Lens recommendations for new A57

Started 3 months ago | Question thread
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andycincy
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Lens recommendations for new A57
3 months ago

I'm about to purchase the A57, and there are some lens bundle deals right now. As my first non-compact camera, I have a lot to learn about getting the most from these cameras. My current budget for the camera + lens(es) is $800 - $900. The A57 body alone costs $500. So here are my choices as I see it, and would appreciate advice from more experienced photographers here:

Option 1 - A57 body $500 + Sigma 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM  $400 = $900; this lens seems to have gotten better reviews than the Tamron 18-270, but still seems to have significant compromises.  was also concered about the DP review comment regarding AF slowing down significantly when you use live view. I plan to use live view more than EVF, so this would be a problem for me.

Option 2 - A57 w/kit lens 18-55 $600 + Sony 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6 DT $200 = $800 (bundle savings of $100 off lens); two lenses to switch out, but will I get better quality overall?

Option 3 - A57 body $500 + Sony 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6 DT $200 + Sony Alpha SAL35F18 $200 =$900

Option 4 - A57 body $500 +   Sony 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6 DT $200  + Sony 50mm f/1.8 SAM DT $150 = $850

Any other suggestions??

I plan to take pictures/video of family events indoors and out, with the indoors typically not in the best light. I also take pictures/video of my kids at sports; basketball, karate, and gymnastics. This camera will go on vacation with us, so there will be the pictures of family in those settings as well. I know more of the advanced photographers here are probably going to steer me away from kit lenses, so I would really appreciate advice on which prime lens (option 3 or 4) would be better. Even if I go with option 1 or 2, I will likely save up within a few months for a prime lens for low light family photography / portraits, so if the primes in options 3-4 are not the best option then I am open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

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