Until you make the crop video, here’s my ideal Sony APS-C setup: a6400 ($900) or whatever Sony launches in 2023, Tamron’s 17-70mm f/2.8 as a walkaround lens ($800), Sony 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 ($1000) for telephoto needs, Sigma 56mm f/1.4 ($480)for portrait, and the Sony 11mm f/1.8 ($550) for ultra-wide / astro shots. That brings the total to $3730 which is very close to your cheapest Sony list. Luckily I can go cheaper than the a6400: a6100 ($750), Tamron 18-300mm as a walkaround and telephoto lens ($700), Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 ($280) for portraits, Samyang 12mm f/2 ($400) for ultra-wide / astro. The total is a much more respectable $2130. Sony users are lucky to have such a wide selection of 3rd party lenses at their disposal.
Here is my pick list for the best combo: SONY A7RV + (wide/astro) 14mm 1.8 GM + (walk/low light) 50mm 1.2 GM + (portrait/work) 70-200mm 2.8 GM OSS II + (tele/bird) 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS. I don't feel the need for 24 or 35mm lens at all.
Thank you! Great video! Would love to see you do this again with crop sensor cameras... I'm coming from the 70D so really looking forward to replacing my whole kit, and it will probably be with full-frame gear, but I am curious what the state of the art is in terms of crop-sensor world at the moment. Thank you again!
Sony is the only way to go for full frame. When I left Canon for Sony people gave me a hard time about availability of glass. The tables have turned. Furthermore, the camera bodies that are available from Sony offer more variety and specialization than any of the other manufacturers... and the specs are unmatched. I have the Airpeak S1 as well. Who has a drone as a camera accessory aside from Sony? Aerial 8K video anyone?
no 3rd party lenses? that equals a no go for me, so Canon is a hard no. Nikon at least has some MF 3rd party lenses. so in my opinion, Sony it the clear winner for anyone in the advanced amateur ranks.
At this time Canon seems to be blocking 3rd party manufacturers from using the RF mount and that's a big bummer. But they do have a decent variety of lenses at various budgets. I really do hope they reconsider this move, it seems so short sighted.
That 24-200 at $800 right now is a solid deal and an extremely convenient lens. I agree. - pair with one small and fun prime and you have a great combo.
For a budget Camera, I would get the Sony A6600. For a mid-tier Sony Camera I would choose the Sony A7RIII which is the same price (or less) as the A7IV but the A7RIII have 42 megapixel sensor, for High-end Camera I will get either Sony A7RIII (I had it, a great Camera !) or the Sony A7RIV which I own. I can recommend these High-End Lenses for Sony E-mount (which I own), Sony 14mm 1.8 GM, Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical, Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8, Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0 Aspherical and the Sony 135mm 1.8 GM. For a budget/mid-tier Lens then the Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 are ok.
The decision would be tough for me between Canon and Sony. I think Sony is a bit better value but I love the usability of Canon. However, after looking at the prices for the focal points I would be most interested in, I would probably opt for the Sony system. Also, for me, I would be willing to pay more money for a better walk around lens and save a bit on the wildlife lens because of the amount of use it would get over all. Very helpful video.
Matt, Glad you found it useful! Canon's ergonomics and usability are great but Sony just dominates in lens options and especially good affordable lens variety.
I am going on a workshop and will be taking my Sony A7iv with 16-35 f4, 24-105 f4, Sigma 100-400 and the Sony 20mm 1.8. For me the 2.8's zooms for traveling are just too heavy (and very expensive) also for Landscape just not needed. The 16-35 f4 is still a good secondhand buy and I prefer the versatility of the 24-105 over the Tamron 28-75 f2.8. The Tamron is a really good lens ( I still own it) but for landscape I miss the 24 end. The sigma 24-70 f2.8 is great but quite heavy. My tip is to look for used lenses from a trust worthy source and save some money for trips etc.
Great comment. I almost added a section in the video about used gear I highly recommend it and you can find some serious deals. I think the f/2.8 - 4/f debate is a good one and agree that often in landscape photography f/4 is just fine and like you I own the Tamron 28-75 and I keep thinking I am going to switch to the 24-105 because I also find just often enough that I miss that wider focal length.
In the Sony budget kit... you went for a Samyang 45mm F1.8 instead of the 50mm F1.8... I feel like that should be the 50mm F1.8 for $250... most people think that lens is bad because it was released during when we had the A7II and A7RII, and it did not autofocus well... that problem is solved by the time you get to the A7III or A7RIII and its a really great deal!
Great video. I like the 3 tiers, and body + lenses idea. But it's too expensive for me. Here's an idea: Is there a grouping of 5 smartphones you can recommend with great photo apps/ attachments for the travelers? It's a reduction in a few areas but it's still a visual memory. Tx.
Hi Mark, Thanks! I hear you that these full frame cameras and lenses add up. The latest iphones are excellent, The Pixel 7 and 7pro and even the older 6a offer solid photo options. as well as the S22 from Samsung. The higher end phones offer decent zoom making the attachments less necessary and well there isn't anything that gives you amazing zoom. If you do want attachments I recommend Moment lenses.
Very nice video! You really can see company strategies there and the market they’re looking at. Canon is really trying to bring millions of dslr users to ff mirrorless without breaking the bank. Pro users can’t complaint either. Mid tier … well … can’t do everything all at once! And that’s where third party lenses would have filled the gap. Just look at Sony, the first two tiers are built around third party options! Starting from scratch Sony is a winner right now.
Agree and I think Canon felt that they could rely on their EF lenses adapted to fill in the gaps.. which is fair - though moving forward I think they should allow 3rd party lenses too.
I know a comment like this is easy to make and it certainly could seem like I am rich - I own a few expensive cameras and I travel often but all of that is my work and I don't make very much money doing it. I am not complaining because I am lucky enough to really enjoy what I do but I have to be very careful with my business to make sure I can make all my expenses each month. I certainly acknowledge when compared to much of the rest of the world that I am very rich and lucky enough to live in a relatively safe place with a roof over my head but it doesn't really feel like that's the conversation you want to have?
