Great video man! Boggles my mind that your channel isn't bigger been watching your stuff for about 2 years now and it's so much more honest and straightforward than most other channels keep it up man!
Bought the Sony 85mm 1.8 with my A7iii when I first got it. Best purchase i've ever made, not even disappointed that it sells for much cheaper now because of how much i love that lens.
When I bought my Sony a7riii used it came with the 50mm f1.8. I had heard terrible things about it and it really wasn't that bad. It is noisy when focusing, but it didn't hunt. I tried out the Viltrox 85mm V2 a couple years ago, frankly spend a little extra on the Sony. The Viltrox I had didn't focus well at all plus the Sony is much lighter.
I would suggest the Sony 28mm f/2 used for $180 over the Viltrox 24mm. I found a used Sony 85mm 1.8 for $300 and I love that lens. I would suggest that over the Viltrox 85 and the Sony 50. I hire an incredibly talented photographer for second shooting and she uses those two lenses28/85) and two A7III on the hold fast moneymaker all day and her work is insane. You can get the A7III used for $900 used now!?
Totally agreed on shooting in crop mode. Being able to shoot a 100-400 in crop mode at the equivalent of 150-600 and still getting 26MP has been a game changer for me for bird photography.
Stupid question, but could you not just crop the image in post, or does putting the camera in crop mode actually change the focal distance before shooting
I don't want to be ''that guy'' but I just have to be an asshole, just this once and I have to say this: I wouldn't exactly call a 2,600 EUR camera a ''budget friendly'' set up. Most people (worldwide) earn about 900-1,800 EUR a month - depending on country and it's average. Most people will need to save up for months or even over a year just to have 2,600 EUR saved up on the side. We might be lucky to earn thousands in a month but the average person earns 900-1,800 EUR a month! So calling a 3,000 EUR setup ''budget friendly'' is kind of misleading. Again, sorry to be ''that guy'' I just felt like I had to say this... I'm going to go see myself out now...
Thanks for this video.. Enjoyed it. I have the Sony A74, but I'm not very sure about the Durability or Auto focus system or The guarantee of Viltrox... Should I go for Viltrox? Would really appreciate your response. 🙏
I want to add these ones: - SAMYANG 35mm 1.8 If you prefer this focal lenght over the 50mm, it's gonna be much cheaper than buying a Sony 35mm 1.8 - SAMYANG 50mm 1.4 A bit more expensive than the Sony 50mm 1.8 but an amazing alternative if you need that extra aperture - SAMYANG 75mm 1.8 Super light and cheap, really similar to the 85mm Viltrox but like $100 cheaper, if you don't mind the 10mm less. Both are fire for the price🔥 - SAMYANG 24mm Again, Viltrox and Samyang are really similar. Most of the time you can't even notice the difference, but in this particular focal range the Samyang performs better, at least in my experience. So if you are looking for a 24mm I would pay $20 more and go for the Samyang! - SIGMA 28-70 2.8 Super light and cheap for the performance, I think it offers the best value out of it's category (Sigma 24-70, Tamron 28-75). But you're gonna notice that lack of the 24mm. I use it over the 24-70 because of the weight and I already have a Tamron 17-28, a killer combination!
Totally agree with all of these, the Samyang 18mm f2.8 is also a great option, I have the Samyang 18, 24, 35 and 75 primes. They are all sharp wide open and same 58mm filter thread size too. Plus they are really small and light weight 👍
Does the crop mode shoot in raw? Why wouldn’t you just shoot and crop later? The fov is off if you crop 24/35 it looks like a cropped 24 so I’m a bit confused on the recommendation. Thanks for the help.
Recently I bought A7M4 for some youtube and business. I love it this vid bro! And how think about tamron lens series (17-28/28-75/70-180 f2.8) for portrait vid? (Sorry I can't english well. I'm not sure my meaning delivered to you well...)
P.s. I bought the Viltrox 85 thinking it could be updated to 1.6, only to realize only the v1 can do that. That said, I freaking love it, and haven't touched the kit lens since buying... Wish I didn't buy the kit lens now!
I just bought the viltrox v1 too a few days ago. Best purchase i made.cheap as hell too. Yeah its a lil heavy but i dont mind... coz tbh, its not like everyday i shoot with it.
The sigma makes a cheaper, smaller option of the 24-70 btw. I own it, its really good. Just as sharp and f2.8. Its the 28-70 contemporary. Also weighs half of the 24-70
hello Chris, thanks for the recommendation. Thoughts on the Sony 24-70 mark 2 compared to the Sigma 24-70? Not sure the quality justifies the double cost.
My 2 cents: spend the extra money on OEM Sony lens. Since they’re keeping the E-mount as the standard, they keep their resale value better than the cheap plastic third party lens.
I've read that the newer ones should come with that problem being fixed. And apparently if you get dust inside you can send it to Sigma and they should fix issue that for free.
the sony 50mm was a bag of shite before they did a firmware update... bought it, sold it and bought it again after the update, i now love it. very lightweight
I'm thinking of finally ditching MFT for sony. I figure if I sell all my stuff I can cover the cost of the A7IV body, but the lens cost is overwhelming. This video has got me thinking I could make do with just the sigma zoom. one body one lens. Might even make my overall carry lighter, not to mention I won't have to debate which lenses to bring every time I leave the house. The only thing holding me back at this point is missing the compact super reach my G9 gives me. great video
I have the 50 1.8 and absolutely hate it. The focal distance stinks and it's constantly hunting, it's a real pain in the butt on a A7S II at least. I've had a similar lens on older nikon bodies that performed (and focused closer) way better. Really wish I had bought something different honestly.
Too late for me, Chris. My first FF lens with the Sony a7iii was the 55 f1.8 but your advice given here is absolutely on point and is invaluable for a newbie! He speaks the truth with these recommendations! I wish I had had such clear cut guidance before I embarked on my personal Sony journey to deplete my piggy bank ( not sorry, though, ha,ha!) You still don't like Tamron, though.....
@@19M92 Yes, it actually was "too good" for me at first but now it is my go to lens. you won't be disappointed with its IQ. The only downside ( for me) is that the minimum focal distance is longer than some of the more modern ( newer) lenses ( the 24 gm and the Tamron lenses, for instance .)
@@chryseass.5143 Thank you for your opinion, confirms what I already heard of it. Think I will go for it. In addition thinking about the sigma 20mm f2 which will be released soon for a wider angle.
@@19M92 Glad that I could help! Your choices are sound and the Sony 85 f1.8 ( a good, compact lens) would round things off nicely. Another amazing lens is Sony's 90 mm macro.....
Thanks for the kind words! 55 is still such a stellar lens, AF is a bit slower compared to newer options and the min focus distance is a pain, but so sharp and huge value for money! Can be got used for $550ish
Great video man! Boggles my mind that your channel isn't bigger been watching your stuff for about 2 years now and it's so much more honest and straightforward than most other channels keep it up man!
Cheers Matt, too kind!!
I literally just ordered the A7IV and was looking for cheap Fullframe lenses, the timing couldn't be better. Love your Videos, keep the great work up!
dont sleep on the 24 viltrox, huge value. Thatd be my first pick
@@chrisbrockhurst Yes, thank you so much.
going to order A7IV, could you come back with your personal input? just curious thanks!
@@Don_XII About the Camera or the lenses?
@@celestial_78 Lenses, I wouldn't mind taking your opinion on the camera as well. :)
Bought the Sony 85mm 1.8 with my A7iii when I first got it. Best purchase i've ever made, not even disappointed that it sells for much cheaper now because of how much i love that lens.
Agreed. If you have the budget sony 85 is great
The new Tamron 28-75mm g2 and Rokinon/Samyang 24-70mm AF lens are worth looking at as well.
You are 100% right about that Sigma 24-70 f2.8. That lens creates some beautiful images. It is my go to as well
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 too is a great allround budget lens
Great video Chris! These are some really solid budget lenses that are still pretty good! Viltrox continues to impress me.
Great video, and the sound is wonderful my friend!! I love the studio how it is progressing by the way.
footage with each lense ?
When I bought my Sony a7riii used it came with the 50mm f1.8. I had heard terrible things about it and it really wasn't that bad. It is noisy when focusing, but it didn't hunt. I tried out the Viltrox 85mm V2 a couple years ago, frankly spend a little extra on the Sony. The Viltrox I had didn't focus well at all plus the Sony is much lighter.
PSS, this is my fav channel, your suggestions and info is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!
I would suggest the Sony 28mm f/2 used for $180 over the Viltrox 24mm. I found a used Sony 85mm 1.8 for $300 and I love that lens. I would suggest that over the Viltrox 85 and the Sony 50. I hire an incredibly talented photographer for second shooting and she uses those two lenses28/85) and two A7III on the hold fast moneymaker all day and her work is insane. You can get the A7III used for $900 used now!?
Yes on the Viltrox 85mm but I actually liked the Samyang 24mm more than the Viltorx 24mm.
Totally agreed on shooting in crop mode. Being able to shoot a 100-400 in crop mode at the equivalent of 150-600 and still getting 26MP has been a game changer for me for bird photography.
so happy to have crop mode back in my life.
Doesn’t crop mode cut down to 14 mp?
@@Romenet310 I'm shooting on an a7RIV so it starts at 60MP and when in crop it goes down to 26.
@@meladkareme5851 because it will mess with auto exposure if half the sensor is black because the lens doesnt cover it
Stupid question, but could you not just crop the image in post, or does putting the camera in crop mode actually change the focal distance before shooting
the crop mode doesnt work unless you shoot in 1080 which most people dont use any more
Okay I'm a big fan of this list. You nailed it with a whole range of focal lengths! Apprciaite ya
🙏🏼
Samyang or Viltrox 24mm?
Weird I was LITERALLY just coming to your channel to look for some opinions on lenses and you JUST uploaded this video 😂
Made just for you!
I don't want to be ''that guy'' but I just have to be an asshole, just this once and I have to say this: I wouldn't exactly call a 2,600 EUR camera a ''budget friendly'' set up. Most people (worldwide) earn about 900-1,800 EUR a month - depending on country and it's average. Most people will need to save up for months or even over a year just to have 2,600 EUR saved up on the side. We might be lucky to earn thousands in a month but the average person earns 900-1,800 EUR a month! So calling a 3,000 EUR setup ''budget friendly'' is kind of misleading. Again, sorry to be ''that guy'' I just felt like I had to say this... I'm going to go see myself out now...
can you compare the Samyang 24-70mm f2.8 with the Sigma one
Thanks for this video.. Enjoyed it. I have the Sony A74, but I'm not very sure about the Durability or Auto focus system or The guarantee of Viltrox... Should I go for Viltrox? Would really appreciate your response. 🙏
Wonderful video! Great recommendations!!
I want to add these ones:
- SAMYANG 35mm 1.8
If you prefer this focal lenght over the 50mm, it's gonna be much cheaper than buying a Sony 35mm 1.8
- SAMYANG 50mm 1.4
A bit more expensive than the Sony 50mm 1.8 but an amazing alternative if you need that extra aperture
- SAMYANG 75mm 1.8
Super light and cheap, really similar to the 85mm Viltrox but like $100 cheaper, if you don't mind the 10mm less. Both are fire for the price🔥
- SAMYANG 24mm
Again, Viltrox and Samyang are really similar. Most of the time you can't even notice the difference, but in this particular focal range the Samyang performs better, at least in my experience. So if you are looking for a 24mm I would pay $20 more and go for the Samyang!
- SIGMA 28-70 2.8
Super light and cheap for the performance, I think it offers the best value out of it's category (Sigma 24-70, Tamron 28-75). But you're gonna notice that lack of the 24mm. I use it over the 24-70 because of the weight and I already have a Tamron 17-28, a killer combination!
Totally agree with all of these, the Samyang 18mm f2.8 is also a great option, I have the Samyang 18, 24, 35 and 75 primes. They are all sharp wide open and same 58mm filter thread size too. Plus they are really small and light weight 👍
Top notch video mate.
what lens would be good for vertical shooting for ticktoks/reels?
what do you think of the Tameron 28 75 II
It's cheaper than the sigma though
Manual lens list for Sony cameras? I want a fast 35 or 24 for astrophotography but on the cheap, and IDC if it's auto or manual. Looking up to $400
Nice video! Actually i have the same line up of lenses. Only i don’t have is the viltrox 24mm, might consider buying it for future.
Does the crop mode shoot in raw? Why wouldn’t you just shoot and crop later? The fov is off if you crop 24/35 it looks like a cropped 24 so I’m a bit confused on the recommendation. Thanks for the help.
Recently I bought A7M4 for some youtube and business. I love it this vid bro!
And how think about tamron lens series (17-28/28-75/70-180 f2.8) for portrait vid?
(Sorry I can't english well. I'm not sure my meaning delivered to you well...)
Dude , did you ever try to compare 28mm F 2.0 Sony Lenses with viltrox 24mm F1.8 ?
Great vid, thank you for sharing this. Most of the videos I've seen about lenses and Sony cams have zero regard for the non-wealthy Sony community :)
P.s. I bought the Viltrox 85 thinking it could be updated to 1.6, only to realize only the v1 can do that. That said, I freaking love it, and haven't touched the kit lens since buying... Wish I didn't buy the kit lens now!
I just bought the viltrox v1 too a few days ago. Best purchase i made.cheap as hell too. Yeah its a lil heavy but i dont mind... coz tbh, its not like everyday i shoot with it.
@@ayuljenggo yeah I love my v2, just wish it wasn't so heavy!
Hi. Thank you for the video. What lens would you recommend for interview for Sony 7a? What would give easier to use?. Thank you so much
yo chris :) thanks for the video, what about the new sigma lenses? they are looking. pretty sweet
I’ve got the a7ii, would these viltrox options work well with it?
The sigma makes a cheaper, smaller option of the 24-70 btw. I own it, its really good. Just as sharp and f2.8. Its the 28-70 contemporary. Also weighs half of the 24-70
which is it
@@Adrian34 did you read? he said it’s the sigma 28-70 contemporary lol
CHEAPER?? Its over $1000 lol
@@novanoskillz4151 Still cheaper 🤣
hello Chris, thanks for the recommendation. Thoughts on the Sony 24-70 mark 2 compared to the Sigma 24-70? Not sure the quality justifies the double cost.
My 2 cents: spend the extra money on OEM Sony lens. Since they’re keeping the E-mount as the standard, they keep their resale value better than the cheap plastic third party lens.
55 1.8 loses focus in video. Wasn't very happy with it during a wedding recently.
I heard that sigma lens have the problem of dust enter into the lens. Is it true??
I've read that the newer ones should come with that problem being fixed. And apparently if you get dust inside you can send it to Sigma and they should fix issue that for free.
@@SergioDL12 ok thanks!
They catch dust but here in France you can send to sigma and they will fix it
Cool. Thanks for sharing.
Nice video, thanks.
lol some who can afford an a7 IV doesn't need budget lenses, just picked up my a7 II as my first proper camera.
the sony 50mm was a bag of shite before they did a firmware update... bought it, sold it and bought it again after the update, i now love it. very lightweight
Exactly!
sigma 24 f2 > samyang 24mm 1.8 > viltrox 24mm 1.8
tho all are good options, i'd say value for money goes to samyang
I agree with this video. 24mm is my jam! I think if everyone has the cash just get 24-70mm 2.8 and it will cover everything you could need just about.
I'm thinking of finally ditching MFT for sony. I figure if I sell all my stuff I can cover the cost of the A7IV body, but the lens cost is overwhelming. This video has got me thinking I could make do with just the sigma zoom. one body one lens. Might even make my overall carry lighter, not to mention I won't have to debate which lenses to bring every time I leave the house. The only thing holding me back at this point is missing the compact super reach my G9 gives me. great video
Great video!!!!!!!! totally Agree all
I have the 50 1.8 and absolutely hate it. The focal distance stinks and it's constantly hunting, it's a real pain in the butt on a A7S II at least. I've had a similar lens on older nikon bodies that performed (and focused closer) way better. Really wish I had bought something different honestly.
Too late for me, Chris. My first FF lens with the Sony a7iii was the 55 f1.8 but your advice given here is absolutely on point and is invaluable for a newbie! He speaks the truth with these recommendations! I wish I had had such clear cut guidance before I embarked on my personal Sony journey to deplete my piggy bank ( not sorry, though, ha,ha!) You still don't like Tamron, though.....
Also thinking about the 55. Are you happy with this choice?
@@19M92 Yes, it actually was "too good" for me at first but now it is my go to lens. you won't be disappointed with its IQ. The only downside ( for me) is that the minimum focal distance is longer than some of the more modern ( newer) lenses ( the 24 gm and the Tamron lenses, for instance .)
@@chryseass.5143 Thank you for your opinion, confirms what I already heard of it. Think I will go for it. In addition thinking about the sigma 20mm f2 which will be released soon for a wider angle.
@@19M92 Glad that I could help! Your choices are sound and the Sony 85 f1.8 ( a good, compact lens) would round things off nicely. Another amazing lens is Sony's 90 mm macro.....
Thanks for the kind words! 55 is still such a stellar lens, AF is a bit slower compared to newer options and the min focus distance is a pain, but so sharp and huge value for money! Can be got used for $550ish
I've got Sigma 24-70. It's alright but not great. Very heavy to carry around and I would not recommend.
Sigma needs to make a 16-35
yes they do!
Rumor has it they have a 16-28 2.8 being announced soon.
For film making and mostly shooting portraits and nature photos, which do you suggest . Sony 16-35 2.8 gm or Sigma 24 -70 art for Sony a73. ?
Sigma def. 16-35 isnt going to be great for portraits.
There are some really good deals on used zeiss lenses right now. I picked up a 55mm for $469 in really good condition.
It's really a shame that focus breathing compensation only works with very expensive GM lenses
It's works with the 20mm 1.8, not a GM.
samyang 24 1.8 anyone?
Dont buy a 2500$ a7 IV and then buy 300$ lenses... I mean sure you can do that, but maybe save a bit on the camera and buy nicer lenses
talking so fast bro