I just got my first real camera which is a Sony a7C II and I am so excited to finally start taking better photos than my phone can do! I am going to Tokyo in about three weeks for a big vacation and I really want to get those cool shots with the super blurry backgrounds like you see on Instagram. My friend told me I need a prime lens but honestly I have no idea what that really means or why it is better than the one that came in the box. I think the one I have is a zoom lens because it moves in and out.
I have been looking at the Sony website and there are so many numbers like 35mm and 50mm and f1.8 and I am just totally lost with all of it. I dont want to carry around a huge heavy bag so I need something smallish. My budget is kind of tight after buying the camera so I probably cant spend more than 500 or 600 dollars right now. I want to take pictures of the neon lights at night and maybe some close up shots of ramen and sushi. Is there one specific lens that everyone usually starts with for these Sony full frame cameras that isnt too hard for a beginner to learn on?
TL;DR: Skip the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8. Unfortunately, mine missed focus on every ramen shot. The Sony FE 28mm f/2 is way more reliable and faster for night neon.
Primes dont zoom but they're amazing! Grab the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 for Tokyo neon.
- 35mm: better low light
- Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G: way smaller Both are fantastic!
TL;DR: Samyang AF 35mm f1.8 FE is a budget beast for neon; Tamron 35mm f2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 is amazing for close-up food shots. Theyre both fantastic options!
Saw this thread this morning and honestly it just reminds me how stressful this lens hunting stuff is when you're starting out. I spent a bunch of money on my setup recently and ended up pretty disappointed because half my shots still came out blurry or the focus just wasnt as snappy as I expected... it is so frustrating when you spend hundreds and it still feels like a gamble. Tokyo is a massive trip to be testing out new gear and Id be so worried about getting there only to realize the lens is too finicky or doesnt handle the neon lights the way the ads show. Quick question tho, are you looking for that super blurry look specifically for people you're traveling with or is it more for the food and objects? Also, is that 600 dollar budget strictly for a brand new lens or would you be okay with something used if it meant better reliability?
Following this thread
