(Part 3) Top products from r/SonyAlpha

Looking at your album all but one picture is taken at 16mm.

So the question is, is that perfect for you or would you get significant use out something much wider like the 12mm lens?

In the middle of this article there is a nice picture of a forest that if you hover over the numbers on the bottom will let you switch between 10 14 17 22 mm.. This is on a canon 1.6x crop sensor so on sony's 1.5x sensor the 14 will be closer to 15mm.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-10-22mm-f-3.5-4.5-USM-Lens-Review.aspx


Another alternative if MF is ok would be Rokinons 14mm F2.8. It's a few bucks cheaper than the 12 mm and Folks seem to love it for astrphotgraphy and it may be more useful as a walking around lens:

https://www.amazon.com/Rokinon-FE14M-C-Ultra-Canon-Black/product-reviews/B003VSGQPG/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_search_rgt?filterByKeyword=astro+photography&search-alias=community-reviews

Free Stuff:

• Use Capture One Express for raw processing; its free.
  
• Use DaVinci Resolve for video editing; its free.
  
• Be able to shoot videos longer than 30 minutes.
  
  Low Cost (Under $30):
  
  
• Have at least one or two spare batteries.
  
• Remote triggers are nice; long range ones are even better.
  
• Mini Tripods are better than no tripod.
  
• Get a hot shoe cover (with a bubble).
  
• Almost always shoot with your lens hood on.
  
• Get the timelapse app.
  
• These flash bounce cards are magic.
  
  Expensive:
  
  
• Shoot RAW and get a big SD card.
  
• The sigma 30mm F/1.4 is almost glued on. I use it a lot.
  
• If looking for a flash checkout Flashpoint and the transmitter (rebranded godox). I have 3 of them.
  
• Flash Bender is a great all around flash modifier; knockoffs work pretty well. If you get a big flash you'll want a modifier.
  
  
  Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyAlpha/comments/4zb5zt/what_are_the_things_i_should_know_read_about_my/
  

The 18-105 http://amzn.to/2iyRkxU is a considerably better option as long as you can do without 200mm. The 70-300 f4.5-f5.6 http://amzn.to/2jQMqND is longer and good for outdoors. The 70-200 f4 is a little shorter but has excellent image quality and bigger aperture http://amzn.to/2iyS5a1 . The 24-70 f2.8 http://amzn.to/2iyUdPn and 70-200 f2.8 http://amzn.to/2j0VKib are the top of the game, but also insanely expensive.

If money is tighter, the 18-105 is an easy recommendation - it gives you a lot for a reasonable price. If you need that extra reach and don't mind paying for it... either of the 70-200's are quite excellent.

Vertical orientation for tripod:

I'm trying to put together a budget astrophotography kit. So far I have:

• A6000
  
• Rokinon 12mm F2
  
• Mowhawk MTR-4500 : A mediocre tripod I got for free
  
  The tripod has a panhead and a proprietary quick release plate.
  
  I'm trying to find a way to mount my camera vertically on my tripod. People recommend using an L-bracket, but those seem to be only for arca-swiss quick release systems.
  
  I see three options:
  
  

1. Get an arca-swiss clamp and attach it to the existing quick release plate. Use with a standard L-bracket.
   
2. Get an arca-swiss head OR a ball head for the tripod. I'm not well-versed with tripod gear; I don't know if this tripod can swap heads.
   
3. Get an L-bracket that has a 1/4" socket on the side. Does this exist? I couldn't find one for my camera.
   
   Which would you recommend? Thanks for the help.

I've used both of these small camera bags for my a6500 + 18-105 lens:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EJPYQ7O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/981539-REG/ruggard_vsy_125b_onyx_25_camera_camcorder_shoulder.html


The Ruggard seems a bit better quality but is a tighter fit. The Fosoto is just a little longer and wider (less than 1cm) and about 1.5cm higher, so camera fits in more easily and there's room to keep several batteries as well.


I only got a mini-tripod that's worked out very well:

https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518468447&sr=1-2&keywords=pedco+ultrapod+ii+lightweight+camera+tripod

I don’t see anything about Sony compatibility for the Amazon Basics model. However, Neewer has this one with good reviews:

Neewer TT560 Flash
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LEAYXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_npl-BbC5RFY29

Just to make sure you’re looking for the right piece of gear, what do you want to do with the flash that you can’t do with the built-in one?

External flashes are awesome, I just want to make sure you’re looking for the right tool!

Picture info:

• 28mm
  
• f2
  
• 1/30s
  
• ISO 800
  
  Flash trigger I used:
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVTSTI8
  
  Flash that I used (On full power):
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LEAYXY
  
  Setup:
  
  All in a line:
  Tripod with flash on top of it (pointed straight at model with no diffusion) -> trampoline with friend on it -> me with camera -> large wall behind me.
  
  
  I had my friend (the model) stand where he was going to do the flip, and used the autofocus to lock on to him. I then set the camera to MF so that the focus wouldn't move around from there.
  
  My friend then grabbed two handfuls of snow and did a backflip while letting go of the snow. I took the picture when he came between me and the flash. The light bounced off the wall behind me and lit him up. Without the wall, it would have just been a silhouette.
  
  EDIT: Formatting

I bought this one used: Sony 50mm f/1.8 Mid-Range Lens for Sony E Mount Nex Cameras https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NX7HY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dHW.yb5HS3B3S

I love it. I haven't actually pulled kit lens out since getting this one. Every picture, portrait or otherwise, is amazing.

Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 (with [a $15 adapter](http://amzn.to/1SC2tyC "Fotasy A7FD Pro Canon FD/Sony NEX Lens Adapter")) is pretty great for under $200.

I have 2 OEM batteries, 2 wasabi, and 2 newmowa And i cant tell the difference on life when i have them in the camera. I can usually get a full day (~800 shots) out of any of them. For longer / more important gigs i use a battery grip to hold 2 batteries and give my hand some more room to hold onto the damned thing. On rudimentary bench discharge they all came without 5% of each other out of the box. So personally would get the 4-6 aftermarket batteries and keep plenty on hand.

Its a Fotasy FD-A7ii I got from Amazon for around $18, works like a charm if you don't have the money to spend on Sony glass

How are you liking that lens?
Is it this one?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005NX7HY6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499777181&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Sony+50mm&dpPl=1&dpID=51a0z03Y7XL&ref=plSrch

Just grabbed the Sony a6500 and been thinking about picking one up. Used a 35 for years but like the shots I'm seeing with the 50

There are a bunch of different ones but what I think you want is one like this where you can lock that shutter button. Ideally if you can get one that’s JUST the shutter release so you’re not fiddling with other settings....

Edit: this

Got this exact lens for my a7iii (Rokinon version) a couple weeks ago. This is the one I bought and it works great!

Rokinon FE14M-E 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HAF167Y?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Thanks for the detailed reply! I think I will go for the 55-210mm then as I am only a beginner anyways and will probably upgrade in a year or so as I advance. Another thing though, Do you know the difference between these two versions of the 55-210mm as one is more expensive the other?

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-55-210mm-F4-5-6-3-Mount-Cameras/dp/B00HNJWSDS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2YA9XX1OGSQ1A&keywords=sony+55-210mm+e-mount&qid=1574440463&sprefix=sony+55-210%2Caps%2C323&sr=8-3

amazon.com/55-210mm-4-5-6-3-PixiBytes-Microfiber-Cleaning/dp/B00P1C5I1I/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2YA9XX1OGSQ1A&keywords=sony+55-210mm+e-mount&qid=1574440463&sprefix=sony+55-210%2Caps%2C323&sr=8-2

Was thinking about picking this guy up: Rokinon 14mm F2.8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L1FZN8G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1Z0A8VY86J4PH&coliid=I7I25XGSIWIS4

Any other suggestions?

Was sort of wondering if I should just wait for this supposed 16-35mm GM that's going to be announced instead?

I have the 55mm Zeiss, and an older 35mm prime, and that's it. I'm much more into landscape photography than I am into shooting subjects from a distance FWIW.

Thanks!

I don't know much about Pentax mounts, but A-F without autofocus is simply K-mount, isn't it? I bought one of these, which fits very tightly indeed (I actually had trouble removing the lens from the adapter at first try: you should fiddle a bit with the lock to make sure you understand the mechanism before attaching). There's not much to a manual lens adapter, so most of them should be good enough.

You're right, but it looks like $1499 is the minimum sale price at least from amazon.

Here is the one I have, like 50 bucks.

Canon to sony e-mount
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D9BKLX8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

l bracket I am using 15 bucks:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W3RRDJD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these to adapt my tripods and I have one with a nylon webbing for rock climbing as a sling over the shoulder strap. again 15 bucks

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KNPITI2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1487616740&sr=1-1&keywords=ultrapod+2
I use this tripod for a variety of things, including astrophotography. It's ability to strap to poles/logs is really handy!

Sony Imaging Edge Mobile can be used for remote control of the camera.

I'd recommend grabbing one of these for when Wifi doesn't work.

https://smile.amazon.com/SHOOT-DSC-RX100M3-DSC-RX100M2-DSC-RX100II-DSC-RX100III/dp/B00ME7N6P8/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=sony+remote+camera+release+a7ii&qid=1564210281&s=gateway&sr=8-7

They have stuff like this.

And it's so confusing cause when you research "Sony G Lens" all you see are links to their G Master series

Quick question. Looking to upgrade my nex 5T to an alpha. I'm like the OP, not a professional just use for city and travel photography mostly and not a ton of video. Was thinking about the 6500 when it came out but do you think it's too much camera? I have these lenses

Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens for Sony E-Mount Cameras (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HNJWSDS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_d6kfybS0DYE0Q

Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime Fixed Lens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096W1P5W/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_M6kfyb1SW4TC9

Sony SELP1650 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096W1PG6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_G9kfybT37WK5M

Would you still go with the 6000 body?

I bought and traveled for a few weeks with an Ultrapod II and couldn't recommend it enough:

https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484291467&sr=8-1&keywords=ultrapod+2

It carries very easy and so it was always with me, whether I intended to use it or not. The best tripod is the one that is always with you!

I don't know how accurate it is, but this hotshoe cover is also a spirit level that does the job for me in terms of letting me know if I'm wildly unlevel.

Yes but more specifically this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GQDORA4/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_e0hZtb0EKER2T6VM but the a6000 doesn't have a mic jack. So would a audio adaptor work?

using the
Commlite Auto-Focus Mount Adapter EF-NEX for Canon EF to Sony NEX Mount on my a6300 with my canon 24-105 f4 lens.

auto focus is fast, hit or miss sometimes but doesn't stop me from using it.

Hot Shoe Hotshoe Cover With Bubble Spirit Level for Sony Alpha Series this may not help when your shooting using the viewfinder since you can't see it. But it's helped me level my pictures with mini tripod.

rokinon 14mm f2.8 af, or mf, both under $1000, there's also the 20mm f1.4 from sigma for $900

I got the wasabi wall charger with 2 batteries and just picked up this usb charger with 2 batteries so I can use a portable battery pack while traveling. Haven't used the new arteries a whole lot yet as I now have 5 total but so far no issues.

[usb dual charger](Newmowa NP-FW50 Battery (2 pack) and Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FW50 and Sony Alpha a3000, Alpha a5000, Alpha a6000, A6300,Alpha 7, a7, Alpha 7R, a7R, Alpha 7S, a7S, NEX-3, NEX-3N, NEX-5, NEX-5N, NEX-5R, NEX-5T, NEX-6, NEX-7, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, SLT-A33, SLT-A35, SLT-A37, SLT-A55V, Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V5ORSZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ESKHxbPV9DB9V)

this is the hood

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QR48GZE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rdDtxbR2WMDD8

Here you go https://www.amazon.com/Rokinon-FE14M-Ultra-mount-Cameras/dp/B00HAF167Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=rokinon+14mm+sony&qid=1567190840&s=gateway&sprefix=rokinon+&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE4TEo5UDVFTE9MVlomZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAyMzk4MDgyMElQTjZOQzdSVjlQJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNTMwNTc5OUtXVVYxVDlTWk8md2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[I got this one](Fotasy A7FD Pro Canon FD ens to Sony A7II A7S A7R II Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Adapter (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WTQAMJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_S2w3xb8XD955C)

I think so, since they are selling the 50mm for $599 which is the price of this lens and the 85mm is price for the 50mm

here is the link to the 50mm

https://www.amazon.com/Full-Frame-E-Mount-Fast-Prime-Lens/dp/B07XBX32GR

How about the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4?

https://www.amazon.com/Rokinon-85M-C-Aspherical-Fixed-Canon/dp/B00HAF1WZA?th=1

just to confirm, is this the one you mean?
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-50mm-Mid-Range-Mount-Cameras/dp/B005NX7HY6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

using this one https://www.amazon.com/Newmowa-NP-FW50-SLT-A55V-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX10/dp/B00V5ORSZK

You find an a7ii without the kit lens for $899.

Usually you would use a remote shutter which basically holds the shutter for you until you release its button.

https://www.amazon.com/Rokinon-Frame-Focus-Mount-IO14AF/dp/B01L1FZN8G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527660469&sr=8-1&keywords=rokinon+14mm+sony+af

I have 3 lenses (none of them amazing)

16-55 kit lens

Rokinon 12mm Wide Angle

https://www.amazon.com/Rokinon-Ultra-Angle-Mount-RK12M/dp/B00JD4TAWI


55-210 zoom lens

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HNJWSDS/ref=twister_B07H2LR77Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Is this another lens pricing error?


https://www.amazon.com/Full-Frame-E-Mount-Fast-Prime-Lens/dp/B07XBX32GR
Description reads it's a 50mm and the model number does as well. However pictures show the 85mm.

Can't say about the a6000, but the built-in microphone really isn't bad on my a7r ii for vlogging purposes.

For a step up, people have been swearing by the Rode VideoMic Go, which doesn't require any extra batteries. In my opinion though, the Rode VideoMic series (Pro and Go) always gives a kind of low-level hiss that I find somewhat annoying. You can easily get rid of that hiss during post though.

Amazon Sony A7ii - thetracktor.com

I guess I bought it when they had a price drop or something. Got it directly from Sony. It's usually $1,698.

No, I've never used the Commlite adapter. I've heard that their adapter is very hit or miss though. Focus will either work fine or not at all. Same for their Nikon auto-focus adapter. They do have a compatibility list here: https://www.amazon.com/Commlite-Auto-Focus-Mount-Adapter-EF-NEX/dp/B00DW0EV2I

It is indeed a mistake.


https://www.amazon.com/Full-Frame-E-Mount-Fast-Prime-Lens/dp/B07XBX32GR/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

That’s another listing for a SEL5018F/2 with the 85 price. Someone mixed the two up.

So, this is a vintage CPC lens on a Pentax K1000.
https://m.imgur.com/a/36wSLs1
Would this adapter work?
https://www.amazon.com/Fotasy-NEX-VG30-NEX-VG900-NEX-FS100-NEX-FS700/dp/B003X19WZC
Also, would the auto-zoom be a problem?

Manual focus, manual aperture (clicked). Great budget glass but the CA can be bad when there's a lot of light:

https://www.amazon.com/Rokinon-Fixed-Mount-Other-Cameras/dp/B00HAF1WZA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522183739&sr=8-3&keywords=rokinon+85

While we're at it, I also suggest one of these.

I hate how that hotshoe is uncovered and we aren't supplied with a cover.