What are the absolute best budget lenses for a Sony Alpha setup that wont break the bank? I just picked up a used a6400 for my trip to Colorado this June and I really need something better than the kit lens for street shots and some light hiking.
I read online that the Sigma 16mm f1.4 is basically the gold standard but then I see people complaining that its way too heavy for travel and suggested the Sony 20mm pancake instead. I only have about 350 or 400 bucks to spend max and I am worried the pancake wont give me that nice bokeh I want for portraits of my kids. Should I be looking at Samyang or maybe some older used glass instead? Just feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options...
Basically, I really regret trying to save a buck with some of those newer third-party brands last summer. I took a chance on a cheap wide angle for a camping trip and the lens flare was just unbearable... totally ruined my sunset shots. It was super frustrating because I thought I found a bargain, but the build quality felt like a toy. Honestly, I have had way better luck just sticking with native glass from Sony because the reliability is actually there.
- Go with any Sony prime lens you can find used.
- Check out the basic wide options from Tamron.
- Stay far away from the ultra-budget brands from overseas. Unfortunately, those cheap options usually have slow autofocus that wont keep up with kids. Id rather have one solid piece of gear from a big brand than stuff that might fail when youre actually out on the trail.
