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Walk Around FE Lens for Travel

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Sr1racha said:
I can only speak for the 16-35 f4 as I've owned that one.

I'd say it's image quality wise it's very very good for landscapes, and if you're fine with it being f4 at its widest, an ok daytime walkaround lens when traveling.

It has those awesome sun-stars stopped down a little, is sharp wide open, great color and contrast, and I find that 16mm is as wide as I'd typically want to ever go.

I didn't keep it however because I tend to do a lot of lower light photography when I'm traveling, and I'm not much of a landscape shooter (I'm more about taking pics of people, not things) and I found f4 limiting. If you tend to do a lot of landscapes, I'd say it should be high on your list, if not you may found that it sits in your camera bag most of the time like me (and it's not a cheap piece of glass so I can really only afford having glass that I use a lot).

If you're only an occasional landscape shooter, the 28mm may actually be enough for you. Just something to think about.

I have tried out the 24-70mm f4, and for what it's worth, wasn't very impressed with it optically. It does focus significantly faster than the kit 28-70 though.
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I usually buy from B&H - generally that would be domestic - and while I might stray from that decision with other manufacturers, Sony seems to have an inconsistent QC - so you need somewhere with a friendly return policy and where you can purchase a reasonably affordable repair and replacement warranty. Amazon Prime is also good but you cant always get the best deal on extended repair and replacement warranty - and now they charge tax.
 
Just sold my A6000+kit+accessories and pulled the trigger on A7ii+28mm f/2. May go after the 21mm converter tomorrow. I am still debating on the 55mm. That 24-70mm GM is so tempting but the $$$ and availability is a problem. I am going on my trip on the 31st. so much time.
 
Though I absolutely love love my 55mm zeiss, I'd give the new 50mm f1.8 a try first if I were in your shoes.

Especially if you're traveling with the gear - I'd rather bang around a $250 lens than a $800 one on a trip :)

Happy shooting!
 
I use the 28 f2 and 55 f1.8 for low light when I'm traveling and have yet to be disappointed.

Hadn't read about distortion with the 28mm, and I haven't noticed any other than the typical perspective distortion with any moderate wide angle lens (that isn't actually a "fault" per se).
 
Yes it does have a bit of distortion if you shoot raw and don't want to do simple corrections. I shoot jpg so not an issue at all for me. Check out some of the reviews online. General consensus is that its an amazing little lens for the size and price.

ultragc said:
Sr1racha said:
I can only speak for the 16-35 f4 as I've owned that one.

I'd say it's image quality wise it's very very good for landscapes, and if you're fine with it being f4 at its widest, an ok daytime walkaround lens when traveling.

It has those awesome sun-stars stopped down a little, is sharp wide open, great color and contrast, and I find that 16mm is as wide as I'd typically want to ever go.

I didn't keep it however because I tend to do a lot of lower light photography when I'm traveling, and I'm not much of a landscape shooter (I'm more about taking pics of people, not things) and I found f4 limiting. If you tend to do a lot of landscapes, I'd say it should be high on your list, if not you may found that it sits in your camera bag most of the time like me (and it's not a cheap piece of glass so I can really only afford having glass that I use a lot).

If you're only an occasional landscape shooter, the 28mm may actually be enough for you. Just something to think about.

I have tried out the 24-70mm f4, and for what it's worth, wasn't very impressed with it optically. It does focus significantly faster than the kit 28-70 though.

--
See my work and gear blog at http://www.sungparkphotography.com
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Thanks. For low light, which lens are you using? Also, there are quick a bit of complaints about 28mm's distortion... is this a bit issue?
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slstr said:
Check out the sony fe28f2 and the brand new sony 50mm f/1.8 FE lens..
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I picked up the FE 28mm F2 last month and I'm very happy with it, I have both FF and APS-C bodies, and believe it or not, this lens ends up being mounted on the a6000 more than my FF bodies, it's great for street photography
 
If you are walking around i would suggest the new 15mm Voightlander E-Mount lens. not sure if its out yet or not though.
 
I have playing with the 28mm f2 while the 21mm converter is on its way. So far, it is not too bad. However, I kind of missed the ability to zoom. I was at my son's recital today and sitting about 45ft away from the bench. The 28mm is able to capture the entire band but not able to get closeup shot. This is starting to push me towards getting the 24-70mm or 55mm.
 
See title.

ultragc said:
I have playing with the 28mm f2 while the 21mm converter is on its way. So far, it is not too bad. However, I kind of missed the ability to zoom.
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Good in low light+travel do not mix. Look at the 24-70 2.8. You have to be reasonable here
ultragc said:
I was at my son's recital today and sitting about 45ft away from the bench.
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Dunno about the lighting but this is sort of the exact opposite of what you asked for
ultragc said:
The 28mm is able to capture the entire band but not able to get closeup shot.
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That is kind of the idea. You would probably never use the same lens for landscapes that you would prefer for shooting birds
ultragc said:
This is starting to push me towards getting the 24-70mm or 55mm.
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24-70 not as high IQ as 55. Also much slower. A bit larger. There are no unicorns. Think of it as a triangle

Costs+size+low light ability. Any time you try and go to far with one it will effect the other aspects
 
i'm a newbie too,

i used A600 + 16-70 zeiss + sony 35 f1.8 before as my walk around lens

then i upgraded to A7II, initially i only have 1 lens , the zeiss 55 f1.8 cause may said this is a must have lens if you are A7 shooter, well, im quite happy with that lens, very sharp, very nice bokeh, small and light enough to carry.

then i was poisoned by the batis 25 f2

it's the perfect lens for A7ii for me,

the wider angle at 25mm is more suited for me as i can cropped the image if i can't get nearer to the subject, and the build quality, zeiss look and colour is amazing,

if i have to choose only 1 lens, it will be the batis, but both of them are good in their own ways
 
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