One lens decision (Page 2): It's easier to compose with the 55mm without cropping.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

It's easier to compose with the 55mm without cropping.

repleo Loc: Boston

ken_stern wrote:

I checked out the Sony a7ii -- Per B&H the Camera Format is -----
APS-C / (1.5x Crop Factor)
If that holds true then the:
35mm = 52.5mm effective
with the 55mm = 82.5mm effective
If you already own both why not take both
If not & your addressing purchasing one or the other --- Flip a coin --- But probably the 35mm

Ken_Stern - Go back and check again. All of the A7 series including the A7ii are full frame (35mm sensor) cameras. The (ii) adds in camera stabilization. All of the A7's can be set to APS-C mode if that is what you are using.

Regarding the OP - I would try to bring something a little wider than 35mm even if it meant renting one. On my last trip to Italy I used a 18-105 on my A6000 and almost always used it at its widest setting which would be 27 / 28 mm FF equivalent. I would take the same lens with my new A7Rii if I was going again even though it would be in crop mode.

If you want to stick with a prime take a look at renting or buying an FE 28mm f2.0. It is reasonably priced ($450 new), very sharp, light and compact.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

ken_stern wrote:

I checked out the Sony a7ii -- Per B&H the Camera Format is -----
APS-C / (1.5x Crop Factor)
If that holds true then the:
35mm = 52.5mm effective
with the 55mm = 82.5mm effective
If you already own both why not take both
If not & your addressing purchasing one or the other --- Flip a coin --- But probably the 35mm

Wrong. All A7 cameras are full frame.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

I would take the widest lens you have, I have managed with a 20mm prime on my Olympus M43 (40mm 35 mm equivalent) camera on a recent trip to Italy, the only time I struggled was in tight street scenes and inside buildings.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

theofanis wrote:

Hi,
Which lens is better suited for landscape,street photography and museum visits on a two week Italy trip; a 35 mm 2.8 or a 55 mm 1.8?
I have a Sony a7ii.
Thanks!

Given the choice, I'd go with the 35mm, although I would prefer a wider zoom.

binsjohn

I have an a7rii and would choose the 35 over the 50 if I couldn't take my 24-70. However, I just bit the bullet and got a Leica Q, which has a fixed 28 on it and plan to take both with me on a coastal Maine vacation in September. I'm going to see if I can justify using only the Q, having the Sony along in case I'm kidding myself about the 28 working for everything.

To better answer the original question (35 vs. 50?), wider almost always seems to be best for my landscape/touristing purposes.

Phantom1995

I'm a Nikon guy, but here goes nothing. I did a quick search for Sony lenses on B&H Photos web site. There was a Sony FE 24-70 f2.8 for $2,198, a Sony 24-70 f4 for $1,198 and a Sony FE 28-70 f3.5 -5.6 for $498. Any of these would give you flexibility in your focal length with some trade offs for aperature in some cases

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

mwsilvers wrote:

I agree with you regarding the 55mm lens. However,... (show quote)

This does not seem to disagree with my point that it might not be wide enough for the kind of interior shots you would encounter in Italy. I suppose the OP could stitch interior shots together. But 35mm is going to be tight for interiors.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

dsmeltz wrote:

This does not seem to disagree with my point that it might not be wide enough for the kind of interior shots you would encounter in Italy. I suppose the OP could stitch interior shots together. But 35mm is going to be tight for interiors.

I agree with dsmeltz, I use a single lens for landscapes and street scenes, if l I have a problem with some scenes I carry a very good P&S which has a wider angle, in my pocket.

lamontcranston

Between the two lenses you are considering, I would choose the 35mm 2.8. For museum visits the 35mm would be more practical at the range you would be shooting.

cthahn

55mm f1.8 or f1.2

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Don't worry. I do that when reading first thing in the morning with minimum coffee consumption. I tend to think I'm awake.
--Bob

GoofyNewfie wrote:

That's what I get for reading on my iPhone.

Thanks

wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

ken_stern wrote:

I checked out the Sony a7ii -- Per B&H the Camera Format is -----
APS-C / (1.5x Crop Factor)
If that holds true then the:
35mm = 52.5mm effective
with the 55mm = 82.5mm effective
If you already own both why not take both
If not & your addressing purchasing one or the other --- Flip a coin --- But probably the 35mm

You must of been looking at the wrong page, the a7II is a full frame 24 mpx camera. It will switch to a smaller APC format if you put a non full frame e mount lens on it, not sure how many mpx it is.

wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

theofanis wrote:

Hi,
Which lens is better suited for landscape,street photography and museum visits on a two week Italy trip; a 35 mm 2.8 or a 55 mm 1.8?
I have a Sony a7ii.
Thanks!

I have an a7ii and the 55 mm 1.8 is the one I would go with. Faster, sharper than the 35mm.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

My vote is definitely the 35mm. It's more what your eye sees. You'll be able to fit more into the frame.