I have my kit lens and a 75-300 Telephoto. I am going to North Carolina and coming back in time for a music festival where you can get close to the stage for some musician shots. I mostly want a good lens for the trip to NC. I will be staying in the city and doing a walking tour plus there is a 55 acre flower garden park. But I also want a non-telephoto for the festival. These are three I thought might work based on comments I have seen here on 365. Any suggestions? Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1 Lens for Sony, Sony 35mm f/1.4 and a Sony 50mm f/1.4. They range from $65- 175 but want what is best not the cheapest. Thanks for any help.
Before getting to the end of your paragraph I was thinking a 35 1.4 and 50 1.4. Of the two, I'd opt for the 35mm because I'm thinking you aren't shooting a full-frame so the 35mm will be closer to a 50mm. Of the two you've listed, I'm not sure which is better, but I'd opt for the one with better reviews :)
*Note to self... I don't even attempt to sound technical anymore... thanks Alexis! :)
If the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 is definitely the A1 version and not the earlier model, it's not only the best lens, optically speaking, from your list, it's quite possibly the optically best SLR 35mm lens yet made. It's sharper and has less CA than even the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4.
Bear in mind that if you've not used a very fast prime before, there is a definite learning curve when shooting wide open, due to the very narrow depth of field. You will need to enable continuous focus mode if your subject is moving at all, and be careful to keep the focus point on the subject at all times.
Hi Jan. Agree with both Aaron and Alexis. The fast lens should be great in the low light of a music performance, but watch the very wide apertures. There will be only a very narrow DoF at f/1.4. Also, will 35mm (50 or so ffe on your APS-C camera) be long enough for you to get close enough to the performers?
If you are renting, I might also look at the Sigma f/2.8 macros for general purpose work. http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/macro. The 105 is a beautiful lens - for my Nikon it is as wonderful as the iconic Nikkor f/2.8 105 - and I have had great results also with the longer 150 and the shorter 70. The 150 is getting a little heavy and bulky though. You might be led to believe I am a Sigma fan? That would be true. :)
@grizzlysghost Thank you - I made these choices based on comments here- glad you agree. I am now looking at the 35mm. @abirkill Thank you, I have not tried a fast prime and my learning part will be in NC. I think it will be fun. I am going to go with your recommendation. @frankhymus Thanks Frank- I will have my telephoto with also but I do get right up to the stage at times and want some performing hands shots. @tomo87 Thank you for confirming it for me.
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*Note to self... I don't even attempt to sound technical anymore... thanks Alexis! :)
Bear in mind that if you've not used a very fast prime before, there is a definite learning curve when shooting wide open, due to the very narrow depth of field. You will need to enable continuous focus mode if your subject is moving at all, and be careful to keep the focus point on the subject at all times.
If you are renting, I might also look at the Sigma f/2.8 macros for general purpose work. http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/macro. The 105 is a beautiful lens - for my Nikon it is as wonderful as the iconic Nikkor f/2.8 105 - and I have had great results also with the longer 150 and the shorter 70. The 150 is getting a little heavy and bulky though. You might be led to believe I am a Sigma fan? That would be true. :)
@abirkill Thank you, I have not tried a fast prime and my learning part will be in NC. I think it will be fun. I am going to go with your recommendation.
@frankhymus Thanks Frank- I will have my telephoto with also but I do get right up to the stage at times and want some performing hands shots.
@tomo87 Thank you for confirming it for me.