Alternatives to the Sony 24-70mm F/2.8(cheaper)

[postaled]

I was wondering if anyone knew of a nice alternative lens that would get hopefully similar results to this lens.

Right now I have the 18-55 kit lens and while it is 'ok' I would love to have something better.

I was looking at maybe the 16-80mm f/3.5-f/4.5.

I've read great things about the very quiet motor and fast focus on the 24-70.

I am really wanting to have a quiet motor for any video I may take.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony--70mm-Son...rds=sony+24-70

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SAL-1680Z...rds=sony+16-80

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Tokina, Tamron, Sigma, etc. all make 24-70 f/2.8 competitors.

You should be aware of how un-wide a 24mm short end is on a crop body. Zoom your 18-55 to approximately 24mm and think about whether you would find it acceptable to have this as the widest setting on your main lens.

You should probably look at a Sigma/Tamron/Tokina 17-50 f/2.8, 17-55 f/2.8 etc. This is the best upgrade from a kit lens on a crop body. You get practically the same look as a 24-70 but in a focal length range suited for a crop body.

 

[Throckmorton]

I was wondering this too. I just got a 50mm f/1.8 and I'm amazed how much better it is than my Sony 18-55 kit lens. The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 seems like a good choice

 

[CuriousMike]

My main lens is my Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.0

I find the range useful, but get mixed results on sharpness. Stepped down, it's usually very sharp. Wide open, not so much.

 

[postaled]

Its looking like the 16-50mm from Sony may be the lens I will get. From the example videos I have seen it does a very quiet auto focus in comparison to the Sigma and Tamron