Im getting super stressed trying to pick a lens for my A6400. I have a trip to Japan coming up in three weeks and my kit lens just isnt cutting it for night shots. I looked at the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 because everyone says its the goat, but then I read a bunch of reviews saying it has autofocus issues in video mode which is what I really need for my travel vlogs. I only have about 300 bucks to spend and im totally lost. Does anyone have a better recommendation that wont break the bank or am I just overthinking the AF stuff?
If the Sigma makes you nervous, you should check out the Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2. Its way wider, which is perfect for vlogging in tight Japanese alleys where you cant step back. The focus is decent, and honestly, the close-focusing capabilities are wild for food shots. Another solid choice if you want something tiny is the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 Pancake. It basically turns your camera into a point-and-shoot size. Just keep in mind that f/2.8 isnt as fast as the Sigma, so you might need to bump your ISO a bit at night. I always peek at the DXOMark website before buying glass just to see how the sharpness tests hold up compared to my gear. Dont overthink the AF too much, just keep your settings dialed in.
Honestly, if you want reliable video AF on a budget, look at the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens. It is super compact for travel. For better light gathering, grab the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary. It is sharper and the video AF on the A6400 is solid since you get the full eye-tracking support. Just stick to native or high-end third party glass and you will be fine.
Honestly, don't sweat the AF issues too much, but you should be careful if video is your main priority. The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is sharp as a tack for photos, but that focus motor can hunt a bit in low light. For vlogging, you might want to consider these instead:
- Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS
- The stabilization is a lifesaver for handheld clips and the AF is native so it tracks faces perfectly.
- Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 AF
- It is cheaper, but make sure to update the firmware immediately via USB or the AF will drive you crazy. Personally, I would suggest the Sony prime because native glass just plays nicer with the A6400 autofocus system. It will save you so much headache in Japan. Just keep your shutter speed up and you'll be fine!
