So I finally pulled the trigger and got a used Sony a6400 last week after months of watching reviews and saving up pennies from my side gigs. Im beyond stoked to actually start shooting with it but the kit lens is honestly just not cutting it for me. I have a trip to the Pacific Northwest coming up in like three weeks and I really want something that can handle some decent landscape shots and maybe a bit of street photography while I am wandering around Seattle. My budget is strictly under 400 bucks because I already stretched myself pretty thin on the camera body and I need to save for the flight and everything.
I have been doing some digging and I am currently torn between a few options:
- Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN
- Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS
- Viltrox 23mm f/1.4
The Sigma looks super sharp and everyone raves about that aperture, but I keep worrying that 30mm might be a weird focal length for me since I am used to shooting on my phone. The Sony 35mm has the stabilization which would be awesome for handheld video, but the image quality reviews are kind of all over the place. Then there is the Viltrox, which seems like a steal for the price, but I have never used their glass before so I am a little nervous about the reliability.
I really need something compact since I am only taking a carry-on backpack. Which one of these would you grab if you were heading out on a trip? Im leaning toward the Sigma because of how sharp it is but I am worried about it being too tight of a frame for some of the architecture stuff. Does anyone have experience with these on the a6400 specifically? Seriously any advice would be a life saver because I am just staring at these tabs open in my browser all day and getting nowhere...
Adding my two cents here! I took the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary all over the PNW last year and the sharpness is honestly insane for the price. Sure, the focal length is tight, but if you keep it on the a6400, the low light performance is amazing for Seattle evenings. You should check the used market for a Sony E 16mm f/2.8 if you need something wider for cheap. It fits in any pocket!
Just catching up on this thread! Re: "Honestly, 30mm feels a bit tight for street..."
- I totally agree. If you want something wider that doesn't break the bank, you really need to look at the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN. I used it for a trip to Chicago last year and it was an absolute game changer for architecture and tight city streets. The extra width makes all the difference when you cant back up anymore.
- It feels super solid and pro-grade.
- Way better for wide landscapes than a 30mm.
- Keep an eye on the used market for a deal. You can often find these used for under 300 bucks if you look around! Honestly, just pack a cheap circular polarizer too, it makes the PNW greens and blues pop like crazy without spending a fortune.
Honestly, 30mm feels a bit tight for street work if youre used to a phone. The Sigma is fantastic glass, but you might want to consider how much space you have to back up when framing architecture.
- Pack light
- Practice your footwork
- Watch your shutter speed Be careful with the Viltrox if you need absolute reliability. Whatever you pick, just make sure you test it before your flight. You dont want focus issues ruining your trip shots.
