Learn Photography Master Thread

[springles]

Any suggestions for a decent lens for portraits for my Sony a6000? Nothing too expensive. Am i just looking for a 50mm prime with a low (number) aperture?

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[Zalc]

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If you are only focused on portraits, then generally the longer the focal length, the better (assuming you will shoot with enough space to back up)

Some reasons I can think of:
1. As your focal length grows, the same aperture will have a more blurred background (f/2 on a 50mm is not as blurred as f/2 on a 100mm).
2. As the focal length grows, there is better separation of the foreground and background, even when keeping it all in focus.
3. There is much less barrel distortion at linger focal lengths, giving heads better looks. (50mm approx matches your eye's view, but longer can look even better many times)

The reason for this (and the downside) is that you will need to stand further back to fit the same subject in the frame.

Some others here can probably explain this far better then I, but this is a start.

Google visual examples of all of these and it'll be much clearer.

[Zalc]

Any suggestions for a decent lens for portraits for my Sony a6000? Nothing too expensive. Am i just looking for a 50mm prime with a low (number) aperture?

If you are on a low budget and take good care of your gear, consider buying a used lens on eBay or MPB.
 I've always been happy buying used lenses, and used premium primes hold their resale value incredibly well.

If you are on a really tight budget, consider using a manual lens?
There are some amazing manual lenses for very cheap.
Only recommend that if you are shooting adults...

[saw50st8]

I need some recommendations on how to shoot pictures where there's a bright spot (like a light fixture in middle of the scene). I have not been able to get my settings right to capture normal looking photographs. They either come out washed out or way too yellowed and dark.

[springles]

If you are only focused on portraits, then generally the longer the focal length, the better (assuming you will shoot with enough space to back up)

Some reasons I can think of:
1. As your focal length grows, the same aperture will have a more blurred background (f/2 on a 50mm is not as blurred as f/2 on a 100mm).
2. As the focal length grows, there is better separation of the foreground and background, even when keeping it all in focus.
3. There is much less barrel distortion at linger focal lengths, giving heads better looks. (50mm approx matches your eye's view, but longer can look even better many times)

The reason for this (and the downside) is that you will need to stand further back to fit the same subject in the frame.

Some others here can probably explain this far better then I, but this is a start.

Google visual examples of all of these and it'll be much clearer.

would this be something you would recommend?
https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-60mm-F2-8-Black-Sony/dp/B00CMRTXVQ

[Zalc]

would this be something you would recommend?
https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-60mm-F2-8-Black-Sony/dp/B00CMRTXVQ

I don't use Sony so I don't know what is out there, but the wirecutter seems to like it:
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/first-sony-e-mount-lenses-to-buy/#the-portrait-lens

(Be sure to use dan's link if you do buy it....)

[EJB]

would this be something you would recommend?
https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-60mm-F2-8-Black-Sony/dp/B00CMRTXVQ

Very good for portraits. Not sure how much better than sony's 50mm prime, though. And 50mm may be a more useful focal lengths for portraits of more than one person

[EJB]

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SEL50F18-Mount-Cameras-Black/dp/B00EPWC30O/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1533612839&sr=1-3&keywords=sony+nex+50mm

(mod - please edit to Dan's referral)

[springles]

I think I am going to try and get the Sigma 30mm f/2.8 and the Sony 50mm f/1.8. I am looking for them used so hopefully can find a good deal.

With the Sony 50mm I see that the full frame version is significantly cheaper than the crop lens. How much of a difference will it make on my sony a6000?

[Zalc]

I think I am going to try and get the Sigma 30mm f/2.8 and the Sony 50mm f/1.8. I am looking for them used so hopefully can find a good deal.

With the Sony 50mm I see that the full frame version is significantly cheaper than the crop lens. How much of a difference will it make on my sony a6000?

Are you sure they have the same mount?

50mm on a crop lens is much (edit: tighter) then 50 on a full frame.


Also, the 30mm will be very close to your 50mm, i'd possibly suggest getting a wider lens if you will be carrying 2 primes.

[springles]

Are you sure they have the same mount?

Yes, same e mount

50mm on a crop lens is much wider then 50 on a full frame.


Also, the 30mm will be very close to your 50mm, i'd possibly suggest getting a wider lens if you will be carrying 2 primes.

So you think they are too close in focal length and i should pick one not both?
I would just go with the 50mm but I'm afraid that it won't be good as my main lens.

[Zalc]

Yes, same e mountSo you think they are too close in focal length and i should pick one not both?

Not sure about the mount, maybe someone else can answer.

What other lenses do you have currently?

The focal lengths are close, but if you are ONLY using them for controlled portraits then it might not be too close.
Even 30mm is pretty tight (50mm equivalent). Maybe consider the 19mm sigma (cheaper and 1/3 wider)?
See here: https://blog.thomasfitzgeraldphotography.com/blog/2016/3/sigma-30mm-and-19mm-e-mount-lenses-mini-review

[Something Fishy]

Are you sure they have the same mount?

They do not.

50mm on a crop lens is much wider then 50 on a full frame.

The other way around.

Also, the 30mm will be very close to your 50mm, i'd possibly suggest getting a wider lens if you will be carrying 2 primes.

...and the 50 will be a 75.

But correct, there's not much of a reason to carry both a 30 and a 50 (45 and 75 equivalent).

[springles]

They do not.

The other way around.

...and the 50 will be a 75.

But correct, there's not much of a reason to carry both a 30 and a 50 (45 and 75 equivalent).

so what would you recommend as a main lens that will get me good pictures of the kids for the a6000?

Are you sure they don't have the same mount?

[springles]

How important is image stabilization, like Sony's OSS for picture taking (not video)?

[davidrotts63]

Practicing some color correction, how does the coloring look on this?

[EJB]

Practicing some color correction, how does the coloring look on this?

The distortion (colors and lines) is hurting my eyes...

[EJB]

How important is image stabilization, like Sony's OSS for picture taking (not video)?

If you use a tripod, not at all. If you don't use a tripod and shoot landscapes or in low light, it can be useful. It allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing too much blur. The general rule of thumb is don't go slower than 1/focal length. With OSS, you usually can go 3-4 stops slower. In practice, this depends on many factors, including the steadiness of your hands.

[davidrotts63]

Practicing some color correction, how does the coloring look on this?

The lines I fixed.
What's got to be done with the color?

[Mordyk]

we are having a family trip and i would really like to be able to capture the best photos. none of us are really that good with photography. what would be our best bet? just to stick to phones? or get a shared camera to use? and if yes which camera would be best for auto settings...  TIA