Sony SLT-a55

[remus_lupin]

Hey everyone,

My friend's dad just purchased a Sony SLT-a55, I am fairly up-to-date and current with the various lens offerings from Canon and Nikon, however, I would like some advice on some good quality (when compared to a kit lens) fixed focal length lenses for the Sony brand.

Something similar to Nikon's 35mm f/1.8 would probably be a good start!

Thanks in advance

[crazzy88ss]

I know sony has a pretty big selection of lenses... there's no nifty-fifty? Im sure their primes are going to be the best in their selection, just like it is for nikon/canon.

But yea, why'd he buy an a55? lol

[Andre]

Sigma 30mm f/1.4

[remus_lupin]

I know sony has a pretty big selection of lenses... there's no nifty-fifty? Im sure their primes are going to be the best in their selection, just like it is for nikon/canon.

But yea, why'd he buy an a55? lol

Okay, like I said, I don't really know anything about Sony's and their lenses, so for decent quality/price you would say it's better to go with a prime from them opposed to a third party from sigma or some other brand.

Maybe Argote will know of a specific lens that is supposedly good for a Sony camera.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4

I will look into it for him, thanks!!

[Andre]

Have also a look at http://www.lensdatabase.net (filter by Sony/Minolta Alpha).

[crazzy88ss]

+1 on the sigma lenses. I hear they're pretty good. I ALMOST bought the sigma 50 f1.4 over Nikon's but Nikon's was $50 cheaper and lighter.

[Argote]

Sony offers a Straight up 35mm f/1.8 prime for around $200 which may be what you are looking for. http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Sony-DT-35-F1.8-SAM_lens588.html The Sigma 30/1.4 might be a bit better but it'll certainly cost about twice as much.

For future reference, this page is the best database for Sony lenses I've seen (I shoot Sony, so yeah...) http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp

[the evn show]

Off topic stuff removed.

[Argote]

What budget are you looking at? What other focal ranges are you considering?

[remus_lupin]

Sony offers a Straight up 35mm f/1.8 prime for around $200 which may be what you are looking for. http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Sony-DT-35-F1.8-SAM_lens588.html The Sigma 30/1.4 might be a bit better but it'll certainly cost about twice as much.

For future reference, this page is the best database for Sony lenses I've seen (I shoot Sony, so yeah...) http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp

Thank you!

What budget are you looking at? What other focal ranges are you considering?

In total for some lenses I would say up to $1000

I was thinking 35mm (I think I am good for that, I will advise him to go between either the sony 1.8 or sigma 1.4 depending on the cost of the second lens) as well as something around the 85mm range

[Argote]

For the 85mm range there's the Sony Carl-Zeiss 85/1.4 which is supposed to be extremely good (The Sony Carl-Zeiss 135/1.8 is legendary too). but will probably cost a bit above $1000, you could also buy a used Minolta 85/1.4 which is supposed to be very good as well though you'll have to find a decent copy, these run around $750 or more depending on condition and the seller. There's also a Sony 85/2.8 which is supposed to be pretty decent (though it's only f/2.8) and costs $250.

What other lenses are going to be used with the camera besides the 35 and 85?

[remus_lupin]

Thanks Argote!!

I think the 35 and 85 will be good for now, the camera came with a kit lens and he bought a zoom lens... I told him fixed focal length is the way to go until he decides to get a 2.8 zoom (70-200 etc.)

So for now the two cheap zoom lenses he has and a 35 and either an 85 will do :)

Thanks again

[Argote]

Yes, well in the APS-C A-mount world the Sony Carl Zeiss 16-80 f/3.5-4.5 zoom lens is regarded to be very good (mostly due to very pleasing microcontrast) though it does not have a constant f/2.8 aperture. It makes an excellent replacement/improvement for the kit lens.

In any case, the kit you're talking about seems very decent, what version of 85 is being considered?

[remus_lupin]

Yes, well in the APS-C A-mount world the Sony Carl Zeiss 16-80 f/3.5-4.5 zoom lens is regarded to be very good (mostly due to very pleasing microcontrast) though it does not have a constant f/2.8 aperture. It makes an excellent replacement/improvement for the kit lens.

In any case, the kit you're talking about seems very decent, what version of 85 is being considered?

Thanks, I will mention that zeiss zoom lens as well!

I will likely speak with him one on one this weekend or next, but likely either the Sony 2.8 or a Minolta 1.4 if we can find a decent one!

However, I will speak with him a bit more to see how pro he wants to get; and maybe he will spring for the Zeiss 85 f/1.4... he's the CFO of a successful construction company so it is definitely within his budget if he so chooses to spend the money.