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Archive 2017 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Lands...

enphenate
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

Hi everyone,

Photography has always been a hobby of mine and I would like to finally purchase a good beginner setup for my upcoming travels. I will be traveling throughout southeast Asia, Japan and Europe for a couple of months and would love to photograph the natural landscapes and cities while there. The natural landscapes will be mostly from hikes which include mountains, caves, beaches, waterfalls etc. The city landscapes would mostly be architecture such as skyscrapers at night, so low light quality is important. I may take a couple of videos, but it is certainly not a priority and not of much importance to me when considering a camera & lens.

I have been doing extensive research over the last few weeks comparing and contrasting many cameras and have come down to a couple of options. I am strongly leaning towards purchasing a Sony a6300 (body) + Sigma 30mm F/1.4 Lens. Also considering the a6500 or potentially a used a7ii (which is a little out of budget currently). A friend suggested the RX100 V, which looks like a great camera, but I would like to have the option to grow with the camera so I don't think it would fit my needs.

Do you think the a6300 + Sigma 30mm would be sufficient for my travels and photography requirements? Should I add another lens to the mix or perhaps buy the Sony kit? Any suggestions for other lens or camera combos would be appreciated

My budget is ~$1300-1700 give or take.

Thanks!

Edited on Nov 15, 2017 at 01:51 AM · View previous versions

Nov 12, 2017 at 09:03 PM

virtualrain
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

I’m not sure how much you can get for $1300. That’s a pretty tight budget to work with. I just spent that on a new phone (but it has a pretty good camera). The gear heads here are going to find this a serious challenge.

Nov 12, 2017 at 09:09 PM

chiron
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

enphenate wrote:
Hi everyone,

Photography has always been a hobby of mine and I would like to finally purchase a good beginner setup for my upcoming travels. I will be traveling throughout southeast Asia, Japan and Europe for a couple of months and would love to photograph the natural landscapes and cities while there. The natural landscapes will be mostly from hikes which include mountains, caves, beaches, waterfalls etc. The city landscapes would mostly be architecture such as skyscrapers at night, so low light quality is important. I may take a couple of videos, but it is certainly not a priority and not...Show more →

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure people will have a lot of good advice for you.

I think what you are thinking about getting fits well your planned photography and should give you a lot of fun. I also think that exploring one or two prime lenses is a great way to start and to advance your photography and to learn to plan and compose rather than snap photographs. I think it is true that Henri Cartier Bresson took almost all of his photographs with a single 50mm lens.

The Sigma 30 1.4 fits your plans, but you might also consider the Sony FE 28mm f/2 lens. This is a better quality lens than the Sigma--the Sony 28 is an excellent lens--and it would also work on full-frame bodies if your interests expand that way.

At about $830 for a new 6300 and $438 for a Sony 28mm you would be within your budget. If you went used (see the buy-sell forum here and look at ebay (carefully)), you might have enough left for a new or used Sony 50 1.8 (there are several 50ish Sony lenses, so make sure you know which is which) or a new or used Sony 20mm lens. These would expand your range in one direction or the other. Given what you want to shoot, the wider 20mm might be the better choice, and it is a very small pancake lens--easy to walk around, hike, and travel with.

I had a 6300. It is a fabulous camera and can make very beautiful pictures. It is very exciting to get your first real high quality camera gear. Enjoy.

Nov 12, 2017 at 10:02 PM

ytwong
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

30mm lens can certainly make a lot of good pictures, but you will miss a lot more, especially 30mm lens on a crop body. SE Asia, Japan, Europe.... many streets are very narrow, and buildings in Japan can be very tall too so travel a single normal lens will be VERY limiting.

Canon GX7 M2, Sony RX100 M3 are good deal. I'm sure RX100 V is better, but IMO just marginally better in terms of image quality (major improvement is speed, I think).

I personally won't buy a A6300, I'd rather add a bit more to buy A6500 (built-in stabilization) or save money and get a A6000.

For that budget, I'd consider
1, Canon GX7 M2 or RX100 M3 (and pocket the remaining fund)
2, A6000 and 16-70/4 or 10-18/4, or 16-70/4 + Samyang 12/2
3, Fujifilm XT-20 and 16-55
4, an entry level DSLR (Nikon, Pentax) with , say, a Sigma 17-50/2.8, 17-70/2.8-4
5, RX10 MK2

Nov 12, 2017 at 10:09 PM

Craig Gillette
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

There are a lot of compromises or choices that could be made. You could probably do somewhat better in the pricing arena with an entry or moderate level dslr and lens kit. For example, the Tokina 12-28/4 is under $500 and at B&H the Canon mount is about $270 (a special limited offer apparently). The Sony aps-c mirror-less 10-18/4 is $800. However, a dslr kit is going to be substantially larger and heavier than a mirrorless kit. (In general terms, it will vary on how you populate any kit). Moving the other direction, the RX100 series is substantially smaller and lighter and depending on which you choose, they cover the typical mid-ranges well. But the smaller sensor eventually suffers in comparison to larger sensors when it comes to lower light performance.

I used a Sony NEX-6 and the kit 16-50 for a trip to Europe and picture quality was fine for my uses. As others have noted, that range is rather constricting and for urban use, architecture, narrow streets, etc., wider would be useful. And it's a little short, too. The A6000 is a worthy replacement for the NEX-6 and while not there with the A6300 or A6500, the price allows for a fair amount of flex for adding lenses. B&H currently has the A6000 and 16-50 for $548 (IIRC) and another kit including the 55-210 as well for $748. While it would push up over $1500, you could add the 10-18 to that and a have kit that covers a really practical range and isn't too monstrously heavy and bulky. The options would be to go with faster lenses and/or faster primes and this might eat up your budget differently and perhaps add some additional image quality. The A6500 body alone is approx $1400.

I have an aps-c dslr kit which covers that range and goes a little longer so haven't added to the mirrorless side of things yet. Given my experience on that trip and other travels in urban areas, I'd probably add the 10-18 or a wide prime before the longer zoom. Note also that with consumer grade (not necessarily including the Sony 10-18, 18-105 or 16-70 f4s as "consumer" lenses) but going to high performing and/or faster lenses isn't necessarily cheap. It also adds weight and bulk - the same thing with dslr kits.

If I were to have some budget yet not enough to go ff and expected to take a trip similar to the one I did and wanted to avoid dslr weight, I would probably add the 10-18 and maybe the 55-210 before upgrading to the A6300 or A6500. I would expect to use the 55-210 the least.

I most familiar with the Sony gear and could expect better photographers of users of other systems to have a variety of recommendations as well. And would also expect as more answers come in we'll flood you with a range or good but conflicting/contradictory options.

Nov 13, 2017 at 12:35 AM

Slalom
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

I would try to spend your funds so you can go FF in the future.

This means FE primes and strangely the 10-18mm has some functionality on full frame, This was established while everyone was crying out for FE lenses.

Other thoughts How much are good A7 and A7ii on the second hand market, the A7ii has IBIS and better focusing, Fe Zooms are bigger, and lenses may be more expensive. I find Camerapricebuster gives a good idea of relative costs, but is uk based..

Primes are great but work out how you will change lenses in the rain/crowded streets.

For narrow streets (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_of_view) You need a wide lens. 90 degrees diagonal arrives at 20mm to 24MM on FF, but is 12-14 on APS_C. It is wider for Horizontal 90 degrees.

I think you should perhaps start with a good value mid-wide 35-55 range prime (remember the angle of view) and camera and then try and add something wider. Then with a bit of experience work out the next lens at the Tele end, make a note of the options and price. You don't buy it until you have spare funds and still think it is right.

Nov 13, 2017 at 04:26 AM

philber
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

With your budget, I would definitely skip the Sigma 30 f:1.4 in favor of the 30mm f:2.8 and 19mm twin. The f:2.8 has rather better IQ, and the 19mm will bring you more shots (you mention landscapes) than the speed of the 30mm will cost you. A triplet of 19, 30, and the excellent Sony 50mm f:1.8 would be ideal and would fit your budget if you buy used.

Edited on Nov 13, 2017 at 04:56 AM · View previous versions

Nov 13, 2017 at 04:54 AM

Frogfish
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

Firstly I'll reiterate what Chiron said : It is very exciting to get your first real high quality camera gear. Enjoy !

I'll also add though that Henri Cartier Bresson mainly shot street .. and not modern day highrises and cities in Asia, so in my opinion a single 30m lens on a crop sensor (effectively 45mm) is not going to give you many options and you certainly want much wider. Having lived over here. and traveled extensively in the region, for the past 23 yrs, I'd suggest that one standard lens will leave you very very frustrated, though some people manage.

Another note of caution : there are some great shooters on this forum (both pros and top-end amateurs alike) and their standards may well be far in excess of what most people in general (and your average photographer) would find acceptable. So check out reviews of the lenses you're interested in from numerous sources. They may turn out to be more than fine for you even if not for those looking for higher quality (and therefore more expensive) lenses. For example when we start talking about faster lenses look at the subject range you listed (mountains, caves, beaches, waterfalls etc. The city landscapes would mostly be architecture such as skyscrapers at night). You don't need fast lenses for any of these - just a tripod (see comment below). Therefore you can save a lot of money (and weight) by going for slower lenses (and using them at slower shutter speeds on a tripod) that are almost as sharp stopped down to f8 etc. as those faster and more expensive lenses.

I'd focus on the lenses first and then add your camera to suit (so compare 6000 with 6300 for example, maybe the 6000, which is still sold new - which tells you a lot about it's quality - will suffice for now and buying second hand will mean you not only save a lot now but won't lose a lot when upgrading later).

You should be able to get a 6000+kit lens (the quite usable and tiny 16-50, equal to 24-75mm) for US$400-500. Leaving you a nice sizeable budget for a prime or two. or alternatively the maybe not so light Sony fixed f4 18-105 G (FF: 27-158mm) which has OSS so negating the need for IBIS in the far more expensive 6500 and which you should be able to find used for ca. $400 or so (guesstimate as I'm not good with APS-C used lens prices).

The 10-18/4 OSS is a really good lens and generally very well liked, easily corrected distortion and can be used at ca. 11/12mm to 16/17mm on FF so some A7 series shooters use it too ! Light and that's a great FF equivalent range of ca. 15mm - 27mm. Even if quite expensive as far as your budget goes you should be able to pick one up used for maybe $600 or less if very lucky.

If you have been judicious, and a little lucky, you may then have 6000 + 10-18 + 16-50 + your Sigma prime for low light and portraits for somewhere close to your budget. Or maybe for a couple of hundred more a 6000 + 10-18 + 18-105 OSS giving you fantastic coverage in only two lenses (15mm to 157mm FF).

You have some good options in Sony's FF lenses too : Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (used maybe $300) would be a great option, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens (used maybe $150-200) and Rokinon AF 35mm f/2.8 FE ($350 new).
Don't be afraid of manual focus for wide angle lenses either, you really don't need it when everything is in focus from just a few metres away with these WA lenses and you can set focus without even looking through the viewfinder, when you get used to them !

I'd add that you need to take a tripod, as light and small as you can. but virtually anything is still better than nothing and will help immensely with night shots of buildings etc. in cities. Download the Sony apps too (and practice using them BEFORE you leave on your trip, you'll find a lot of advice on FM) - they will give you a lot of options and reduce or eliminate the need to carry ND filters, remotes etc.

It should be mentioned that generally for your money you can get a very very nice kit from say Nikon, D5600 and their cost effective f1.8 lenses or APS-C zooms are very nice. But the kit won't be as small, as light or as inconspicuous and if you are looking to a future with Sony then not *really* suitable as it would necessitate a brand change later on.

Check out Brian Smith's oft updated guide to Sony lenses (you'll find both FF and APS-C on his site, here is the link for the later) : http://briansmith.com/aps-e-mount-lenses-for-sony-mirrorless-cameras/

Nov 13, 2017 at 04:55 AM

Slalom
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

On tripods:
1 you may spend more on cheap all in ones, than buying a good one. As all in ones are rarely split head and legs with a standard thread. So if either is poor you need to replace the lot. Do this twice and you realise the truth in this.
2 find a decent ball head and a decent light tripod or Monopod. It will be cheaper if you can find the illusive pair in one deal.
3 Consider Arca Swiss compatibility as this means Camera has a plate added at your leisure and can be on or off the tripod very quickly but very securely.
4 Monopods can be used when the tripod won't fit, crowds, rules or small areas. The tripod is great when time is plentiful and you want a long exposure, but don't discount a bean bag for this.
5 Practise. practise and practise you won't have the subjects but you can get the technique to be well drilled and smooth.

Nov 13, 2017 at 06:32 AM

scrappydog
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

There have been a number of recommendations for the A6000 in order to accommodate lenses in your budget. If you decide on the A6000, I recently bought a new A6000 from a Sony-authorized US dealer for $350 via Greentoe.

Nov 13, 2017 at 07:26 AM

enphenate
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

I appreciate the responses!

The a6300 seems to hit the sweet spot for price/features and leaves me with enough cash to purchase 2 lenses ($735 for the body brand new). I would prefer the a6500 but the $500 upcharge doesn't justify it for me, especially if I can use that money towards an additional stabilized lens.

After doing more research, I found that the Sony E35 w/ OOS is probably a better all around option over the Sigma 30/1.4 especially since the a6300 does not have IBIS. It is slightly more expensive but comes in a smaller form factor. It seems like they both perform similarly. I just hope that I will be able to take sufficient low light photos with its f/1.8.

Now for a wide lens to complement the E35. The E10-18 would be ideal but is out of my budget unless I find a used one. Perhaps the Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 or Sony 20mm pancake would be a good addition? I am shying away from the E1650 kit lens but am also considering the E18-105.

There is a local A7ii with 50k shutters & FE 28-70 lens for $1,200 locally, but I think I rather buy everything new with warranty.

Nov 14, 2017 at 04:37 PM

grahamgibson
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

Lots of good advice in this thread. I'd echo a couple of people who mentioned you will most likely want a tripod to shoot longer exposures. It's really an irreplaceable piece of kit for shooting landscapes. Since you'll be traveling, I'd suggest maybe the Sirui T-005X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S ball head to start. It's a lot of tripod for just $99 and one of the smallest options out there for traveling (or go for the carbon fiber version for $100 more).

Nov 14, 2017 at 06:27 PM

lightskyland
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

TBH, if someone is on that tight of a budget, for travel, I'd recommend a used RX10M2 or RX10M3 (or even an RX10 original model).

And then pick up an older RX100M1 or M2, that you can use when you don't feel like carrying the big camera.

That will give you far, far more flexibility for travel photography than just a 30mm prime.

Nov 14, 2017 at 06:55 PM

enphenate
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

grahamgibson wrote:
Lots of good advice in this thread. I'd echo a couple of people who mentioned you will most likely want a tripod to shoot longer exposures. It's really an irreplaceable piece of kit for shooting landscapes. Since you'll be traveling, I'd suggest maybe the Sirui T-005X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S ball head to start. It's a lot of tripod for just $99 and one of the smallest options out there for traveling (or go for the carbon fiber version for $100 more).

Thanks for the suggestion, I will be purchasing a small easy to transport tripod for my travels

lightskyland wrote:
TBH, if someone is on that tight of a budget, for travel, I'd recommend a used RX10M2 or RX10M3 (or even an RX10 original model).

And then pick up an older RX100M1 or M2, that you can use when you don't feel like carrying the big camera.

That will give you far, far more flexibility for travel photography than just a 30mm prime.

I appreciate the suggestions. My budget is fairly flexible but I would rather keep it low if possible. My goal is to have a camera with at least two lenses so pushing my budget towards $1700 is ok for me. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I'm leaning towards an E35/1.8 lens, with a wider lens to complement it and then maybe a kit lens to top it off. The E35 would be my all around shooter, then the wider lens would be for the natural landscape photos as well as city photos. Perhaps the Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 or Sony 20mm pancake would be decent. The new Sigma 16/1.4 looks very appealing but is looks fairly large and I don't know if it would be easy to travel with. So I'm still looking for a suitable wide lens based on my photo requirements.

Current budget:
a6300 - $725
E35/1.8 - $448
16-50 kit lens - ~$100-150
---------------
Total: $1323

Even if I decide to purchase the kit lens ill have room for one more lens. I can also skip the kit lens entirely and use the funds towards an even better wide lens.

Thanks

Nov 15, 2017 at 01:50 AM

banpreso
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

i would get a second hand a7 or a7r from ebay. those are dirt cheap. i would also start with the $400 lens kit, maybe switching out certain lenses due to personal preference and budget.

manual focus is easy on sony. once you have learned it it will save you a lifetime of money.

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/sony-a7-with-affordable-manual-lenses-full-frame-for-less-than-a-grand/

Nov 17, 2017 at 12:04 AM

Craig Gillette
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

Whichever way you go with a camera/lenses decision, do it well before you begin to travel so you can get out and learn the gear and test your "assumptions" about what works. Simulate your travel objectives in local churches, parks, museums, neighborhoods or urban areas, etc. One thing to consider, most of California is essentially new compared to much of the rest of the world when it comes to the cities, etc., and streets are generally wider and more open. Check around alleys or tight urban areas to see if you are happy with your widest lens choices.

Nov 17, 2017 at 12:47 AM

enphenate
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

banpreso wrote:
i would get a second hand a7 or a7r from ebay. those are dirt cheap. i would also start with the $400 lens kit, maybe switching out certain lenses due to personal preference and budget.

manual focus is easy on sony. once you have learned it it will save you a lifetime of money.

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/sony-a7-with-affordable-manual-lenses-full-frame-for-less-than-a-grand/

As much as I would like to purchase an a7 series (a7ii), I think that I will rather opt for buying a brand new a6300, with extended warranty, theft & damage protection all provided at no extra cost as a perk of my credit card. I rather play it safe, especially since I will be traveling for a couple of months, never know what can happen.

Craig Gillette wrote:
Whichever way you go with a camera/lenses decision, do it well before you begin to travel so you can get out and learn the gear and test your "assumptions" about what works. Simulate your travel objectives in local churches, parks, museums, neighborhoods or urban areas, etc. One thing to consider, most of California is essentially new compared to much of the rest of the world when it comes to the cities, etc., and streets are generally wider and more open. Check around alleys or tight urban areas to see if you are happy with your widest lens choices.

Thanks, I am definitely going to practice as much as I can before my travels. I am planning on finalizing my purchase by next week (hopefully there are some decent deals). That leaves me with about a month worth of practicing around California in various scenery and lighting conditions. I'm very excited

I think that I am siding with the a6300, Sony E35/1.8 for my all-around lens, Rokinon 12/2 for nature & landscape and even city streets, then possibly the kit lens for more flexibility and practice.

Nov 17, 2017 at 02:10 AM

enphenate
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

Just a quick update. I ended up purchasing a new a6500 + 16-50 Kit + Sigma 30mm combo for $1469. At first, the difference in price between the a6500 and a6300 was quite significant and not worth it for me, but when this deal popped up it made the difference between the a6300 + E35 + kit vs the a6500 + Sigma 30 + kit about $200 which was definitely worth it for me. Plus IBIS will be beneficial for the Sigma 30 and Rokinon 12mm that I have.

Cant wait to start shooting

Nov 21, 2017 at 12:23 AM

chiron
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Camera & Lens Suggestions for Shooting Nature & Urban City Landscapes

enphenate wrote:
Just a quick update. I ended up purchasing a new a6500 + 16-50 Kit + Sigma 30mm combo for $1469. At first, the difference in price between the a6500 and a6300 was quite significant and not worth it for me, but when this deal popped up it made the difference between the a6300 + E35 + kit vs the a6500 + Sigma 30 + kit about $200 which was definitely worth it for me. Plus IBIS will be beneficial for the Sigma 30 and Rokinon 12mm that I have.

Cant wait to start shooting

Nice decision! Enjoy your new gear. I think going from the 6300 to the 6500 is an excellent choice.

Nov 22, 2017 at 12:39 AM


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