One new lens for Disney Sony SLT 33

[disneymarie]

I bought the SLT 33 with two kit lenses instead of the SLT 55 with one lens. My thought was the weight would be less with the smaller lens. Now after using it, I see it really is just okay. the 18-55. I never can fluidly switch lenses. During a trip to Niagara I had on the 55-200 and was not happy with any photos except the ones on the far side of the river.

I want to buy one lens to take with me to Disney, a great lens. maybe a choice of 2 with pro and con to each. Guess I would expect it to be 18-110, area and over $500 that will have great photos.

Will be shooting Auto, sorry, baby steps as I transition from point ans shoot Sony Cyber shot. I went to Bermuda and only took the P & S, so would love to make use of the beautiful camera I have.

Oh, and a doable external flash. One that will work for family, fun, Disney. My Sony cyber shoot needed nothing in low light for work in insurance claims. Last week I had a dimly lite bar and they were crisp and well lite, thank goodness.
Mega Thanks,
Di

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Just to get some clarification, you are looking for a good walkaround lens. You stated "over $500". Is there a maximum you want to spend? Sony has a lot of good lenses in this category that are $500-$2,000! Plus there are the Sigma's and Tamron's. What do you expect this lens to do? Most walkaround lenses, while good for a lot things, usually can't do it all, like for the dark rides. At the AK Safari ride you will usually need something in the 200mm range. What's important to you?

 

[zackiedawg]

For a one-lens, all purpose lens solution, I am always willing to recommend the Sony 18-250mm lens, or it's cousin, the Tamron 18-250mm or 18-270mm (Tamron makes the lens for Sony, so they're quite similar). It's just the right kind of small, still reasonably light, gives you the range of 2 1/2 lenses all in one package, and can be used in a pinch for nearly any type of photography you can imagine.

There will still obviously be some compromises - it's not the best in low light because it's not a very large aperture especially when zoomed (but the high ISO capabilities of the modern Sony cameras can still make it very usable), It suffers from a bit more distortion than a smaller focal range lens at the wide end (fairly logical, considering the huge zoom range the lens has to cover), and it's not quite as sharp at full zoom as a dedicated high-quality telephoto (though I'd easily call it better than the cheap telephoto kit lens - still very usable all the way to 250mm).

I actually bought my first Sony DSLR, an A300, as body-only, and bought the 18-250mm as my 'kit' lens. I carried that lens over to my A550 when I upgraded, and it still is my main travel lens, go-to default lens, and 'kit' lens when I'm not using another lens for a special need.

If you want to shoot buildings and wide landscapes, and family portraits, and zoom in on animals at the safari ride, and do it all without changing a lens, the 18-250mm is wonderful in its versatility.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think most of us with DSLR's struggle with wanting one lens to do it all. I have the Tamron 18-270 and it's a great all-purpose lens. Justin is right. None of the all-in-one lenses is very fast (i.e. does really well in low light), but when you couple that with the high ISO on the Sony, it's quite possible to make it usable.

I always struggle with whether to just bring the Tamron to Disney, or cart around several lenses that I know are the technically better for the job. There is no perfect answer, just a lot of compromise.

 

[disneymarie]

Just to get some clarification, you are looking for a good walkaround lens. You stated "over $500". Is there a maximum you want to spend? Sony has a lot of good lenses in this category that are $500-$2,000! Plus there are the Sigma's and Tamron's. What do you expect this lens to do? Most walkaround lenses, while good for a lot things, usually can't do it all, like for the dark rides. At the AK Safari ride you will usually need something in the 200mm range. What's important to you?

I do not want anything for dark light. I have the SONY Cyber shot that is super easy and what I need for that . just pull it out on the ride and snap.

I want for the areas walking around Disney similar to using the 18-55 but want more range to zoom.
Example, standing at the bottom of Spash Mt looking up, in one section of the park looking toward the castle; and then look nearby to catch a kiddo in front of an attraction.

I would like to stay range of $599 for the lens, the add possibly
External flash?
Filters and lens covers

That being said, would this lens work at night. My old Kodak zoom I had a nice twilight photo of the castle.
Rule out a lens that would not work out side at night, unless I can add a flash and it would be okay,

I know, I need to learn my manual settings....I will next trip. I have three weeks and want a nice carry around $500-700ish. I can get to the camera store..I bought it at RITZ, Mall near Phila, if they trade in my 55-200, or order on line if free shipping.

Edit to add: I googled and found this Sony with filters and case, lens cover (for what it is worth) Or is the Tameron lighter the the 15 oz? And do I want to go to B & H or Andromeda instead of Buy.com
What about the warranty on the lenses, one company better then the other?

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=215649249&listingid=118184422

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I agree with zackiedawg that the 18-250 should work for you because you have the ability to raise the ISO. The only issue with the 18-250 is the lens creep. It has a lock but it is an extra step when you want to use it. I only used it once on a Sony A550 and while the images were very good, the creep was annoying. They do make bands that help with the issue. Just be aware and ready for it.

 

[zackiedawg]

I have heard some mention 'creep' - it seems more prevalent on the Tamron version as the Sony version is a little tighter - but some still mention it. Strangely on mine, even after 3 years, the lens has never crept at all and I don't even use the lock. But I suppose it's something to be aware of.

As for usability at night, I've used my 18-250mm in just about every situation there is - for some idea of the versatility of the lens, check out my 18-250mm lens gallery - there are hundreds of thumbnails to browse through - and you'll see lots of night shots - both on tripod and high ISO handheld:

http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/sony_sal18250mm_f3563&page=all

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Here is another option for you. While looking around, I realized that Tamron is making the 18-270 in the Sony mount. I previously only knew it was being made in the Nikon/Canon mount. The 18-270 has the ultra-sonic focusing motor (quieter and faster) and comes with a 6-year manufacturers warranty (compared to 1 year with the Sony 18-250). It is very similiar in weight and size. At B & H it is $649 with a $50 mail-in rebate. As far as the "kits", as long as they're free, okay. Usually, the quality of the items is not the best, but if its free, why not. Once in a while, there is something there that you can use.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/750220-REG/Tamron_AFB008S700_18_270mm_F_3_5_6_3_Di_II.html

 

[disneymarie]

Found one,
Now for the filters, flash,
I found a 18-200 then realize why it was much less, smaller zoom.

 

[zackiedawg]

The 18-200mm didn't get quite as good ratings as the 18-250mm. It's not bad by any means, just that the 18-250mm was a further evolution of the same, so they made improvements in overall quality, as well as increasing the zoom range.