So I finally picked up a used Sony a6400 after saving up for ages and now Im stuck with just the kit lens which is honestly pretty underwhelming for what I want to shoot. Im mostly planning to take photos of my dogs at the park and maybe some street stuff when I head into downtown Chicago this summer. Budget is pretty tight right now since the camera already wiped out most of my savings so I am hoping to keep it under 350 dollars if possible.
I have been doing a ton of digging online and saw a lot of people hyping up the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 but then I saw some forum posts complaining about the autofocus being a bit weird on newer bodies? Im not sure if that is still a thing or if those people just had bad copies. I also looked at the Sony 50mm f/1.8 but Im worried that is gonna be too tight for indoor shots in my small apartment.
Here is what I really need:
- Under 350 bucks (used is totally fine)
- Something decent for moving subjects like my pups
- Sharp enough to justify not just using my phone
Is there anything else I should be looking at or should I just gamble on the Sigma and hope for the best?
> I have been doing a ton of digging online and saw a lot of people hyping up the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 but then I saw some forum posts complaining about the autofocus Honestly, forget the hype for a second. If you want something that tracks dogs reliably without breaking the bank, look at the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 STM AF. It is cheaper than the Sigma and handles moving subjects surprisingly well. Just make sure you update the firmware via the USB port on the lens mount because Viltrox had some initial bugs that those updates completely fixed. Another solid pick if you really want that extra reach for street shots is the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS. It has built-in stabilization, which is a lifesaver for handheld shots. Just watch your distance indoors. Don't overspend yet, you can find these used for way under your budget.
Honestly, grab the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and dont look back. I used it on my a6400 for years and it was totally fine for tracking my dog. The autofocus is snappy enough for moving pups and its sharp as a tack. Honestly, 30mm is the perfect sweet spot for that crop sensor. Way better than the kit lens for sure.
Re: Honestly, grab the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN... I see where you are coming from. That lens is solid, but if you're worried about the focus issues or want something slightly more versatile for street photography, you might look at the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. It's a bit over your budget new, but you can find it used around that 350 mark if you look hard enough. It gives you way more reach for those dogs running around. Before you pull the trigger, do you prefer a fixed prime lens or do you feel like you really need the flexibility of a zoom for the park? If you decide to go with a prime, the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is another great choice because it has built-in stabilization, which helps a ton with handheld shots.
