APS-C body + two zooms

[KevinBarrett]

If you could use only two of the following lenses for use on and APS-C body, which would they be?

This poll is intended to become a resource for new Alpha users. It is not a complete list of lenses, and excludes primes and third-party offerings, as well as announced but not yet for sale lenses and zooms costing more than $1000 US, such as the 24-70/2.8 ZA and 70-200/2.8 G SSM (of course these two would be a dream-kit for anyone!). They are described and ordered as they might appear in another popular online resource, www.dyxum.com (DT = APS-C, or "crop sensor" only, AF = full-frame or APS-C).

[Dr. Harout]

This should be posted in the "Opinion Poll" section.

[KevinBarrett]

This should be posted in the "Opinion Poll" section.

I considered that, but I wanted it to be more immediately accessible to a new Alpha user looking at "lens lore." I plan to make another that should be a little more helpful.

[pakodominguez]

I think there is a couple of combos, regarding the occasion...
If I wanna travel light, I'll take the DT 16-80 ZA and the DT 55-200
If I wanna top quality (and I can afford it), I'll take the DT 16-80 ZA and the AF 70-300 G SSM
If I'm in a wide angle mood, I'll take the DT 11-18 and the AF 24-105

[KevinBarrett]

This thread isn't as useful as I had liked. While there are two very clear favorites, not every new Alpha user has the budget to buy into these two pieces of glass. I had hoped that opinions varied enough to show some rankings and options, but the best we have in that regard is a handful of lenses that simply weren't recommended by anyone (which is still helpful). I began another survey to discover the recommendability of current standad zooms and show the new Alpha user some choices.

You can find the new survey here.

[Dr. Harout]

This thread isn't as useful as I had liked. While there are two very clear favorites, not every new Alpha user has the budget to buy into these two pieces of glass. I had hoped that opinions varied enough to show some rankings and options, but the best we have in that regard is a handful of lenses that simply weren't recommended by anyone (which is still helpful). I began another survey to discover the recommendability of current standad zooms and show the new Alpha user some choices.

You can find the new survey here.

Kevin, I think we have to find a better formulation. I really don't know how to put it. I own a 16-105. Sometimes this lens is quite good, sometimes wonderful and sometimes leaves much to be desired.
My point is to find the exact match of a lens and a subject. No one is speaking of this here or elsewhere. We always mention that this or that lens is good on the center, bad at the corners, soft overall, or sharp from center to corner, resolution is high, middle or low and so forth. But we never said that this specific lens which is quite normal or bad for landscape or whatever does perfect indoor shots with artificial lighting, or loves yellow color, or prefers the orange... Some lenses you better keep them away from B&W, and some are meant for it.
What do you think?

[KevinBarrett]

I think you are absolutely right, Doc! There are many more factors involved than the forum can provide tools for. Ultimately, the best help we can offer a new user is Q&A discussion, but I am doing what I can with the "poll" tool. I am by no means setting out to replace the whole "Lens Lore" forum with it!

Too often, a new user may not know why the 16-80 is better than the 16-105 or whether its worth it to save some money on an 18-200 rather than purchase an 18-250. Hopefully these polls generate a lot of questions and we can help new Alpha users understand more about choosing the right lens.

[Buttoneer]

The votes comprise a wish list rather than serious recommendations, and I think that makes sense because everyone's budgets and needs will differ. The two I voted for are the ones I'd like because I can afford to have them and can all the bags to carry them. Someone else will want the single walkaround as our resident Skin doc suggests.

[Dr. Harout]

Someone else will want the single walkaround as our resident Skin doc suggests.

Did I? Where?

[Buttoneer]

Oops, I'm sorry, it was Pakodominguez above.

[pakodominguez]

Oops, I'm sorry, it was Pakodominguez above.

Moi?
but, but... I was talking about "combos", not a single walkaround...

[KevinBarrett]

I remember this not being the most helpful survey (the more helpful one I made is here), but I've directed some folks at Backstage 101 to come check it out and wanted it to be easy to find.... BUMP.

Feel free to keep this poll up to date. The votes are unlocked and you may change your vote if your judgment has changed.

[bfitzgerald]

Almost an impossible poll!

New users can vary so much on budget. Most of the ones I know stick with the kit lens/lenses. Some will venture into hunting ebay bargains s/h. A rather smaller number will start buying into the system on a serious level. Obviously most won't be buying a CZ 16-80mm or a 75-300mm G.
I know the poll has a limit to options, but there are many s/h choices..which might be more in line with the budget of most new users, such as the 35-70mm (both versions), 35-105mm, 28-85mm etc etc

[KevinBarrett]

I actually noticed two trends in this poll. Yes, there's an overwhelming victory for the "wish-list" lenses, the 16-80 and 70-300 G, but there's another combo in second place, the 11-18 and 18-250, covering a much wider range with two lenses at a little slower aperture, and they're both far less expensive than the 16-80 or 70-300 G.

[mikeriach]

If I have space I take my 18-250 and 70-400.
If not just the 18-250.

Mike