Adding a Camera Lens to My Christmas List

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cmkb396

New member
Right after our son was born, my husband got me (my first!) very nice camera. It is a Sony DSLR-A390L. I have never bought a new lens for the camera, and thought maybe this would be the year I would ask for one for Christmas. But, I knew that if I were already feeling overwhelmed trying to research and decide which lens I wanted, there was no way my husband was going to know what to buy. So, I thought I would ask you girls - what is your favorite go-to lens? I am not looking to spend a fortune on a new lens, but it would be nice (especially with a trip planned in January to Walt Disney World to celebrate our son's fourth birthday) to have a great, versatile lens that has a little bit more "umph" than what I presently have. Currently, the lens I have on my camera is a 3.5-5.6/18-55 SAM. Also, if you guys can think of any great website that might help breakdown and explain all the different lens types and options there are, I would love to know about them to help narrow my research. Finally, if you have any tips where to purchase lenses from that would also be appreciated as there are no specialty photography stores in my area, so my purchase will have to be made online. Thanks for your suggestions!
 
www.kenrockwell.com has camera and lens reviews, Sony included.

As for where to buy...B&H photo, Adorama, Amazon (though avoid third party sellers)

My workhorse lens is an 18-200, but I also have a 50mm. Next up I will be getting a 35mm...
 
I loved my first lens - a 50mm (though it took me a while to get the hang of it. All my pictures were soft and I had to learn not to stick my f-stop on the lowest point). But anyways - it's a hard lens to do indoors cuz you have to back way up sometimes to get stuff in the frame. My next lens was a 28mm - definitely a favorite!! Still really nice, still a prime, and not as close to the subject as a 50mm. My last lens was an 85mm - so I could get farther away stuff (great for plays and such!). Those were always my goal lenses and I'm thrilled to have them all.

I looked at a ... oh it was something like a 15-75mm (give or take a few mm) but in the end I just loved shooting prime way too much and didn't get it.
 
I have a mirrorless rather than a DSLR, but my go-to lens is a 30mm f/2.8. My kit lenses (14-42, f/3.6-5 something and 40-150 f/3.6-5 something) aren't very good, so I almost never use them unless I'm outside in bright light and need to get closer than my 30mm can handle. I'd love a great zoom lens, but the mirrorless versions are pretty pricey, so I'm more likely to get a 45 or 75 prime next time I get a lens. I second the B&H or Adorama recommendations for where to purchase.
 
clearskies said:
I so want the 24-70, but the Nikkor one is $1900 and I just can't swing that yet..,
Click to expand...
Yeah the one I was looking at was one of the off brands (they're good, just not Nikon or Canon brand lenses). I was looking at either a Tamron or Sigma (I pretty sure the one I settled on was a Tamron). Looked like a great lens, I just went with prime instead and was able to stick with a Canon lens :)
 
Lenses cost money, and to get zoom lenses that are good (well good in a photographer's world, not just "good enough") are hugely expensive. So most people get sticker shock from them...so know that if you want a all-around lens that is cheap and good...well sorry that is not going to happen.
-You can get cheap and all around, but its usually only so-so.
-You can get cheap and prime lens (move with your feet, lens stays the same) and it is good quality (definitely a HUGE improvement over the lens your camera came with I bet)
-You can get expensive and all-around (or longer zoom prime, or lower light capable) and get good quality.

I am not super familiar with Sony lenses...(sorry this is why most people stick with the two camera parties since there is more knowledge and resale of those!) but I am betting from the reviews I did read that you would be happy with the 35mm f1.8 or the 50mm f1.8. Everyone that has taken my beginner's photography course here has LOVED those two lenses (although Canon or Nikon) versus the kit lens. So much better portraits.

I'd go for the 35 since you are on a crop camera...make sure that it works with your camera...I am not familiar with exact specifications of your camera.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Alpha-SA...UTF8&qid=1384855751&sr=8-3&keywords=sony+lens

Or for even better lower light and a great little lens: http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-30mm-Mi...TF8&qid=1384856456&sr=8-15&keywords=sony+lens I had the one for Nikon crop cameras and it was super sharp. I now have the Sigma 35mm f1.4 and LOVE it. I am super impressed by Sigma's primes.

If you really want a zoom (for far away things at Disney, at park etc) then I'd say unless you are willing to invest $$, then just get the cheap one and don't expect portraits, but you will have the reach. http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-70-300m...UTF8&qid=1384855835&sr=8-2&keywords=sony+lens

Or Tamron: http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-18-...UTF8&qid=1384856456&sr=8-2&keywords=sony+lens

I agree buy from Adorama, B&H photovideo, and Amazon (direct only not sub-contracters), as well as KEH has some used ones and good customer service. Used lenses from reputable sources are a great way to save money.

I hope that helps. I've been shooting with dSLRs for over 10 years now and finally seem to have a grasp on what I need for my photography!!
 
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