Got my SONY DSLR camera ... what next?

[seanhoxx]

Bob maybe for walking around the city, and there are lots of bumpy stone streets in Prauge you may want to look at a good quality monopod. easier to carry and set up, don't have as big a foot print in congested areas, can move around pretty well with camera on it and be ready to go. Manfrotto makes one that is free standing with retractable legs in the base. This is therory from my research as I haven't bought one yet.

[seanhoxx]

Don, at some point in time I know I need to fill out my bottom range in glass, I keep going back to the will I use a UWA enough to justify it? I know you have made posts before on this topic so no need to rehash it, but a few comments and advice for the need of a UWA, any thoughts on the Sony lens that is supposed to be comming?

[dr4gon]

Don, at some point in time I know I need to fill out my bottom range in glass, I keep going back to the will I use a UWA enough to justify it? I know you have made posts before on this topic so no need to rehash it, but a few comments and advice for the need of a UWA, any thoughts on the Sony lens that is supposed to be comming?

Which one? the 16-35mm zeiss? that's more of a UWA for the FF since it's essentially a 11-21mm aps-c lens

The UWA is great for getting a sense of perspective of a large area (landscape) and can also be used creatively to show many other things like (for example) an outstretched hand holding something with a distorted background

[seanhoxx]

As I don't pay a lot of attention to sony lenses and am not up on UWA's I'm not sure if it was the 16-35 CZ, did I read somewhere about a 10-20 or 10-24 from Sony or am I confusing it with Tamron, and somebody has a 11-18mm out right but that seems like a pretty tight range? I guess I could just look it up LOL

[DonSchap]

There has been a lot of debate on whether to use a TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD in panorama mode or to pop $500 for the SIGMA AF 10-20mm f/4-5.6 DC EX or the new TAMRON SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD lens.

Man, talk about rationalization, huh?

The beauty of the UWA is that you get everything in view in ONE SHOT. Sometimes (weddings, usually), you will be right on top of your subject and cannot back up to get the entire shot (most annoying). You reach into your bag and grab the UWA. That's what it is for. Light loss is minimal, because you are, literally, right there!

Other issues are architectural shots, where the building is just so wide or tall ... and you can only go to the other side of the street. No tripod. Yep, UWA time. Still, you could still consider the panorama idea, the building isn't going anywhere ... and it doesn't BLINK!

UWA = Convenience, plain and simple. In this rush, rush world we occupy, no one seems to have a lot of time to compose their shots. Too busy trying to get to something else. Who knew?

I would say, the minute that TAMRON becomes available, buy one. It has the WIDEST reach (10-24mm) of a lens of its class. That is truly useful and hard to argue down for a mere $500. For SONY APS-C sensors ... it's all she wrote.

Some others on the market are:

• SIGMA AF 10-20mm f/4-5.6 DC EX
• TAMRON SP AF 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD
• SONY DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6
• Minolta AF DT 11-18 f/4.5-5.6
• SIGMA 12-24 f/4.5-5.6 EX DG

Just to name a few ...

[seanhoxx]

The new Tamron is also a faster lens, not sure how much that matters for UWA but maybe indoor shots?

[DonSchap]

Well, Tokina built an even "faster" UWA ... f/2.8 ... but, it cannot be mounted on a SONY/Minolta.

Oh yeah, (news flash for those who may not be aware) no current Tokina lens can be mounted on a SONY DSLR camera! Oh well! Maybe if "the gathered multitude" made enough NOISE, that could change (hint, hint).


AT-X 116 11-16mm f/2.8 DX Pro (Nikon-mount shown)

Besides, the edges tend to get a little "rough looking", at those wide apertures.

[seanhoxx]

I wonder if and when the time comes will Tokina repair my 80-400mm AT-X if I need it done?

[laydros]

Is there any way we can get this stickied? I know this was one of the first things I wanted to know about when I joined the forum, and I'm sure the same is going to be true for many others.

[DonSchap]

Personally, if I were starting out all over again, and I wasn't trying to be crazy about what I spent and still wanted "top drawer" imagery ... I would buy the following, without hesitation:

1. SONY A700 ($999 @ SONY Style, on line)
2. SONY CZ 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ($699)
3. TAMRON SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD MACRO ($699)
4. SONY HVL-F58AM Electronic Flash ($449)


I would then pick up a TAMRON SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD Ultra Wide-Angle lens ($499) to get the wide stuff ... and then for the Super-telephoto, the TAMRON SP AF 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD lens ($799) to finish it up.

There just will be little need to ever upgrade this kit, unless you need superior imaging (inspected by pros). Until you have the first four items in this list, don't even worry about anything else. LOL You have work to do .. and just get them.

Bottom line, here: I am just trying to save you some valuable time, if you have the cash for it. This would be a one stop shop for your SONY pack out.