Advise with starting my lens purchases
Dec 11, 2017 08:37:02 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
MiraMeadows wrote:
I got some wonderful feedback from fellow members ... (show quote)
You purchased a Sony high quality Mirrorless camera. You should know already, that Sony Native FE lenses aren't cheap. You may want to check some third party lenses that sell the FE mounts. You can also use Vintage Minolta lenses with an adapter. However, you will only be able to use manual focus. Minolta lenses are good lenses, still in demand. Mostly with A-mount camera owners. But can be adaptable to E-mounts. Good luck.
Dec 11, 2017 09:28:50 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
So, you're a relative novice with a very expensive high quality full frame sensor camera which demands the best high quality expensive glass you can put on it. With that said, if you're only shooting landscapes, then lenses on the wide end are better. At least according to "the pro" in our camera club. For your camera, something in the range of 15-30mm would be useful.
Dec 11, 2017 10:38:16 #
MiraMeadows wrote:
I got some wonderful feedback from fellow members ... (show quote)
I would start with a short lightweight zoom covering the moderate wide angle to portrait length tele. Of course no lens for full frame is going to be really lightweight, but something that covers the range from about 24mm to 80/100mm you will find most useful, and what will stay on your camera the most.
Dec 11, 2017 10:50:40 #
MiraMeadows wrote:
OK Rook 2c4...the only lens I have is an FE 90mm f2.8 Macro G OSS. It was an open box ( used) lens from Best Buy which was not used at all by previous owner and was 40% off retail. Thats the only reason I purchased it first, the price and I knew it was a decent lens and I love macro shots. This is a really stupid question, can I use a macro lens for nonmacro shooting? Like I would an 85mm? If so I don't need to buy an 85mm in the future.
As you already own the lens, just experiment and see what it can and cannot do.
That's exactly what I meant with my statement about getting to know your lens before buying another one.
Dec 11, 2017 10:53:05 #
Do you have a camera store nearby? Might they rent out a few lenses for try out?
Dec 11, 2017 11:23:37 #
Based on your description AND what I know today AND if I were investing in only one lens, I would invest in the Zeiss 55/f1.8.
The 55/f1.8 (i.e. nifty fifty) is probable the most versatile lens you can buy. It's a smaller lighter lens that any of the zoom and is considered one of the sharpest lens on the market. It will serve you for traveling, everyday use, for family and friends and can be used for extremely sharp landscapes.
I have the trinity of lens for the Sony, with the 24-70 GM being my most versatile zoom. However, the lens I use the most is a cheap Sony 50mm/f1.8. It isn't as sharp as my 24-70, but its much lighter for everyday use. But, if I had to make the decision to buy this lens again, I would go for the 55/1.8 (which I'm considering).
If your interested in landscapes, then setup speed isn't generally critical. If you want a wide angle shot, just pano the scene. You'll get the same image as a zoom with incredible sharpness. I do this with my 50mm. However, your trade-off for not having a bigger heavier zoom is some additional PP. But, PP a pano in LR, PS, PSE is quick and easy.
If the size and weight are lesser concerns, then I think the 24-105 would be my next choice. I don't have any personal experience with this lens, but it does cover a broad usable range.
Mike
The 55/f1.8 (i.e. nifty fifty) is probable the most versatile lens you can buy. It's a smaller lighter lens that any of the zoom and is considered one of the sharpest lens on the market. It will serve you for traveling, everyday use, for family and friends and can be used for extremely sharp landscapes.
I have the trinity of lens for the Sony, with the 24-70 GM being my most versatile zoom. However, the lens I use the most is a cheap Sony 50mm/f1.8. It isn't as sharp as my 24-70, but its much lighter for everyday use. But, if I had to make the decision to buy this lens again, I would go for the 55/1.8 (which I'm considering).
If your interested in landscapes, then setup speed isn't generally critical. If you want a wide angle shot, just pano the scene. You'll get the same image as a zoom with incredible sharpness. I do this with my 50mm. However, your trade-off for not having a bigger heavier zoom is some additional PP. But, PP a pano in LR, PS, PSE is quick and easy.
If the size and weight are lesser concerns, then I think the 24-105 would be my next choice. I don't have any personal experience with this lens, but it does cover a broad usable range.
Mike
MiraMeadows wrote:
I got some wonderful feedback from fellow members ... (show quote)
Dec 11, 2017 12:02:42 #
MiraMeadows wrote:
I got some wonderful feedback from fellow members ... (show quote)
IQ of lenses go this way, primes are better than zooms, short zooms are better than long zooms. Your do-all long zooms like 24-240mm , 28-300mm, 18-400mm, etc. tend to have lower IQ than short zooms because of the physics involved going from wide angle to telephoto. I am a long time Landscape photographer. I don't use primes that much anymore mostly out of convienance. (Except my 4x5 and Mamiya 645).
I have the Sony a99ll, also FF just is A mount vs E mount. My choices are 16-35mm Zeiss and the 24-70mm Zeiss. Second choice , 12-24mm G and the 24-105mm G lens. I generally do not use my 70-300mm zoom when shooting landscape. On the lessor price line, look at the Tamron lens line. I have used them and they are a good alternative. I highly recomend used equipment from well known dealers.
You have a great camera, it should serve you well for many years to come. Happy Shooting
Dec 11, 2017 12:12:05 #
I got my Sony a7 in the spring with the 50mm kit lens that I traded for the SEL55f18Z first generation Sonar T lens.I am saving for SEL90M28G and SEL24240... Sony's website has an option for filtering lenses according by ratings from real people who have the lenses. Search and make your own decision.
Dec 11, 2017 12:20:26 #
brucewells wrote:
I've always tried to maintain 3 prime lenses in my bag . . . 24, 50 & 85. There are other great focal lengths, but these work for me. (I'm without an 85 currently, but Santa is coming, you know!!) But, as has been stated, take your time to decide what focal lengths (lenses) you know you want, then shop them. Then, make a plan for purchases. Good luck!! Enjoy!!
Odd side note. Reading your suggestion, I thought "Yeah, that sounds good" Then I remembered that a few months ago, I might have rejected that thought in favor of some of the Sigma zoom lenses in their Art series. I wondered why did I have this change of heart?
I think it might be because I recently got a new gear bag. The Tamrac Corona 20 Convertible Pack. I now have room to carry more lenses and get to them without a lot of hassle.
Dec 11, 2017 14:56:47 #
Opsafari
Loc: Roodepoort South Africa
Mira, you mentioned that you are not seasoned photographer and that you are retired who wants to travel and get into photography. Well, I will start off with a basic lens like a 16-35mm and 24-240mm with polarized filters and take it from there. Photography is a damn expensive hobby but your interests will guide you regarding what lenses to buy later on. Oh, and a lightweight tripod also very handy.
Dec 11, 2017 18:42:54 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
I am hearing 2 messages - landscapes and things around you. 16-35 would be a good choice.
Dec 11, 2017 18:50:20 #
MiraMeadows wrote:
I got some wonderful feedback from fellow members ... (show quote)
In order to avoid most of the exorbitantly priced Sony and Zeiss lenses, realize, you can use Sigma Canon mount lenses with the Sigma adapter on E-mount. The adapter new is $250 but - in the longer
run WORTH it.
The 35mm f2.8 Sony/Zeiss is a great lens - and very compact/light !
Dec 11, 2017 20:51:26 #
MiraMeadows wrote:
There is also a much stronger reason for using zooms. Perspective is changed when you move, and your brain knows how to interpret the view. If you "zoom with your legs" you chain perspective and framing {the amount of area visible in the image} together; if you use a zoom, you can walk around until you like the perspective, and then zoom to get the framing you want, because the two concepts are no longer chained together.I read somewhere that zooms are great when you can't use your legs, for what ever reason, to get to the best vantage point. Primes require your legs become the zoom to achieve the best vantage point. My thinking is since I love landscapes and they can be pretty far away and inaccessable, a zoom lets say 16-35mm, would be a great choice, and it wouldn't be crazy heavy.
Dec 11, 2017 22:49:20 #
MiraMeadows wrote:
I got some wonderful feedback from fellow members ... (show quote)
As in investment, “Buy quality and diversify” (the range of your lenses). Your choices should be appropriate for your subjects. Study a good book on photography, review examples, rent to try before you buy.
Dec 11, 2017 22:53:10 #
A very good way to learn composition and technique is to purchase a 50mm lens. That is aimed at full frame photography. I have no idea what size your sensor is, but the equivalent of an FX 50mm for your camera would be a very good way to go. As I mentioned, it will teach you composition and technique.
--Bob
--Bob
MiraMeadows wrote:
I got some wonderful feedback from fellow members ... (show quote)
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.