Which prime lens should I buy for my Sony Alpha a6000 because I am totally lost with all these different numbers and brands? I just got this camera used from a friend because I wanted to start taking better photos of my family and maybe some of the stuff I cook but I'm realizing the lens it came with isn't giving me that really nice blurry background that I see everyone else getting. Someone told me I need a prime lens but I dont even really know what that means other than it doesn't zoom? Which sounds kind of annoying but if it makes the pictures look better then I'm down to try it.
I've been looking at stuff on Amazon and B&H and there are so many options it's making my head spin. Like there is a 35mm and a 50mm and then some say f1.8 and others say f4 and I have no clue if a bigger number is better or worse for what I want to do. I live in a pretty small apartment in Seattle so I'm usually pretty close to whatever I'm shooting and I'm worried if I get the wrong one I won't be able to fit everyone in the picture without hitting the wall behind me.
My budget is pretty tight like maybe $250 or $300 max because I already spent a lot on the camera body itself. I'm hoping to get something before my sisters wedding next month so I can practice a bit. Here is what I think I need:
- something that works good when it's kind of dark inside
- making the background look blurry for portraits
- not too heavy because I want to carry it around at the park
- something easy for a total beginner who doesnt know settings yet
I'm sorry if these are really dumb questions I just feel overwhelmed by all the technical talk online and just want to know what the standard first lens should be for someone like me who just wants pretty pictures of their kids and dog...
To add to the point above: I really wish someone had told me about the crop factor when I first started out. I bought a 50mm lens thinking it was normal, but on your a6000, it acts like a zoom. I basically couldnt even take a photo of my dinner without standing on a chair... it was a total nightmare in my tiny kitchen. Since youre in a tight apartment, definitely be careful. I would suggest a 30mm or 35mm instead so youre not constantly bumping into walls. Tbh, it makes a huge difference for indoor shots. Quick tips for your hunt:
- Look for a low f-number like f1.4 or f1.8. Smaller number = more blur.
- Check out the Sony E 35mm f1.8 OSS for built-in stability.
- The Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Sony E is also a beast for portraits. Set your dial to A and youll be golden.
Had a second to think about this and unfortunately most budget primes under $300 have pretty bad barrel distortion or purple fringing which is a total nightmare for food shots. I have had issues with some cheaper brands feeling like hollow plastic toys that break if you look at them wrong. Quick tips for your budget:
- Samyang AF 24mm f/2.8 FE is tiny and wide for your apartment but the motor is kinda loud.
- Viltrox 23mm f1.4 AF Sony E is fast for low light tho it might stretch your budget a tiny bit. I actually got so distracted by lens coatings and glass density last year that I started researching vintage microscope objectives and almost bought a whole lab setup instead of just taking photos of my kids. My basement is basically a science experiment now and my wife is definitely over it. Anyway, stick to 24mm or wider if your place is really that small or youll be miserable.
honestly, if youre in a small apartment, stay away from 50mm lenses. People say they're great for portraits but youll literally be backing into your walls trying to fit anyone in the frame. Its a huge mistake for indoor shooting. Also, dont buy anything with an f-number higher than 2.0 if you want that blurry look. An f4 lens just wont cut it in dim rooms. Stick to a 35mm instead.
Lol I was literally about to post the same thing. Glad someone else brought it up.
