u/General_Secret3439

Hi everyone,

I know this is probably a very common question, but I wanted to ask based on my situation.

I recently bought a Sony a6400, and this is my first real camera. Right now I only have the kit lens, but I want to upgrade. After watching YouTube videos and reading Reddit posts, the two lenses I keep seeing are the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8.

Since I am a beginner, I do not really know yet which focal lengths I prefer. That is why I want to go with a zoom lens instead of a prime, so I can explore different focal lengths and learn what kind of photography I enjoy most.

I am leaning a little toward the Tamron because of the extra reach and stabilization, but I have seen many people say it is heavy. Since I am new to cameras, I am not sure how much the weight will affect me or my learning curve. I am also a student, so whatever lens I buy now, I will probably need to use it for a long time because I do not have the budget to keep changing gear.

I do not really do video. I will mostly use the lens for photography. With my phone, I usually enjoyed taking photos of architecture, street/lifestyle, landscapes, and general everyday scenes.

For someone in my position, which lens would be the better long-term decision: Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 or Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8?

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have used either of these lenses on Sony APS-C bodies.

Hi everyone,

I know this is probably a very common question, but I wanted to ask based on my situation.

I recently bought a Sony a6400, and this is my first real camera. Right now I only have the kit lens, but I want to upgrade. After watching YouTube videos and reading Reddit posts, the two lenses I keep seeing are the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8.

Since I am a beginner, I do not really know yet which focal lengths I prefer. That is why I want to go with a zoom lens instead of a prime, so I can explore different focal lengths and learn what kind of photography I enjoy most.

I am leaning a little toward the Tamron because of the extra reach and stabilization, but I have seen many people say it is heavy. Since I am new to cameras, I am not sure how much the weight will affect me or my learning curve. I am also a student, so whatever lens I buy now, I will probably need to use it for a long time because I do not have the budget to keep changing gear.

I do not really do video. I will mostly use the lens for photography. With my phone, I usually enjoyed taking photos of architecture, street/lifestyle, landscapes, and general everyday scenes.

For someone in my position, which lens would be the better long-term decision: Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 or Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8?

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have used either of these lenses on Sony APS-C bodies.

Hi everyone,

I know this is probably a very common question, but I wanted to ask based on my situation.

I recently bought a Sony a6400, and this is my first real camera. Right now I only have the kit lens, but I want to upgrade. After watching YouTube videos and reading Reddit posts, the two lenses I keep seeing are the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8.

Since I am a beginner, I do not really know yet which focal lengths I prefer. That is why I want to go with a zoom lens instead of a prime, so I can explore different focal lengths and learn what kind of photography I enjoy most.

I am leaning a little toward the Tamron because of the extra reach and stabilization, but I have seen many people say it is heavy. Since I am new to cameras, I am not sure how much the weight will affect me or my learning curve. I am also a student, so whatever lens I buy now, I will probably need to use it for a long time because I do not have the budget to keep changing gear.

I do not really do video. I will mostly use the lens for photography. With my phone, I usually enjoyed taking photos of architecture, street/lifestyle, landscapes, and general everyday scenes.

For someone in my position, which lens would be the better long-term decision: Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 or Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8?

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have used either of these lenses on Sony APS-C bodies.

Hi everyone,

I know this is probably a very common question, but I wanted to ask based on my situation.

I recently bought a Sony a6400, and this is my first real camera. Right now I only have the kit lens, but I want to upgrade. After watching YouTube videos and reading Reddit posts, the two lenses I keep seeing are the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8.

Since I am a beginner, I do not really know yet which focal lengths I prefer. That is why I want to go with a zoom lens instead of a prime, so I can explore different focal lengths and learn what kind of photography I enjoy most.

I am leaning a little toward the Tamron because of the extra reach and stabilization, but I have seen many people say it is heavy. Since I am new to cameras, I am not sure how much the weight will affect me or my learning curve. I am also a student, so whatever lens I buy now, I will probably need to use it for a long time because I do not have the budget to keep changing gear.

I do not really do video. I will mostly use the lens for photography. With my phone, I usually enjoyed taking photos of architecture, street/lifestyle, landscapes, and general everyday scenes.

For someone in my position, which lens would be the better long-term decision: Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 or Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8?

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have used either of these lenses on Sony APS-C bodies.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first "real" camera. I have a budget of around $600-$700. I have some experience with phone photography (iPhone 17 Pro Max) and I already use Lightroom for editing.

My main focus is Artistic Photography: Nature, Architecture, Street, and Portraits. I care more about the final "look" and resolution of the image than I do about video or high-speed sports.

I found a marketplace deal for a Sony a7R II in great condition with only 15k shutter count for $600 (body only). I could also probably find an a6400 for a similar price.

My Dilemma:

• a7R II: I love the idea of the 42.4MP full-frame sensor and IBIS for my architecture and nature shots. Since I edit in Lightroom, I feel like the extra data will be huge. But... it’s from 2015. Is it "too old" for 2026?
• a6400: I know the autofocus and tech are much newer and faster. It's smaller for the street. But will I regret the smaller APS-C sensor when doing portraits and high-res nature shots?

Is the a7R II still a viable "pro" choice for a beginner in 2026, or should I stick to the newer tech in the a6400?

Thanks for the help!