (
show quote)
I agree. I went on a spending spree and bought a bunch of lenses not long after I got my A6000 with the16_50. The 16_50 got pushed aside. I have started using it again lately when I just want something small and light and I am always happy with the results. However I still think the 18_105 is the best 'one lens solution'.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.