Sony DSLR a390

[floydnl02]

My parents just got my wife and I a Sony alpha a390 for X-mas. We got it early because we are going on our honeymoon soon and they wanted us to have a good camera to take with us. We are new to the dslr game and desperately need help with lens selection. I want a good macro, wide angle, and zoom lens but have no idea what to buy. We are going to take a class after we get back but would like some help know. Please Help!

 

[kassad]

What lens came with the camera?

 

[floydnl02]

Carl Zeiss 18-55mm zoom lens

 

[skieur]

Carl Zeiss 18-55mm zoom lens

That is an excellent sharp wide angle lens. Does it have macro capability?

skieur

 

[floydnl02]

It does but no to the extent that I want. I have read that as you zoom in the corners get a little blurry.

 

[skieur]

It does but no to the extent that I want. I have read that as you zoom in the corners get a little blurry.

In a lab test any zoom lens will show a light fall-off toward the corners as well as a slight loss in sharpness. These problems change at different f stops and different focal lengths. They should not be extreme and they should not be noticeable by the average viewer.

By the way, to get closer you might want to try a close-up diopter which looks like a filter and goes on the end of your lens. They may not be a perfect solution but they are not expensive.

skieur

 

[floydnl02]

Do you think that I should invest in any lens or accessories?

(Extra battery, memory stick that stuff)

 

[RicJoe]

Do you think that I should invest in any lens or accessories?

(Extra battery, memory stick that stuff)

When I bought my camera I was stoked to go buy EVERYTHING, but the advice I read alot is learn with your kit first. Glad I listened as I would of been overwhelmed with all the toys. I did buy another lens (75 to 300mm I think) and still use the kit lens mostly, a bag for the camera that came with a grip which I never use and an extra battery).

 

[skieur]

Do you think that I should invest in any lens or accessories?

(Extra battery, memory stick that stuff)

Extra battery and memory should definitely be purchased. A polarizing filter is great for making the sky bluer and cutting down glare reflecting from objects thus improving overall colour. Although tripods are often recommended, a monopod is faster and easier to work with, and some landscape photographers use them as a walking stick through rocky, uneven trails as well as for taking steadier photos.

skieur