Brand new Sony owner-Lens question

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1000yardstare

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Craig
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Hi all
I have very recently purchased a Sony a390 DSLR.
I am very impressed so far but as it is my first SLR of any kind I really don't know any better.
I would like to know peoples opinion on lens' for Sony alpha cameras.
I would initially be looking to buy budget lens'. A lens for landscape/scenery and a lens for photographing birds/wildlife.
Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards
 
I'm interested in knowing what kit lens you already have? and what is you're budget?

I would say a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 for landscape/scenery and for Wildlife it's much harder because you need long telephoto lenses which are expensive, for around £500-600 you can get the Sony 70-300mm G SSM lens which is apparently great for amateur birders but apart from that I can't think of any.
 
The camera came with the sony AM 18-55 lens plus a sony AM 55-200. They seem great for my knowledge at present but for future reference the other lens'.
Also are lens converters worth looking at? Wide angle converter mainly?
Thanks
 
To be honest Craig as this is your first DSLR you would be better off keeping your money at the moment, you already have a couple of budget lenses. Learn to use what you have and maybe invest in a good book or 2, the Scott Kelby ones are good. If you are determined to get something with a bit more reach then look at the Tamron/Sigma choices around the 70-300 mark.
John
Check prices here, will give you an idea http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat28.html
 
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I agree with SussexBlue. Once you get used to your camera, you'll get a feel for the type of lens upgrade that you should make. You'll also start to appreciate the difference between budget lenses and those that cost a bit more and, with that understanding, whether you'll still want to stick with budget lenses.

Some people do and are more than happy with their choice. Others believe in spending more so that they can't blame the kit for poor results. Once you have a little more experience, you'll be able to appreciate the differences between various bits of kit and be able to make your own choices based on what's best for you, rather than relying on someone else's advice, which is usually based on what's best for them.
 
I used a Tamron 70-300mm when I had my Sony. Worked just fine for me for the longer range. Also they are pretty cheap. As said, first one, dont spend £1000's, you might not like it as much as you think.
Just keep it simple for now and enjoy.
 
If your looking for a good portrait lens, then the Minolta 50mm 1.7 or sony 50mm 1.8 SAM can be picked up for under £100 and are very good lenses
 
1000yardstare said:
The camera came with the sony AM 18-55 lens plus a sony AM 55-200. They seem great for my knowledge at present but for future reference the other lens'.
Also are lens converters worth looking at? Wide angle converter mainly?
Thanks
Click to expand...

I have the same two lens', for kit lens' they are cracking.
Budget lens' are plentiful if you go down the Minolta af route the biggest online database, which I know of, is over at dyxum if you have a few spare hours.
It will give you an idea on what is available and what the costs are.
Beware of lens lust though.
 
The lenses you have will get you started with landscapes, you will probably find youself needing something longer for birds / wildlife (to avoid scaring it off!) and something around 75-300 or 70-300 should do for that. There are budget options from Sony, Sigma and Tamron in that range, some of which have already been mentioned.

If you want something wider to get a lot of horizon in there's the Sigma 10-20 which is popular and moderately cheap s/h (I sold mine for £240), but for the time being work with what you have and discover if it is limiting you and how. Then you will be able to make an informed decision about what sort of thing you need to progress.
 
I think that Minolta did a couple of longer zoom lenses around 1985 (when their best lenses were being made). They did a 100 - 400 f4.5 - f6.7, and a 100 - 300 APO, which both have very good reviews. You could expect to pick these up for around £100 to £150.
 
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