Optimal lens for A99

SootyOarsman · Nov 3, 2012

I am new to the A99 and the world of Full Frame. A few of my APS-C lens will move up, but it looks as if another investment is in the offing. Would someone care to recommend a reasonably priced wide prime or better, a modest mid-range zoom? It has to be sharp (of course), fast (to take advantage of low light), and stealthily (for video work). I have thought about the CZ24-270 -- but would really like something a little wider (say, 18 -- 70... 16 -- 110). If you think the CZ is the best bet I would appreciate the validation. I'd like to make a wise choice and get lens I'll love -- a lens that is perfectly optimized for the A99. I would even make do with what I have... if I thought something excellent was just around the corner. What's out there?

Dustinash · Nov 3, 2012

SootyOarsman said:
SootyOarsman wrote:

I am new to the A99 and the world of Full Frame. A few of my APS-C lens will move up, but it looks as if another investment is in the offing. Would someone care to recommend a reasonably priced wide prime or better, a modest mid-range zoom? It has to be sharp (of course), fast (to take advantage of low light), and stealthily (for video work). I have thought about the CZ24-270 -- but would really like something a little wider (say, 18 -- 70... 16 -- 110). If you think the CZ is the best bet I would appreciate the validation. I'd like to make a wise choice and get lens I'll love -- a lens that is perfectly optimized for the A99. I would even make do with what I have... if I thought something excellent was just around the corner. What's out there?

The core lens for pro work are:

16-35 f2.8 CZ

24-70 f2.8 CZ

70-200 f2.8 Sony

85mm f1.4 CZ

50mm f1.4 Sony

If you're REALLY wanting wide then the 16-35 can't be beat. But that is very wide and is not a general lens. The 24-70 is the BEST general all around utility lens you cam buy. I am not sure you have really tried 24mm on full frame but that is wide! It is the same as 16mm on pas-c and 12mm on m4/3. Plenty wide and on the other end it is great for portriats.

That is the lens you should buy if you insist on one lens

The other three are brilliant lens but they are specialty photography lens and if your not yet sure about your basic main lens you should wait before looking at them. But eventually they will be your gems.

tqlla · Nov 3, 2012

I know it may be expensive, and kind of specialized, but I really like the Sony 16mm Fisheye. The coverage is awesome. And you can get really creative.

Joe Ogiba · Nov 17, 2012

I just received the 35mm F1.4 Bower Sony A mount lens today for my VG900 and it has great reviews.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/samyang/35mm-f14.htm

http://www.lenstip.com/297.1-Lens_review-Samyang_35_mm_f_1.4_AS_UMC_.html

35mm F1.4 Bower Sony A mount lens

Amateur Sony Shooter · Nov 17, 2012

Joking aside, CZ 24-70 is highly recommended, or for a few hundreds dollar less you can get Sigma 24-70 which has HSM silent focusing motor. Eventually you will add more lens (like what happened to me). DSLR (SLT) is all about different lens for different purpose.

pako · Nov 18, 2012

if you are looking for a wide zoom for FF try to get the Konika Minolta 17-35 f 2.8-4 or, if you can afford it, the Sony Zeiss 17-35

for general purposes, the Sony SAM 28-75 f2.8 is an stellar lens, great optical quality, good at close focus and not that expensive.

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Optimal lens for A99

SootyOarsman

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Dustinash

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tqlla

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Joe Ogiba

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Amateur Sony Shooter

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pako

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