Whats the best budget prime for an a6400 that actually feels like a step up from the kit lens? Ive shot with the 16-50mm for years but its hunting focus like crazy in low light now. Need sharp glass under 250 bucks by Friday for a shoot in Chicago. Is the Sigma 30mm 1.4 overkill?
- Unfortunately, my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary was a letdown with fringing in Chicago.
- Skip that one.
- Pick up the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS.
Its much better in low light.
Like someone mentioned, the 50mm is solid for portraits, but for Chicago streets you probably want something wider. The Samyang 35mm f/2.8 AF Sony E is a decent option that stays under $250.
- Weighs only 85g
- 7 diaphragm blades
- 0.35m minimum focus distance
- 52.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length The AF motor is quiet and works well with Sony eye-autofocus. Its a factual step up in resolution over the kit lens at that aperture.
I had a similar crunch before a shoot in Chicago a while back. I was worried the 30mm 1.4 would be a bit heavy for a 12-hour day on my feet, so I grabbed a 19mm prime for about $180. It had an f/2.8 max aperture and a 28.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length, which was great for the narrow streets around the Loop.
- weight: 140 grams
- diaphragm blades: 7
- minimum focus distance: 0.2m The glass was surprisingly sharp for the cost, and the autofocus motor was silent. I learned that for city work, having that extra bit of width helps when you cant back up any further into traffic. My current setup is much faster now, but I still remember how that Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN Art made the a6400 feel balanced. It wasnt overkill, just a solid, technical choice that stayed well under budget... the focus didn't hunt at all compared to the old zoom.
Lol I was literally about to post the same thing. Glad someone else brought it up.
