Honestly im so over this kit lens its driving me crazy. I just spent way too much money on a Sony a7iv thinking my photos would look professional right away but everything is just... flat? And so grainy. I tried taking photos of my golden retriever in the living room yesterday and since its always cloudy here in Seattle the shutter speed had to be so slow that everything came out as a blurry mess. I feel like i wasted my savings on this body if i cant even get a sharp shot of my dog sitting still.
Everyone says I need a prime lens to actually get that pro look with the blurry background but looking at the Sony store and all the third party stuff is giving me actual heart palpitations there are just too many options. Do I go for the 35mm or the 50mm or is 85mm better? I dont want to have to stand ten feet away just to get a headshot but I also dont want my subjects faces to look distorted like they do on my iPhone. Im really stressed about picking the wrong one because I basically have $650 left in my photography fund and thats it for the year. I need something that can handle the low light in my apartment and also be small enough to take on walks without my neck hurting.
Here is what I am looking for:
- fast aperture like f1.8 or better i guess?
- small enough to fit in a jacket pocket if possible
- fast autofocus because my dog doesnt sit still for more than two seconds
- under $700 new or used
- good for street stuff and indoor pets
Is the Sony 35mm f1.8 the way to go or should I look at Sigma or something else entirely? I keep reading mixed reviews and its making me want to just return the whole camera setup and go back to my phone but I know the camera can do better if I just had the right glass. Has anyone else felt this stuck when they first started? Which one is the safe first choice so I dont regret this...
I'm satisfied with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 because its linear motors track movement perfectly, while the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary technically offers better optical rendering if you dont mind the size.
> good for street stuff and indoor pets @Reply #2 - good point! The 40mm is a great shout, but honestly if you're worried about that $650 budget, you should really look at picking up something used. You can find the Sony FE 35mm f1.8 for around $400 used these days, which leaves you a decent chunk of change. I totally get the Seattle lighting struggle... f1.8 is basically a requirement there. The 35mm is probably the safest bet because it's wide enough for the living room but fast enough to freeze your dog when he's being a maniac. If you want something even cheaper that still performs well, the Samyang AF 35mm f1.8 FE is tiny and punchy, though the build feels a bit more "plastic-y" than the Sony. Just stay away from the older budget 50mm lenses for now, as the autofocus usually can't keep up with a dog.
> Is the Sony 35mm f1.8 the way to go or should I look at Sigma or something else entirely? ^ This. Also, honestly, just grab the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 and dont look back! It is hands down the best value for an a7iv owner. The autofocus is lightning fast which is exactly what you need for a golden retriever that wont stay still. I love how lightweight it is... literally fits in a jacket pocket no problem. You should definitely buy it used though! You can find them in mint condition for around $425-$450 all day long. That saves you a ton of money from your $650 budget. If you really want to be a budget hero, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE is another fantastic option that is even cheaper, but the Sony is more reliable for long-term use imo. Get the Sony, save the rest of your cash, and go take some amazing photos of your dog! It is gonna be a night and day difference from that kit lens. Its a total game changer for low light.
^ This. Also, 40mm is a great alternative for street... the linear motors work well and im really satisfied with the animal eye-tracking.
Helpful thread 👍
My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.
