I finally did it and bought a Sony a7iii after saving up forever and i am so hyped to start taking actual photos but honestly i am totally lost. i have been watching youtube videos for three days straight and my brain is basically mush at this point because there are just so many options for lenses and i dont understand half of the terminology people are using. like what is the difference between a prime and a zoom and why are some of them so heavy?
I am heading out on a dream trip to Japan in about three weeks and i really want to capture everything from the neon lights in Shinjuku to the quiet temples in Kyoto but i really dont want to be that person carrying a giant bag of gear and swapping things out every five minutes. i just want one lens that can stay on the camera the whole time and handle everything i throw at it. my budget is right around $800 to maybe $1000 if it is really worth it but i would prefer to stay on the lower end if possible since i still need to buy sd cards and a extra battery.
I saw some stuff about a Tamron 28-75 and a Sigma 24-70 but then someone else told me I need a 35mm or a 50mm if i want that really blurry background look for portraits of my wife. is there one lens that can kinda do both things? i am looking for:
- something that isnt too heavy to carry all day
- can take good photos in low light like at night markets
- has a good zoom range so i dont have to walk everywhere
- makes the background look professional and blurry
I am so sorry if this is a dumb question i am just a total beginner and the more i read the more confused i get about what is actually the best all-around lens for someone who only wants to own one piece of glass for now...
Had a sec to check the data. ^ This. Also, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is amazing! Technical specs are fantastic:
- Weight: 470g
- Aperture: f/2.8 Incredible engineering!
> I just want one lens that can stay on the camera the whole time In my experience, Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is the one. Its 540g weight and f/2.8 aperture provide technical versatility... honestly you dont need anything else.
^ This. Also, i am totally in the same boat as you right now! I have been obsessing over my gear list for an upcoming trip and honestly, my brain is fried from watching those same YouTube reviews lol. Trying to find one piece of glass that handles low light but doesnt break your back after walking 20k steps is a massive struggle. I was just comparing the weight of the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary against some smaller primes and it is such a tough call to make when you are starting out! Just two quick things i learned the hard way while DIYing my own travel setup:
- toss the strap that came in the box and get something like a Peak Design Slide Lite, your neck will thank me later
- definitely bring a small blower like the Giottos Rocket Air Blaster because lens dust is real when you are out all day Youre gonna have the best time in Japan tho, it is seriously a photographers playground!
Re: "Had a sec to check the data. ^..." I agree. Constant f/2.8 is the technical standard. Quick questions:
- Is 24mm width essential for buildings?
- Is video a priority for u?
Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.
Noted!
