I'm trying to decide between a fixed and zoom lens for my Sony Alpha.

I currently have the 18-55mm that came with the camera, but I'm not all that impressed with the quality. I recently purchased a 50mm fixed lens with a max apeture of 1.8, and the difference in quality is really noticeable.

I'd like to get another lens in the near future and am considering a couple of options.

The first is Sony's 85mm f2.8, this usually retails for around $250, so it's a pretty reasonable price point

The other option a Carl Zeiss model for Sony, which is 16-80mm at f3.5-4.5, which usually retails for around $850.

Is it worth spending the extra money on the Zeiss model if I already have the 50mm? or should I go with the Sony 85mm at a lot lower cost?

 

Justin, I'll bring a bunch of lenses on Saturday morning (unless I go down to the Cherry Blossoms instead) and you can visually compare lengths*. I know it's cliche, but it really depends on the subjects you want to shoot most. 85mm would be good for fixed portraits, or macro if it's a macro lens. But I don't think you'll find it practical for every day shooting. Think about your 50mm and imagine having to take several more steps back on every shot, just to get the same photo...

16-80mm is a very useful range - 3.5/4.5 isn't the fastest, though. I know we talk about this a little bit at cars and coffee, but next time we can really sit down and discuss it. I definitely want you to have something you'll be super happy with...






*no homo.