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03/14/2009 11:33:10 AM · #1 |
But I don't really know what I want. I can't even decide what sort of photos I want to concentrate on. I guess portraits should be my main goal here. I love portraits (although you couldn't tell by my few challenge entries, mostly a lack of willing models) and I want a good portrait lens. I'm also interested in macro. I've read/heard/made up that macro lenses are good for portraits if you get the right ones. Is this true? I would love to be able to get one upper lower middle range lens that would be better than the kit lens I have for both these sort of shots. Any suggestions? I know that Sony/Minolta aren't nearly as popular as canikon but I can use specific lens suggestions as well as just basics to look for in a lens. Thanks for your help.
Also for my next lens after this one I think I want something with a decent zoom but also a wide aperture (something I could use for sports shots and the like). It looks like that combo usually costs a lot. Any suggestions for something more modestly priced or am I better off just waiting till I can shell out the big bucks?
Thanks Again |
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03/14/2009 12:52:51 PM · #2 |
Hi. Your profile doesn't show what lens you're currently using. I'll assume the 18-70 kit lens...
Here's a fun lens that will do portraits (and other fun things) for around $100 in the used market (eBay, keh.com, etc...): Minolta 50/1.7 |
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03/14/2009 01:18:27 PM · #3 |
I can't remember the specifics of the lens I have but that sounds right. It's the standard kit lens (the single one, not the one that comes with two lenses). Thanks for the suggestion that one is definitely being considered. I'm also looking at the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens. I wish I could try all these out before ordering them.
*Edit*
Well I decided to get off my butt and check out my lens. It is indeed the 18-70
Message edited by author 2009-03-14 13:22:52. |
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03/14/2009 01:24:27 PM · #4 |
In addition to posting here you can PM a few people that have the lens you're interested in and ask for some feedback. Use the Equipment links in the DPC menubar (lens). I've done that on a couple of the more expensive choices and the feedback was quite helpful.
Another resource for Sony/Minolta A-mount camera owners is Dyxum.com. Very helpful people there that have first-hand knowledge for most of your equipment questions.
ETA - BTW, don't be so quick to abandon the 18-70 (you didn't specifically say that I know). Take a look at what  JPR has done with the KM 18-70 kit lens, also the Sony 18-70 (what you have I believe) and what  lovethelight captured with hers.
Message edited by author 2009-03-14 13:28:36. |
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03/14/2009 02:07:51 PM · #5 |
I have a very versatile lens that I always find on my camera. It's not the best quality, but it gives you a great range: Sony DT 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3
Another lens that I absolutely love for portraits specifically is the Sony 50mm 1.4. This is VERY fast, but you get your best results from f/4 on down. |
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03/17/2009 09:22:34 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
In addition to posting here you can PM a few people that have the lens you're interested in and ask for some feedback. Use the Equipment links in the DPC menubar (lens). I've done that on a couple of the more expensive choices and the feedback was quite helpful.
Another resource for Sony/Minolta A-mount camera owners is Dyxum.com. Very helpful people there that have first-hand knowledge for most of your equipment questions.
ETA - BTW, don't be so quick to abandon the 18-70 (you didn't specifically say that I know). Take a look at what JPR has done with the KM 18-70 kit lens, also the Sony 18-70 (what you have I believe) and what lovethelight captured with hers. |
Honestly, I was really unsatisfied with the 18-70 kit lens. The quality was pretty mediocre and I avoided using it at all costs, but for some work the width was really necessary.
I was REALLY happy with this lens:
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=119
You can get them for pretty cheap on ebay ($100-$200)and it is a great little portrait lens and is very light. I definitely recommend it. Another cool thing to do is search for Minolta Maxxum lenses on ebay and see what is up, because it is a pretty nice line of lenses that goes for good prices.
Good luck in your search!
Claire |
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03/17/2009 09:33:27 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by lovethelight:
... I was REALLY happy with this lens:
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=119 ... |
That makes two votes now for the 50/1.7, and one for the 50/1.4. :-) |
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03/21/2009 11:13:01 AM · #8 |
| Thanks for the suggestions everyone. |
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03/22/2009 01:02:34 PM · #9 |
I can't comment on how well it does for portraiture but Ritz has the KM 24-105mm f/3.5-4.5 for $209 or so on clearance, and it's a pretty popular lens that receives good ratings. I have the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX (non-DG) macro you referred to and to be quite frank, the working distance when shooting macro is uncomfortable and if I had the choice to do it again I'd go for a 90mm or 105mm macro.
The 50/1.7 is obviously a fantastic choice, and most people rave about the Tamron 28-75/2.8 as well. |
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