Multifunction Lens Suggestions

[Hobi]

Hey,

I'm planning a trip in a few months and figured I might see if I can improve my lens selection for that trip. I have a Sony a6600 (so an e mount would be preferred), and I would consider myself an OK photographer (good enough to know what and how to do what I want to do).

Right now I have these lenses: Sony 55 - 210, Sony 16-50 (the ones that came with my first camera, an a6000), a Rokinon 14 Ultra Wide, and a Rokinon 135 (that I got for astrophotography when I was just getting started).

What I am looking for is a relatively multifunction lens to minimize lens swapping and weight.

I am planning on hiking some trails (nothing too long, but long enough that it would matter) where I am planning to take as many landscape photos as I can, but I would also like to zoom in as needed (animals, flowers or distant landmarks etc). I am also attending an Expo and some more close up attractions so something that would work for portrait-ish like stuff would be cool too.

If I can't have something that meets both uses, then I would lean towards the landscape/hiking photos for a new lens.

My price range is preferably below $1000 CAD (before taxes, I'll make that exception), but I can be persuaded to increase that for something that is highly recommended. It's a big limiter, but the trip is going to be expensive enough by itself .

Any advice and recommendations you guys have would be great. I've done some reading on reddit for recommendations so I think I know what way to go, but it would be good to cross-reference that with your opinions on the matter.

Thanks

(Let me know if there's a better place to put this)

 

[Jeff15]

Sell the lot and buy a Sony RX10 MIV, problem solved ..

 

[Hobi]

Sell the lot and buy a Sony RX10 MIV, problem solved ..

Unfortunately that's not an option. I just upgraded my camera like 2 months ago and am quite happy with it. Maybe a few years down the line that'll be more of a consideration, but not now.

I think I've narrowed it down to 3 lenses.

1: Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3
2: Sony 18-135 f/3.5-5.6
3: Tamron 28-200 f/2.8-5.6

I'm leaning heavily towards the first option due to the (supposedly) great flexibility, though it is on the larger size.

That's why my second pick is the Sony 18-135. It should be similar functionality, but only to an extent, but with a far more manageable size.

The third option Tamron 28-200 is simply there for a third option, though notably the aperture is a plus.

Does anyone have any experience with and comments about these lenses before I commit?

 

[Hobi]

Though I have been reading a lot about the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8, even if it's not nearly as flexible as the others are.

 

[smoke665]

Sony 18-135 f/3.5-5.6

My go to carry around camera is my APS-C Pentax K3ii with a DA 18-135mm. On a crop sensor it gives you an effective FOV of 27-202 mm. It's a lightweight combo that fills the vast majority of my needs on a walk about. Weight becomes a big factor in recreational settings, if you're carrying excessive stuff, you soon start missing out on the recreation side. As to OEM vs third party, I've used both over the years, both have good and bad models, but the ones i use most often are the OEMs.

 

[smoke665]

Sony 18-135 f/3.5-5.6

My go to carry around camera is my APS-C Pentax K3ii with a DA 18-135mm. On a crop sensor it gives you an effective FOV of 27-202 mm. It's a lightweight combo that fills the vast majority of my needs on a walk about. Weight becomes a big factor in recreational settings, if you're carrying excessive stuff, you soon start missing out on the recreation side.As to OEM vs third party, I've used both over the years, both have good and bad models, but the ones i use most often are the OEMs.

 

[Hobi]

My go to carry around camera is my APS-C Pentax K3ii with a DA 18-135mm. On a crop sensor it gives you an effective FOV of 27-202 mm. It's a lightweight combo that fills the vast majority of my needs on a walk about. Weight becomes a big factor in recreational settings, if you're carrying excessive stuff, you soon start missing out on the recreation side. As to OEM vs third party, I've used both over the years, both have good and bad models, but the ones i use most often are the OEMs.

How much range would you say the 135mm gets to (ie a deer in full frame)? I'm just wondering if I really need a 300mm top end. For that matter, is there such a thing as a lens 'simulator' (like Telescope Simulator )? Obviously targets would be less of a static thing, but it'd be cool to see what a lens is capable of visually.

I've been reading reviews that the 18mm end of the Sony has some extensive vignette/distortion, but that should be fixable in post.

 

[smoke665]

How much range would you say the 135mm gets to (ie a deer in full frame)

As I said earlier on a APS-C sensor the 135mm would be the equivalent of approximately 202mm or roughly 4X magnification. Whether it fills the frame or not, is largely dependent on the distance to the deer, regardless of focal length.

For that matter, is there such a thing as a lens 'simulator' (like Telescope Simulator )?

There are Teleconvertors, that mount between the lens and the camera, but be advised that good ones that support the auto features of the camera are not cheap. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222778-REG/sony_sel20tc_fe_2x_teleconverter.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&store=420&lsft=BI:6879&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13535675468&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qHEBhCDARIsALYKFNMbiWlzp_3LzFL0teiXpPCF7aQ0vpm3HJ1dyWdeursl3mk6JbJ__qwaAgVFEALw_wcB this effectively doubles your focal length. The downside is that you lose roughly two F/stops.

I've been reading reviews that the 18mm end of the Sony has some extensive vignette/distortion, but that should be fixable in post.

I saw that, a lot of glass can have that problem when shooting at the minimum of the focal range and an the widest F/stop. Stopping down can help, as can removing the hood. The only problem I saw that might be an issue for you in your circumstances is I don't think it's weather sealed.

 

[PhotoHobbyist]

Here are reviews that might help you.

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD lens review by Frost

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens review by Frost

Upgrading your Sony APS-C kit lens! All my recommendations by Frost

29 of the best LOW-BUDGET lenses for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras by Frost

 

[Hobi]

Here are reviews that might help you.

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD lens review by Frost

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens review by Frost

Upgrading your Sony APS-C kit lens! All my recommendations by Frost

I'm definitely going to binge watch these reviews while I work, this is just about exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks.

 

[Hobi]

After deliberation, I chose the 18-300 due to the flexibility. I'll just have to deal with the downsides. Thanks for the help everyone.