a6000 with which lens? What do you have?

I'm looking to take advantage of the sale price on the a6000 that is happening right now. I want to get only one lens for it since I have a full DSLR setup. This would be used for walking around while traveling, street, and taking photos on trips (not trips for photo taking)

I can get the a6000 w/ 35mm 1.8 for under $900 save the extra ~$500 and put it towards a 16-70 f/4
OR
Splurge and get a6000 w/ 24mm 1.8 Zeiss

Clearly my budget is ~$1500 but would love to spend less if possible.

Anyone have this camera with 35mm and are very happy with it?

billycox said:

I'm looking to take advantage of the sale price on the a6000 that is happening right now. I want to get only one lens for it since I have a full DSLR setup. This would be used for walking around while traveling, street, and taking photos on trips (not trips for photo taking)

I can get the a6000 w/ 35mm 1.8 for under $900 save the extra ~$500 and put it towards a 16-70 f/4
OR
Splurge and get a6000 w/ 24mm 1.8 Zeiss

Clearly my budget is ~$1500 but would love to spend less if possible.

Anyone have this camera with 35mm and are very happy with it?

Click to expand...

35mm is a very good lens for low light shooting, but it a little narrow 52.5mm ff eq for my tastes for street photography. Some examples from 35mm on a6000




Very dark flamenco club with a very fast dancers handheld

full size


handheld

full size




from a tripod

full size

--
My pics on flickr

As LYarm said, I think the 35 is a little narrow for street photography.

I have the touit 32 1.8 and the 24 1.8. I prefer the 24 for a walking around general purpose low-light lens.

However, I do plan to get the 1670. I would wish I had the versatility of the 1670 if I only had the 24 (or 35). In my case I also have the 1650.

My normal setup includes the 24 1.8, 55210 and 1650 (until I get the 1670).

I would imagine you'll be happy with the quality of either the 24 or 35.

I had the 35 on my Nex-6 back when the 35 fist came out, I used it as my walk around for a good while until I picked up the 24 in japan a few years back (lets hear it for exchange rates!) and haven't looked back. It's a very special lens.

>>>Splurge and get a6000 w/ 24mm 1.8 Zeiss

I find it much better than the 35 mm f/1.8

billycox said:

Anyone have this camera with 35mm and are very happy with it?

Click to expand...

Yes! IMO it's a very easy lens to use, focuses fast on a6000 great IQ. Pair that with the 50/1.8 and have some fun.

billycox said:

I'm looking to take advantage of the sale price on the a6000 that is happening right now. I want to get only one lens for it since I have a full DSLR setup. This would be used for walking around while traveling, street, and taking photos on trips (not trips for photo taking)

Click to expand...

I use the 18-200 and the 28/2. (I also own the 16/2.8 and 18-55). That combo is pretty nice; 18-200 gives good range, good sharpness, with very good image stabilization. Downsides are that it's a little big and sluggish through much of the range. The 16-70/4 would be an interesting alternative. But the 28/2 is my choice for a compact all purpose prime that can do low light. I just love the FOV on APS-C. 35/1.8 has IS, which is nice, but the difference in FOV is significant to me. I shot for several years with a Minolta 28/2 on the Sony A700, and more recently, for a few years with the Nikkor 35/1.8 on the D7000.

- Dennis
--
Gallery at http://kingofthebeasts.smugmug.com

billycox said:

I'm looking to take advantage of the sale price on the a6000 that is happening right now. I want to get only one lens for it since I have a full DSLR setup. This would be used for walking around while traveling, street, and taking photos on trips (not trips for photo taking)

I can get the a6000 w/ 35mm 1.8 for under $900 save the extra ~$500 and put it towards a 16-70 f/4
OR
Splurge and get a6000 w/ 24mm 1.8 Zeiss

Clearly my budget is ~$1500 but would love to spend less if possible.

Anyone have this camera with 35mm and are very happy with it?

Click to expand...

It's only a bit over say 2 months now since I bought my A6000 (Body only) and I had to try to decide what lens I needed to fit my most regular kind of pics..Like you it seems.. almost ALL if not indeed all.of my pics are from very close (about 18-inches or so) to no more than out in the street.. and I've been shooting this way for many years now.. more recently in M4/3 with 14mm/17mm & 20mm lenses mostly..In the A6000 range therefore I wanted something that reasonably matched it as best as I could get and for a starter at low cost I bought the Sigma 30mm. That's quite a good quality lens and not expensive.. it was a start but really more of a "taster" as I came to the conclusion that although it was pricey.. from all I'd heard, read and was told about it.. the Zeiss 24 was really very good indeed. I got a very well-priced one here in UK.. and all this was in less than a week after I got the A6000. At THAT time I also had the occasion of a big family gathering at which I was expected to be 'cameraman' to record the event.. I took the A6000 with the then acquired Zeiss 24..I was just astounded by how that lens performed.. and since then it has never changed. It is a SUPERB lens in every way and for the sort of pic-taking YOU seem to do (much as mine) it is excellent.
Look at these as at least a sort of example..this covers 15 people in a conservatory which of course had natural light available but at no more than about 8 or 9 feet distance.. get THAT with a 35mm lens !!

And it is equally at home at close quarters.. no trouble at all. If you want a really excellent and worthwhile lens to do nearly if not all you say you do...grab a 24 Zeiss..you will not regret it..AND probably save a bit of money as you really DON'T need a few of the other choices that get thrown at you. Nothing beats a prime !!




At about 8-9 feet or so ..




About 18-inches or so...



--
/eric
Staffordshire, UK

To provide some closure (if it was even needed) I ended up almost driving myself crazy deciding between an a6000 or upgrading my DSLR (it's 6+ years old and rather behind on the tech). I decided to upgrade my DSLR body to have one camera to rule them all. I stopped into my local best buy to check things out and what do you know, an open box a6000 with kit lens. After some quick internal debating, I decided to buy the a6000 and get the 35mm 1.8. All said and done, this was cheaper than upgrading my DSLR body and I got a sweet mirrorless camera out of it. I'm excited to join the Sony Alpha family and learn about this new system

billycox said:

To provide some closure (if it was even needed) I ended up almost driving myself crazy deciding between an a6000 or upgrading my DSLR (it's 6+ years old and rather behind on the tech). I decided to upgrade my DSLR body to have one camera to rule them all. I stopped into my local best buy to check things out and what do you know, an open box a6000 with kit lens. After some quick internal debating, I decided to buy the a6000 and get the 35mm 1.8. All said and done, this was cheaper than upgrading my DSLR body and I got a sweet mirrorless camera out of it. I'm excited to join the Sony Alpha family and learn about this new system

Click to expand...

Cool!

I'd suggest looking into the 18-105 while saving up for the 16-70. I personally find it more than acceptable for my use and it's a hell of a lot less expensive. =)

billycox said:

To provide some closure (if it was even needed) I ended up almost driving myself crazy deciding between an a6000 or upgrading my DSLR (it's 6+ years old and rather behind on the tech). I decided to upgrade my DSLR body to have one camera to rule them all. I stopped into my local best buy to check things out and what do you know, an open box a6000 with kit lens. After some quick internal debating, I decided to buy the a6000 and get the 35mm 1.8. All said and done, this was cheaper than upgrading my DSLR body and I got a sweet mirrorless camera out of it. I'm excited to join the Sony Alpha family and learn about this new system

Click to expand...

Don't discount the 16-50mm kit lens; I used it quite a lot on my recent holiday, and it performed very well. You'll find that you'll need to use 16mm more than you imagine; about 70% of my street shots were at 16mm. The a6000 also has digital zoom, and with a good lens like the 35mm, you should be able to get results up to 2x.

More recently, I've agonised over the Zeiss E 16-70mm, but have opted for the FE 16-35mm in addition to the FE 28-70mm. Although this was an expensive way to go, I'm pleased with the results. Yes, the FE lenses are bulky (these two are very similar in appearance), but I also have Sigma 19mm f/2.8 and Sony 50mm f/1.8 when they are appropriate.




Lens Porn

TO11MTM said:

billycox said:

To provide some closure (if it was even needed) I ended up almost driving myself crazy deciding between an a6000 or upgrading my DSLR (it's 6+ years old and rather behind on the tech). I decided to upgrade my DSLR body to have one camera to rule them all. I stopped into my local best buy to check things out and what do you know, an open box a6000 with kit lens. After some quick internal debating, I decided to buy the a6000 and get the 35mm 1.8. All said and done, this was cheaper than upgrading my DSLR body and I got a sweet mirrorless camera out of it. I'm excited to join the Sony Alpha family and learn about this new system

Click to expand...

Cool!

I'd suggest looking into the 18-105 while saving up for the 16-70. I personally find it more than acceptable for my use and it's a hell of a lot less expensive. =)

Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll be saving for a new lens and I'll definitely look into the 18-105

WryCuda said:

billycox said:

To provide some closure (if it was even needed) I ended up almost driving myself crazy deciding between an a6000 or upgrading my DSLR (it's 6+ years old and rather behind on the tech). I decided to upgrade my DSLR body to have one camera to rule them all. I stopped into my local best buy to check things out and what do you know, an open box a6000 with kit lens. After some quick internal debating, I decided to buy the a6000 and get the 35mm 1.8. All said and done, this was cheaper than upgrading my DSLR body and I got a sweet mirrorless camera out of it. I'm excited to join the Sony Alpha family and learn about this new system

Click to expand...

Don't discount the 16-50mm kit lens; I used it quite a lot on my recent holiday, and it performed very well. You'll find that you'll need to use 16mm more than you imagine; about 70% of my street shots were at 16mm. The a6000 also has digital zoom, and with a good lens like the 35mm, you should be able to get results up to 2x.

More recently, I've agonised over the Zeiss E 16-70mm, but have opted for the FE 16-35mm in addition to the FE 28-70mm. Although this was an expensive way to go, I'm pleased with the results. Yes, the FE lenses are bulky (these two are very similar in appearance), but I also have Sigma 19mm f/2.8 and Sony 50mm f/1.8 when they are appropriate.


Lens Porn

Click to expand...

Definitely something I'll consider. I imagine I'll use the kit lens quite a bit to figure out which focal lengths I use most with this camera.

billycox said:

WryCuda said:

billycox said:

After some quick internal debating, I decided to buy the a6000 and get the 35mm 1.8. All said and done, this was cheaper than upgrading my DSLR body and I got a sweet mirrorless camera out of it. I'm excited to join the Sony Alpha family and learn about this new system

Click to expand...

Don't discount the 16-50mm kit lens; I used it quite a lot on my recent holiday, and it performed very well. You'll find that you'll need to use 16mm more than you imagine; about 70% of my street shots were at 16mm. The a6000 also has digital zoom, and with a good lens like the 35mm, you should be able to get results up to 2x.

Click to expand...

Definitely something I'll consider. I imagine I'll use the kit lens quite a bit to figure out which focal lengths I use most with this camera.

Click to expand...

Despite many reports to the contrary, the 16-50mm is quite a capable lens. Some of the shots in this album were from the kit lens (straight from the camera, but reduced resolution)...

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/7689137138/albums/italy

billycox said:

TO11MTM said:

billycox said:

To provide some closure (if it was even needed) I ended up almost driving myself crazy deciding between an a6000 or upgrading my DSLR (it's 6+ years old and rather behind on the tech). I decided to upgrade my DSLR body to have one camera to rule them all. I stopped into my local best buy to check things out and what do you know, an open box a6000 with kit lens. After some quick internal debating, I decided to buy the a6000 and get the 35mm 1.8. All said and done, this was cheaper than upgrading my DSLR body and I got a sweet mirrorless camera out of it. I'm excited to join the Sony Alpha family and learn about this new system

Click to expand...

Cool!

I'd suggest looking into the 18-105 while saving up for the 16-70. I personally find it more than acceptable for my use and it's a hell of a lot less expensive. =)

Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll be saving for a new lens and I'll definitely look into the 18-105

Click to expand...

I suggest you check out Lavikka Photography on Youtube, he´s a working pro that´s tried and reviewed the A6000 and several lenses extensively. It´s hands on and takes up both the good and what´s less so. BTW, if you want something really (!) sharp you should check out the Sigma 60mm, a wonderful lens with decent bokeh and an absolute bargain imo.

Lavikka: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdNjjD-Ddm5ryn8Qnf2hnQ

Good luck!

caplanner said:

As LYarm said, I think the 35 is a little narrow for street photography.

I have the touit 32 1.8 and the 24 1.8. I prefer the 24 for a walking around general purpose low-light lens.

However, I do plan to get the 1670. I would wish I had the versatility of the 1670 if I only had the 24 (or 35). In my case I also have the 1650.

My normal setup includes the 24 1.8, 55210 and 1650 (until I get the 1670).

I would imagine you'll be happy with the quality of either the 24 or 35.

Click to expand...

Yes the 35mm is a very good lens but I wanted some thing a bit wider for general shots and street. Recently traded the SEL35f18 for the FE 28mm. Early days but this lens seems nice and sharp. Quite compact and light. Heres a nothing shot but it shows the out of focus rendering and the sharpness.









--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/40158579@N08/

Utterlyotter said:

I suggest you check out Lavikka Photography on Youtube, he´s a working pro that´s tried and reviewed the A6000 and several lenses extensively. It´s hands on and takes up both the good and what´s less so. BTW, if you want something really (!) sharp you should check out the Sigma 60mm, a wonderful lens with decent bokeh and an absolute bargain imo.

Lavikka: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdNjjD-Ddm5ryn8Qnf2hnQ

Click to expand...

Nice to see that he identifies the D7100 and a6000 as the leading APS-C cameras. Maybe that will eventually be updated to D7200 and a6100. It's a bit early to tell on the a6000 successor, but I prefer some of the detailed options that are available on the D7100 over those on the D7200.

Some of these videos are persuasive, but there's often glaring errors, such as the presenter's apparent ignorance of the separately adjustable intensities of LCD and VF on the a6000.

I've studied the options for these cameras in great detail (at least to the extent that they are relevant to my requirements), and I've never found a comprehensive guide to the details that I'm satisfied with. Frankly, I've had to work it out for myself. Having both the D7100 and a6000 is instructive, as it gives insight onto the options and the differing approaches of two manufacturers.

WryCuda said:

billycox said:

WryCuda said:

billycox said:

After some quick internal debating, I decided to buy the a6000 and get the 35mm 1.8. All said and done, this was cheaper than upgrading my DSLR body and I got a sweet mirrorless camera out of it. I'm excited to join the Sony Alpha family and learn about this new system

Click to expand...

Don't discount the 16-50mm kit lens; I used it quite a lot on my recent holiday, and it performed very well. You'll find that you'll need to use 16mm more than you imagine; about 70% of my street shots were at 16mm. The a6000 also has digital zoom, and with a good lens like the 35mm, you should be able to get results up to 2x.

Click to expand...

Definitely something I'll consider. I imagine I'll use the kit lens quite a bit to figure out which focal lengths I use most with this camera.

Click to expand...

Despite many reports to the contrary, the 16-50mm is quite a capable lens. Some of the shots in this album were from the kit lens (straight from the camera, but reduced resolution)...

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/7689137138/albums/italy

Click to expand...

+1 on the 16-50 kit lens, especially for walkaround use but be aware that I tried two and one was a bit sharper than the other.

I took advantage of previous sales and I now have two A6000s. For my walkarounds I keep the 16-50 on one and the 55-210 on the other. I find it a lot easier and quicker than switching lenses, and I reduce the risk of junk on the sensor from lens swaps.

Both A6000s with their lenses fit very nicely in my re-purposed Wenger 16" laptop bag along with spare batteries, SD cards, an Olympus C-180 1.7 teleconverter, a Minolta CL49-200 achromatic close-up lens, a water bottle and a few breakfast bars. It all weighs less than my DSLR with the lenses to cover the same focal length range and the A6000 has better IQ.

billycox said:

I'm looking to take advantage of the sale price on the a6000 that is happening right now. I want to get only one lens for it since I have a full DSLR setup. This would be used for walking around while traveling, street, and taking photos on trips (not trips for photo taking)

I can get the a6000 w/ 35mm 1.8 for under $900 save the extra ~$500 and put it towards a 16-70 f/4
OR
Splurge and get a6000 w/ 24mm 1.8 Zeiss

Clearly my budget is ~$1500 but would love to spend less if possible.

Anyone have this camera with 35mm and are very happy with it?

Click to expand...

then it pays to wait because Sigma is STRONGLY rumoured to release a 24mm f2.8 prime very soon. It is supposed to be even sharper than Sigma 30mm and as sharp as Sigma 60mm f2.8 which everyone is raving about. I suspect it would cost between $250-$350 very reasonable because it is a very useful focal length.

I am waiting for this lens.

ttan98 said:

billycox said:

I'm looking to take advantage of the sale price on the a6000 that is happening right now. I want to get only one lens for it since I have a full DSLR setup. This would be used for walking around while traveling, street, and taking photos on trips (not trips for photo taking)

I can get the a6000 w/ 35mm 1.8 for under $900 save the extra ~$500 and put it towards a 16-70 f/4
OR
Splurge and get a6000 w/ 24mm 1.8 Zeiss

Clearly my budget is ~$1500 but would love to spend less if possible.

Anyone have this camera with 35mm and are very happy with it?

Click to expand...

then it pays to wait because Sigma is STRONGLY rumoured to release a 24mm f2.8 prime very soon. It is supposed to be even sharper than Sigma 30mm and as sharp as Sigma 60mm f2.8 which everyone is raving about. I suspect it would cost between $250-$350 very reasonable because it is a very useful focal length.

I am waiting for this lens.

Click to expand...

A Sigma 24 would make a nice addition to my Sigma Trinity...I guess it would make it a Sigma Tetrad.