I just bought this Sony a7 iii off a guy on marketplace because I wanted to take really nice professional looking pictures for my sisters wedding next Saturday but I realized it didnt come with a glass thingy at the front? Like its just a hole with a sensor inside. I feel so dumb I thought it was all one piece like my phone or my old point and click camera I used in middle school. Now Im looking online for what to buy and there are literally thousands of options and Im honestly so overwhelmed and panicking a bit.
I spent almost all my savings on the actual camera body so I only have like 300 or 400 dollars left at the absolute most for a lens. I went to the store and the guy tried to sell me something for two thousand dollars which is literally more than my car is worth right now. Like how do people afford this hobby?? I need something that can take good pictures of people standing at the altar but also maybe some of the party after? I dont even know what the numbers mean like what is a 50mm vs a 28-70mm and why does one have a decimal point like 1.8? Its all just gibberish to me and Im terrified of buying something that wont even click onto the camera.
Someone on a facebook group told me to look at brands like Sigma or Tamron because Sony brand is too expensive but then I saw stuff about full frame vs aps-c and e-mount and Im just so lost. I think mine is a full frame? I really need to order something today so it gets here by Wednesday so I can practice before the big day. Sorry if this is a really stupid question I just started this hobby like two days ago and I feel like Im drowning in information. Does anyone know what is the best budget lens for a Sony full frame that a beginner can actually use and afford in 2024?
Re: Sony FE 50mm f/1.8... ngl I'd be careful because that one is famously slow to focus. For a wedding you need speed! I've been super satisfied with these instead:
- Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE - snappy focus and perfect for the party.
- Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE - amazing for those altar shots from a distance. Either one works well and wont break the bank. You'll do great tho, dont stress too much!
Re: Tamron zoom lens... honestly I disagree! You need the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 because its f/1.8 aperture handles low light way better. Basically, primes are sharper!
- Superior MTF data
- FE native Love it!
Re: "Re: Tamron zoom lens... honestly I disagree! You..."
- I'm actually gonna side with the zoom lens fans on this one! When I first started out with my Sony a7 III years ago, I thought I could handle everything with a single fixed lens, but boy was I wrong!! I ended up missing the ring exchange because I was stuck behind a huge flower arrangement and couldn't zoom out to fit everyone in. It was a total nightmare but such a huge learning moment for me! One huge thing to watch out for tho—please, please make sure you don't accidentally buy an APS-C lens. I made that mistake once and it makes your fancy full-frame sensor behave like a much cheaper camera by cropping the image. Look for the FE designation on the box or make sure it explicitly says it is for full-frame. Also, avoid those dirt-cheap manual focus lenses you see for a hundred bucks. Trying to focus by hand while people are moving and dancing is basically impossible when you're just starting. You'll just end up with a bunch of blurry photos and a lot of heartbreak! Stick to something with auto-focus so the camera can do the heavy lifting for you. You're gonna have a blast once you get that first shot!
Go with a Tamron zoom lens for your first purchase. Based on years of shooting, I find that their lenses offer the most consistent performance for the price on full-frame Sony bodies like the Sony a7 III. A standard zoom is ideal. It covers the range you need for both the altar and the party. As long as it is designated for E-mount, you really can't go wrong.
Solid advice 👍
Re: "Solid advice 👍"
- I'm actually gonna disagree a bit here. When I first got my Sony a7 III I went the same route and grabbed a cheap brand-name prime lens because people said it was the right way to learn. Big mistake for me lol. I was so stressed trying to move my feet to get the right shot while everyone was dancing, and I missed so many good moments. I eventually switched my current setup to a third-party zoom from one of those other brands people mentioned and I've been so much more satisfied. It works well for weddings because things move fast and you dont have time to swap lenses or keep backing up into the cake table. No complaints with the quality either, even if it isnt the official brand. Honestly, the third-party stuff these days is insane for the price. TL;DR: Go with a third-party zoom. Being able to zoom in and out is a lifesaver when you're a beginner and panicking at a big event!
Honestly, I went through this exact same panic last year when I first started! I spent my entire budget on my camera body and quickly realized I had no way to actually take a photo. It was a huge reality check. I eventually found a used, basic zoom lens that fit my small budget, and it was a fantastic decision because it let me learn the mechanics of the camera through a hands-on, DIY approach. I spent hours practicing in my backyard, methodically testing how different zoom levels changed my shots. It felt amazing when I finally mastered the focus settings! Using that first lens at a family event was a life-saver because it allowed me to stay flexible while I was still learning the ropes. My current setup is much more advanced now, but that initial budget-friendly choice was essential. You really just need a reliable starting point so you can get that practice in before the big day!
