Event shooter here. Had the Sony 35/1.8 and 85/1.8. Replaced them with Samyang 35/1.4 MkI and 85/1.4 MkI for less money and never looked back. Particularly with the 35, f1.4 gives shallow enough focus to pick one person out of a group.
The samyang 24mm 1.8 is a great lens, I use it daily. It performs on par with the 85mm 1.8 IQ and autofocus wise, it's plastic but robust. It's the best samyang 1.8 lens. The 35mm is alright, the 75mm isn't really great according to reviewers, but everyone was raving about the 24/1.8 on release and for good reason. It's a GM 24 alternative, if you want a smaller package but similar results.
This is a fun experiment. I would go for used stuff for everything and save a lot of money, except memory cards and the godox flash (they are cheap). Also, I would consider DSLRs for very little money. In MPB you can get an almost new Nikon D750 for 1000 usd. I used that camera for hundreds of weddings and just recently switched to the A7iv. You can totally thrive with the D750 and save more money. 2x used D750s - $1000 each ($2000) used 35mm 1.8 ED - $350 used 85mm 1.8 G - $300 used 2x batteries - $70 2x UHS-I 128gb sd cards (you don't need UHS-II with the d750) - $50 2x new Godox V860 iii - $200 each ($400) If you can, I would also add a used Nikon 20mm 1.8 - $500 Total = 3700 usd
I actually shoot weddings with an A7C and an a6300 (clearly on a budget :)) and I have three Samyang lenses: 35, 45 and 75. Using these cheap full frame lenses on an APS-C sensor is a compromise for sure, because they lack a bit of sharpness. You don’t notice on a 24 MP full frame sensor, but 24 MP APS-C shows those lenses’ weaknesses. It’s still sort of good enough, but not something to be stuck with permanently IMO. Also the small Sony battery doesn’t last very long. On an 8 hour wedding I’ll go through four of those batteries while my A7C doesn’t even use up two batteries completely.
For people (and pets) I use my Sony 24mm 1.4 GM on the Sony A7RIV in both "full frame" and in APSC mode (36mm equivalent) and the Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 also both in "full frame" and APSC mode (82mm equivalent) because of eye-dectection autofocus. So two Lenses becomes to four Lenses ! I have two A7RIV Cameras, so one with the 24mm and the other with the 55mm mounted, a GREAT set ! You can get this set for just used over $5000, but it is a VERY versatile kit. You can save even more (less than $5000 total) if you get two used Sony A7RIII Cameras which was my Sony beginner Camera and I can highly recommend it.
I did use Godox-lookalikes called Quadralite that are probably made in the same factory just different stickers, and were just unreliable. With Godox I just can’t stand the cheap plastic build, and love the easy of control of Profoto
To buy a7r5 with tamron 35-150 and 20mm 1.8, or a7iv with 24-70gm2 and 70-200gm2? I heard sony gm lenses have superior autofocus (xd linear motor) and rarely miss the focus, where 3rd party lenses aren’t that reliable. Does someone have some experience with tamron 35-150 autofocus where you have to be quick to focus and capture the shot and also in low light how it’s responding? Thanks! ❤
You can also save a significant amount of money by getting used lenses in near new condition at stores like B&H in the US and similarly reputable sellers.
@@MagicWeddingPhotographer I’ve had great experience with Ravpower (not available in the US, but in Europe) and Evatronic (both dual pack with charger for like 35€)
The viltrox 85 1.8 is such a beast and it comes in at around 350 bucks - you should give it a try (even as an ambassador :p) And the Baxxter Batteries are also solid. For 85 bucks you get 2 Batteries and the charger - more money left to spend on lenses :)
I know you're an ambassador, but going all new, with Sony native lenses just isn't a very wise or practical approach for someone with a $5000 budget and no wedding experience. There is so much great glass out there (as you mention!), with so many decent used Sony bodies available, that I don't understand who this video is meant for. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your take on the various items in general terms, amd agree with you. But this is almost literally the MOST expensive way to build a kit, and therefore way more limited than it has to be! Love your channel, though. Keep up the great work!
I'd probably go used a lot more. Could possibly pick up 2x used a7iii and a lens for each and still have enough money for your flashes and cards.
With used gear you could buy soooo much more! I’d still probably try to get at least main camera as brand new and lenses used
Event shooter here. Had the Sony 35/1.8 and 85/1.8. Replaced them with Samyang 35/1.4 MkI and 85/1.4 MkI for less money and never looked back. Particularly with the 35, f1.4 gives shallow enough focus to pick one person out of a group.
The samyang 24mm 1.8 is a great lens, I use it daily. It performs on par with the 85mm 1.8 IQ and autofocus wise, it's plastic but robust. It's the best samyang 1.8 lens. The 35mm is alright, the 75mm isn't really great according to reviewers, but everyone was raving about the 24/1.8 on release and for good reason. It's a GM 24 alternative, if you want a smaller package but similar results.
This is a fun experiment. I would go for used stuff for everything and save a lot of money, except memory cards and the godox flash (they are cheap). Also, I would consider DSLRs for very little money.
In MPB you can get an almost new Nikon D750 for 1000 usd. I used that camera for hundreds of weddings and just recently switched to the A7iv. You can totally thrive with the D750 and save more money.
2x used D750s - $1000 each ($2000)
used 35mm 1.8 ED - $350
used 85mm 1.8 G - $300
used 2x batteries - $70
2x UHS-I 128gb sd cards (you don't need UHS-II with the d750) - $50
2x new Godox V860 iii - $200 each ($400)
If you can, I would also add a used Nikon 20mm 1.8 - $500
Total = 3700 usd
Haha lovely Nikon set that would be! I’d add 58mm for the remaining money and use Nikon flashes if had some more spare!
I actually shoot weddings with an A7C and an a6300 (clearly on a budget :)) and I have three Samyang lenses: 35, 45 and 75. Using these cheap full frame lenses on an APS-C sensor is a compromise for sure, because they lack a bit of sharpness. You don’t notice on a 24 MP full frame sensor, but 24 MP APS-C shows those lenses’ weaknesses. It’s still sort of good enough, but not something to be stuck with permanently IMO. Also the small Sony battery doesn’t last very long. On an 8 hour wedding I’ll go through four of those batteries while my A7C doesn’t even use up two batteries completely.
Thanks for this! With the SD cards, personally, x4 64GBs would work for my wedding photography needs. Less bursts, though, as much as possible.
Yep, makes sense I did use 64Gb cards for years until I finally switch to big ones toughs 256GB when switched to A7IVs
Thank You!
For people (and pets) I use my Sony 24mm 1.4 GM on the Sony A7RIV in both "full frame" and in APSC mode (36mm equivalent) and the Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 also both in "full frame" and APSC mode (82mm equivalent) because of eye-dectection autofocus. So two Lenses becomes to four Lenses ! I have two A7RIV Cameras, so one with the 24mm and the other with the 55mm mounted, a GREAT set ! You can get this set for just used over $5000, but it is a VERY versatile kit. You can save even more (less than $5000 total) if you get two used Sony A7RIII Cameras which was my Sony beginner Camera and I can highly recommend it.
So curious why you don’t like the Godox? I’ve had great luck with them even after using Profoto and Sony
I did use Godox-lookalikes called Quadralite that are probably made in the same factory just different stickers, and were just unreliable. With Godox I just can’t stand the cheap plastic build, and love the easy of control of Profoto
To buy a7r5 with tamron 35-150 and 20mm 1.8, or a7iv with 24-70gm2 and 70-200gm2? I heard sony gm lenses have superior autofocus (xd linear motor) and rarely miss the focus, where 3rd party lenses aren’t that reliable. Does someone have some experience with tamron 35-150 autofocus where you have to be quick to focus and capture the shot and also in low light how it’s responding? Thanks! ❤
You can also save a significant amount of money by getting used lenses in near new condition at stores like B&H in the US and similarly reputable sellers.
what about the camera bag? hehe
Just use your old backpack from high school :D
I’d spend less on battery/charger and get a dual pack for like $35 and definitely pick up a vertical grip
If you have some good recommendations for 3rd party batteries drop then here in the comments!
@@MagicWeddingPhotographer I’ve had great experience with Ravpower (not available in the US, but in Europe) and Evatronic (both dual pack with charger for like 35€)
@@RealThoreI suggest the patona premium (the green One) for Photo and video; very good in every conditions 💪🏻
The viltrox 85 1.8 is such a beast and it comes in at around 350 bucks - you should give it a try (even as an ambassador :p)
And the Baxxter Batteries are also solid. For 85 bucks you get 2 Batteries and the charger - more money left to spend on lenses :)
Haha I do love trying everything! I do have a Viltrox 50/1.8 for tests now but it has very unreliable autofocus unfortunately :/
Yep, as far as I know, the 85 mm is viltrox' best 'clone'. I'm really happy with it.
@@eike.zender need to get my hands on this then!
I know you're an ambassador, but going all new, with Sony native lenses just isn't a very wise or practical approach for someone with a $5000 budget and no wedding experience. There is so much great glass out there (as you mention!), with so many decent used Sony bodies available, that I don't understand who this video is meant for.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your take on the various items in general terms, amd agree with you. But this is almost literally the MOST expensive way to build a kit, and therefore way more limited than it has to be!
Love your channel, though. Keep up the great work!
I got Fuji XT-3 w/ 35mm 1.4 for $1300
Why not simply buy a used A7iii? You can afford two of them + 2 lenses :D
I will just charge my spare battery in the camera before heading out for a shoot.