Advice on A550 Package

[chanalb]

Dear Alpha Experts...

After weeks of reading CS forum, I have been badly "poisoned" ...and the only antidote now would be to buy a DSLR and start shooting :bsmilie:

Am considering the A550 for my first DSLR to start off. But I have a budget constrain of around $1.8 - 2k for now.

Need some expert views on how i can maximize this $2k.

Option A:
Body ($1299) + SAL 18250 ($699) = $1 998

Option B:
Body + kit 18-55 ($1399) + SAL 18250 ($699) = $2 098
*Can bring kit lens out more often first...worry that I damage the exp lens.. :bheart:

Option c:
Body + kit 18-55 ($1399) + 2 yrs Extended Warranty+ SAL50F18 ($310) = $1709

Option d:
Body + Kit Sal 16 - 105 ($1799)+ 2 yrs Extended Warranty+ SAL50F18 ($310) = $2109


Looking at RPP price as will be using credit card installment.

I do not know what is my shooting style yet...
Wld want to take photos of ppl...night shots...go to zoo and take pics of animals...bring for overseas trip...participate in CS outings, shoots...etc

Am reading up but still pretty lost to understand all the different mm and Fs....

How is the 16-105 compared to the 18250?
which would make a better overall lens for a beginner?
Been psyched by the sale person that the 18250 is super duper all purpose and
super value for money now with the promo.

Or shd I just start with the Kit Lens? Beginner friendly?

Would you recommend that I get the extend warranty? Or shd I just get the SAL50F18 later from the friendly shops?
Shd I get the AL50F18 at all? =p Seems like it could really take some awesome Bokeh!!


Thank you in advance!!

If picture sharpness and quality is important to you, I feel the 18-250 might not be that suitable. Typically such all-in-one zooms will have some trade off and sharpness at larger apertures is one of them. The other limitation is that the min F-stop rises very quickly as you zoom, so your low light capability diminishes quickly. Means it is good for outdoors in bright daylight but not so good indoors and near the 'magic' timing of dawn and dusk.

I highly recommend the 50F1.8 as it is super sharp and the bokeh is fantastic. And also the extended warranty by Sony is good too because you can get your sensor cleaned for free once every 3 months when under warranty. :thumbsup:

 

[shadowoflight]

I highly recommend the 50F1.8 as it is super sharp and the bokeh is fantastic. And also the extended warranty by Sony is good too because you can get your sensor cleaned for free once every 3 months when under warranty. :thumbsup:

Eh? really? Didn't know that, thx for the info

 

[Elec35GS]

if i were you and i am just starting out. i would get the a550 with the 18-55 kit lens. and if i want a longer reach u can always visit the buy and sell section and hunt for a minolta 70-210 beercan.

 

[stubertsg]

Or you can just start off with A550 with 50mmF1.8. Good enough for both indoor or outdoor.
Else Sony16-105mm is also good to walk around with

 

[Moses Khoo]

I would agree with getting a 16-105. you'll be bored with 18-55 pretty soon. Can consider getting a flash because it does make a difference. Also, I think getting the extended warranty would be good. Just sent my a200 for servicing and it cost me $200. so heart pain. if u get the extended warranty, the 50f18's like a free toy. would be nice to play with and I've heard good reviews. Am considering getting 50f18 myself but just realised the filter diameter is 49mm. cant use the usual 55mm filters. so that might bring a bit of inconvenience.

In summary, I suggest getting option D first and when you're more or less adapted to using a550, get a second hand 42am.

 

[Galdor]

I would agree with getting a 16-105. you'll be bored with 18-55 pretty soon. Can consider getting a flash because it does make a difference. Also, I think getting the extended warranty would be good. Just sent my a200 for servicing and it cost me $200. so heart pain. if u get the extended warranty, the 50f18's like a free toy. would be nice to play with and I've heard good reviews. Am considering getting 50f18 myself but just realised the filter diameter is 49mm. cant use the usual 55mm filters. so that might bring a bit of inconvenience.

In summary, I suggest getting option D first and when you're more or less adapted to using a550, get a second hand 42am.

You can get a step up ring to put the 55mm filter on the lens, but you'll need to get a 55mm front cap as well.

 

[bianzi]

dont waste your money on kit lens... they will be white elephant resting at home ... like mine now... u need a wide angle zoom... the Carl Zeiss 16-80mm is good.. if there is budget constraint... just get the 16-105. that is good enough

 

[TME]

If you're new to DSLRs, and have $2000 to spend, then the most practical way would be to buy the A550 body, SAL 16-105mm and the F42-AM flash. This would give you a very good basis to fully exploit the camera's capabilities before deciding on the next lens you need.

Oh and the extended warranty I feel isn't really necessary.

 

[tanwk4321]

hello i am new to CS forum and i would like to get more advices on lenses like marco,telephoto,zoom,fisheye,prime and wide angle lens which focal lengths is suitable for good shots and the prices are reasonable not too ex :X so mind be my friend for photography? i currently dont hv a camera yet but soon or sooner will be getting a A550 sony dslr camera. dont mind kindly add me at msn :
star_warrior89@hotmail.com thx alot hope do have a photo chat with you to know more and gain more exp thx

<Deric>

 

[TME]

hello i am new to CS forum and i would like to get more advices on lenses like marco,telephoto,zoom,fisheye,prime and wide angle lens which focal lengths is suitable for good shots and the prices are reasonable not too ex :X so mind be my friend for photography? i currently dont hv a camera yet but soon or sooner will be getting a A550 sony dslr camera. dont mind kindly add me at msn :
star_warrior89@hotmail.com thx alot hope do have a photo chat with you to know more and gain more exp thx

<Deric>

Hello Deric,

Read my post just above yours. That would be ultimate newbie package. Will allow you to take most types of pictures easily. Learn fully exploit your camera and your first lens first. Then you can start looking at more specialised lenses.

 

[tanwk4321]

oic thx alot erm mind asking for ur msn add? i would like to know more about camera how can find more photography friends my email add is there

 

[aungzawwin]

hi,
I'm new to SONY..and may I a little OT here..
anybody recommend Tamron 18-250 f3.5-6.3 lens?
actually I'm quite attracted to in-body IS of SONY/Pentax DSLRs;p
now thinking of A550 with Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and Sigma 50-150 f2.8..
does HSM of Sigma work on a SONY body?
any advice?
thanks

 

[torak]

hi,
I'm new to SONY..and may I a little OT here..
anybody recommend Tamron 18-250 f3.5-6.3 lens?
actually I'm quite attracted to in-body IS of SONY/Pentax DSLRs;p
now thinking of A550 with Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and Sigma 50-150 f2.8..
does HSM of Sigma work on a SONY body?
any advice?
thanks

as with all super zooms, the 18-250 wont be be very sharp, just abit better than kit lens. Certainly wont be anywhere near the sharpness of Cz16-80 or even SAL16-105 or Tamron 17-50. however the reason to get a 18-250 is for the convenience of not needing to change lens. So its convenience vs image quality.

Never use the sigma 50-150 before, however the tamron 17-50 is a pretty sharp lens and good value for money.

HSM works like Sony's SSM. Supposed to focus faster.

 

[TME]

oic thx alot erm mind asking for ur msn add? i would like to know more about camera how can find more photography friends my email add is there

I don't use MSN. You can PM me or just post a thread to ask. No one will bite, you'll get some good answers and you'll need to do lots of reading yourselves and then experiment. Join the Alpha outings, there'll always be some more experienced people who will turn up...

 

[TME]

as with all super zooms, the 18-250 wont be be very sharp, just abit better than kit lens. Certainly wont be anywhere near the sharpness of Cz16-80 or even SAL16-105 or Tamron 17-50. however the reason to get a 18-250 is for the convenience of not needing to change lens. So its convenience vs image quality.

Never use the sigma 50-150 before, however the tamron 17-50 is a pretty sharp lens and good value for money.

HSM works like Sony's SSM. Supposed to focus faster.

Actually I think the SAL 18-250mm is quite sharp and better than the kit lens. This is what I gather from the samples posted and the reviews...