I just got this Sony A7III because my friend said it was the best for photos but honestly I have no idea what I'm doing yet lol. I've been using my phone forever but I wanted to get real pictures for my trip to Chicago next month. I'm gonna be walking around the downtown area a lot and I want to take those cool shots of people and buildings but I dont know what lens to get. Right now I just have the one that came in the box but people online say I need a prime lens for street stuff.
I think prime means it doesnt zoom? That sounds kinda hard to use if I cant zoom in on things but everyone says the quality is better and it makes you a better photographer or something. I've been looking at the numbers like 24mm and 35mm and 50mm and my head is spinning. I want to be able to get the whole street in but also maybe some candid shots of people at cafes without being too close and making it awkward. I dont want to look like a tourist with a giant telescope on my face if you know what I mean.
I have about $600 saved up for this and I really dont want to buy something and then regret it because it's too big to carry around all day. I've been looking at a few different things online:
- Sony 35mm f1.8
- Something called a Zeiss 55mm
- A tiny Samyang lens that looks like a toy
I'm sorry if this is like super basic stuff I'm just trying to learn before I leave in three weeks. I just want my photos to look like those moody street shots I see on Instagram where the background is all blurry but the person is sharp. Is 35mm wider than 50mm? I get so confused with the numbers. If you only had one lens to walk around a city with all day which one would you pick for a Sony mirrorless that wont break the bank? Like what is the standard prime for street photography...
Omg you are gonna love the A7III! Its such a beast and you made a fantastic choice for your trip!! Honestly dont stress about the numbers too much, basically 35mm is wider so you get more of the buildings and street in the frame. If you want that blurry background look but need something super reliable that wont let you down in Chicago, you 100% need to look at the Sony FE 35mm F1.8. It is absolutely amazing for the price and is basically the gold standard for starting out. Here is why its the safest pick for your budget:
- It is super fast at focusing so you wont miss those candid moments
- It fits perfectly in your $600 budget and you can find great deals on it
- Its small enough that you wont look like a tourist with a telescope lol You could also look at the Sony FE 50mm f1.8 if you want to save even more cash, but the 35mm is much safer for walking around tight city streets. Seriously, go with the 35mm, its a total classic for a reason!
To add to the point above: shooting with the Sony system for years has made me really appreciate the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8. I have to politely disagree with getting those tiny Samyang lenses for a big trip tho... they feel a bit flimsy and I'm always worried about gear breaking in my bag. Chicago weather can be wild, so the Sony version is way more reliable since it's weather-sealed. It's basically the perfect middle ground for buildings and people. Quick tip: if you want that blurry background, just keep your f-number at 1.8 and get close to your subject. 35mm is definitely wider than 50mm, which helps with the skyscrapers. Focus is snappy and I've been really satisfied with the results. You'll get those sharp, moody shots without worrying about your gear failing.
Late to the party but honestly, sticking with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is such a smart move! I remember my first trip with the A7III; I was terrified of damaging gear in crowds. This lens is amazing because it's incredibly reliable and basically the standard for street portraits. It teaches you how to frame shots methodically while keeping costs low! You'll love how it handles those moody backgrounds... its just so solid.
^ This. Also, I totally get the anxiety about gear holding up in a big city. When I took my first big trip with my current setup, I was constantly worried about every little bump or splash of rain. I learned pretty quickly that reliability is basically everything when you're traveling:
- Having a lens that feels solid gives you way more confidence in a crowd.
- You really want something that wont fail if the weather turns sideways suddenly.
- Lightweight gear is key so you dont end up leaving the camera in the hotel room by day three. For me, having a lens that just worked without me having to baby it made the whole experience way better. It let me actually enjoy the street scenes instead of stressing. Chicago is a great place to learn tho... just focus on something that feels sturdy and you'll be fine.
