r/SonyAlpha • u/TheBeckerhead • 5h ago
Gear Photography Student
Hello everyone! I’m looking for some feedback for improving my wife’s photography experience. She just started a basic photography course, and is enrolled in a commercial photography degree. Several years ago I bought a Sony Alpha A6000 this is the unit she’s using for the class, and she has the basic kit lens and the 200 mm zoom lens that came with the set when we bought it years ago.
I know that there must be some better lenses out there that are a good fit for entry-level photography, but will also be good to grow with her as she becomes more skilled in her trade. I won’t say that money is not an issue, but I do believe in the “buy once, cry once” theory. I don’t want to have to upgrade again after six months, but I also don’t think that we need the most expensive professional lenses either.
I know for sure that she would appreciate is having some form of macro lens, perhaps uv or polarizing filter, and maybe some other useful gadgets. We have a nice tripod and cleaning kit ready for it.
Anyone have some thoughts on where to go here? What’s the one piece of gear that you couldn’t live without?
Thank you all in advance!
2
u/Vurnd55 5h ago
Good glass will indeed last many years and is seldom updated compared to cameras, but which lens will be most useful really depends on what she will be shooting. Also since you are planning ahead I suggest you get full frame lenses so when she does get a body for pro work they can still be used. Does she need an actual macro lens or would close focus, maybe 1:2 be enough? To save some money don't be afraid to look at third party glass like Tamron or Sigma as well as used lenses from reputable sellers. Your best action right now is probably to wait until she identifies some specific limitations in the kit she has and buy what you must to meet an actual need instead of guessing.
1
u/AlexQ3__ 4h ago
I'd probably wait. Depending on how often she shoots, she should be able to find limitations in her gear in about 3-6 months. Buy glass over a camera 9/10 times. Glass can give your camera a new look, focal length, capabilities, etc. A new camera can't cover for bad glass, but good glass can cover for a bad camera. Btw, the a6000 is legendary, so you're definitely fine in that department.
1
u/imseangallagher 5h ago
You say she’s in a program, what will they require her to have? Does she have any idea what she wants to shoot? A macro lens is fun and good to have for things like product or food, but maybe not so useful if she’s interested in landscapes or astrophotography.
She should have some form of color chart, a rocket blower (to clean sensor/lenses). A good photo bag that can carry more gear than she has now? A Pelican flight case for travel, if she’s doing that sort of thing? If she’s doing studio photography, maybe a nice tethering setup?
This might cause a bit of a row, but I’ve always been a firm believer in being on a full-frame camera, especially if she’s going to be professional. Is this a hard and fast rule? No. Will it be expected by any client who knows the first thing about photography? Yes.