Buying a Sony A350 - but what lens?

[rbrown74]

Hi, after much deliberation I am considering taking the plunge for a Sony A350. Previously used a nikon D50 at work and loved it but the lack of focus motor on the current lower models has put me off!

Only thing I'm not sure of is that the A350 kit lens seems to get iffy reviews.

What (cheap) lens should i get with it rather than the standard bundled item?

My main interest is portraiture but would like to be flexible. Any comments greatly appreciated.

 

[PAS]

the sony kit lens is fine! im sure it will do you, till u upgrade and decide on a better lens.

 

[rbrown74]

Thanks, I needed a bit of reassurance on that!

 

[MrAngry2]

If you use it well the Sony kit lens is great, good range on it and in the right conditions and stepped down can be incredibly sharp,

 

[chrism_scotland]

If your just buying the A350 body I have a Kit Lens going spare, hardly used would probably be cheaper than a bundle.

 

[heidfirst]

well, it looks like the new bodies & lenses (incl. a new kit) are starting to show up on Sony sites around the world so you might want to hang on a bit longer to see how they compare or if you are totally happy with the A350 if it drops in price.

 

[rbrown74]

Chris M - appreciate that offer but if what heidfirst is saying is true I dont want to buy now only for a revised model to appear weeks later! Any more info on that BTW?

Was really after a Canon 450d but the Sony price was hard to ignore!

 

[mastertrinity]

take a look at my flickr and my website. they were all done using the 18-70mm and 55-200mm kit lenses.

 

[chrism_scotland]

Theres not a lot of info out about the new Sony DSLR's apart from their model number, the reckoning is that the A200/A300 level camera will probably be almost the same but with video capabilities.

 

[rbrown74]

The more I think about this, the more confused I get!! Kit lens do seem to take cracking pics so that solves that query.

Might just wait to see the new Sonys though and if a bargain 450d comes up in the meantime I coudl be tempted to go that way.

Thanks for all the comments

 

[heidfirst]

Chris M - appreciate that offer but if what heidfirst is saying is true I dont want to buy now only for a revised model to appear weeks later! Any more info on that BTW?

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2009/05/08/new-alphas-have-hdmi-output/

 

[rbrown74]

Seems to be more things on the Sonys that I dont need so I'll maybe just stump up the cash for the Canon rather than wait.

Thanks for all the advice and help!

 

[heidfirst]

or just buy the existing A300/A350

 

[chrism_scotland]

Seems to be more things on the Sonys that I dont need so I'll maybe just stump up the cash for the Canon rather than wait.

Thanks for all the advice and help!

What is there on a Sony that you don't need?

 

[heidfirst]

& the dearer Canon doesn't also have stuff that you don't need?

 

[rbrown74]

What is there on a Sony that you don't need?

Sorry, didnt phrase that well at all. I was just looking at the new spec list and it was talking about integration with TV's - HDMI stuff. Not really that into the idea of the live view function either to be fair.

Wasnt trying to say I'd use all the functions on the Canon either! :shake:

 

[stan the man]

the A350 is a cracking little camera,easy to use interface etc..live view is something i hardly use,but when i have used it,it's been a godsend for those low down perspective and macro shots...and if i'm honest,i've been tempted to sell mine since getting the A700,but also tempted to keep it for the live view/as well as a back up camera.

 

[trisha]

I have the 700 and a 300....and love the liveview for off the hip candids (the pivot's cool). No idea why anyone would want video on them though.

 

[chrism_scotland]

It does seem that the new A3xx and a2XX cameras are going to be little more than cosmetic changes, but if you hold off until they are unveiled your likely to get a cracking deal on the A300 or A350.