I'm kind of freaking out because I have this wedding shoot in Chicago next weekend and my main 35mm just bit the dust so I need a replacement like yesterday. I've been scouring the web all morning and my logic was that since it's almost end of the month there might be some secret rebates or something but I'm not seeing much. I did see some "Edu" discounts on B&H but I'm not a student anymore so that's a no-go for me unfortunately.
Then I saw a deal on Amazon for a Tamron 28-75 but it's the G1 version and I really want the G2 or just a solid Sony prime if I can find one under $500. It's so frustrating because one site says "Instant Savings" but then the price is exactly the same as it was three months ago when I was just browsing. Like is that actually a sale or just marketing fluff? I checked Adorama too and they have some open box stuff but I'm always nervous about that with glass especially when I'm on such a tight timeline and can't risk a dud. Does anyone know if there are any promo codes or maybe a specific shop that has a flash sale going on right now for E-mount? I really don't want to pay full retail if I can help it because my budget is super tight after paying for travel...
I feel your pain with those fake sales, honestly its so annoying. Last time I tried to save a few bucks on a deal, the lens showed up with a scratched element and I had to scramble. I remember the clicking sound the motor made was just... awful. It was such a mess and totally not worth the stress. Unfortunately, most of those instant savings tags are just marketing fluff like you suspected. If you need a 35mm under $500 that wont fail, check out the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Large Aperture Prime. It usually hovers right around $480 new. I tried to go the cheaper route with the Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE Sony E once, but the build quality just wasnt as good as I expected... it felt kinda plasticky and I didnt trust it for big events. TL;DR: Stick to native glass. The Sony 35mm f/1.8 is your safest bet under 500 bucks since you can buy it new and avoid a dud.
Re: "I feel your pain with those fake sales,..." I'm satisfied with these alternatives:
- Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE (Excellent MTF resolution)
- Sony FE 28mm f/2 Greentoe often accepts bids under $500.
@Reply #2 - good point! I just saw this and honestly, you cannot risk a dud for a wedding. That would be a total nightmare! Since you are on a tight clock and hate the idea of a risky purchase, here is what I would do to stay safe and save some cash:
- Go for the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Sony E-mount. It is built like a literal tank! I love the all-metal feel and the manual aperture ring is just fantastic. It is super reliable and feels way more professional than the cheap plastic lenses.
- If you are really pinched for cash, the Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Sony E-mount is a total hidden gem. The autofocus is a tiny bit slower than a native Sony lens but the sharpness is amazing! It is an incredible way to save money while still getting pro-level glass for your wedding shoot.
- Check out MPB or KEH for used gear. They are way safer than random sellers on eBay or Craigslist because they actually inspect the gear and give you a warranty. Its much better for your peace of mind tho. Tbh if the shipping timeline makes you nervous, just rent! You can grab a Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM from a rental house for like 60-70 bucks for the whole weekend. It is a total lifesaver for weddings when you need 100% reliability and dont have time to hunt for sales. Chicago is a great spot to shoot, you are gonna have an amazing time!
Just caught this. Honestly, for a wedding next weekend, you really cant risk a lens that might hunt for focus or fail mid-ceremony. I've been super satisfied with my setup because I prioritized reliability over the lowest price, and it hasn't let me down. Quick question tho... are you looking strictly for native Sony glass to guarantee the best autofocus tracking, or are you okay with third-party lenses that still perform well? Also, does that $500 limit include tax and shipping, or is that your hard cap for the lens itself? Knowing that would help narrow down where to find real deals instead of just marketing junk.
Solid advice 👍
