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One of my favorite features of the Sony Alpha cameras is the "Auto ISO Minimum Shutter Speed" feature. This allows photographers to work in Aperture Priority mode and float the ISO, while still controlling the minimum shutter speed (i.e. 1/2000 fps for action, 1/focal length, or slower for panning or ICM.) Program this menu item to a customizable button to change the setting quickly, and it is a game changer.
Sony Alpha a1 - https://geni.us/Sony_Alpha_a1
Simply an amazing 50.1 MP camera all the way around. Sony's flagship camera. If you have the budget, this is my top pick.
Sony Alpha a7RIII/A (Refreshed) - https://geni.us/Sony_Alpha_a7RIIIA
I am still shooting with this camera even with the release of the Sony a7RIV and a7RV cameras. If Sony refreshes their a9II camera with a higher-megapixel a9III model, I might be tempted to finally replace it.
I recommend sticking with native Sony lenses if possible, with the couple of exceptions below. I also prefer using prime lenses, but I do recommend a super-wide, and a couple of super-telephoto zoom lenses as well. You might also note that I skip the 24mm and 50mm focal lengths. This is just my opinion, but I believe that whatever looks good at 24mm will look more interesting at 20mm, and whatever looks good at 50mm will look more interesting at 35mm or 85mm.
Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM - https://geni.us/Sony_FE_1224_28
I don't own this lens, but I wanted to include it since it is a phenomenal albeit pricey lens. If you are a serious landscape photographer with a higher budget, this is a fantastic lens choice. Keep in mind this lens does not have filter threads, so you will need to purchase a filter system with components that are made specifically for it. For more information about the filter system I recommend for this lens and why, visit our Camera Brackets & Accessories page.
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - https://geni.us/Laowa_12mm_28
Venus Laowa makes some extremely unique lenses, and I encourage you to visit their website if you haven't already. The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is a manual focus lens, but it is sharp and it has very little distortion especially for a super-wide-angle lens. This crazy little lens also has a minimum focusing distance of just 18 centimeters, and has a 0.2X maximum magnification, so macro wide-angle shots are completely within the realm of this lens. This is another lens without filter threads, so you will need to purchase a filter system with components that are made specifically for it. For more information about the filter system I recommend for this lens and why, visit our Camera Brackets & Accessories page.
Sony FE 14 mm f/1.8 GM - https://geni.us/Sony_FE_14mm_18
An excellent fast, ultra-wide prime lens. This lens also does not have filter threads, so you will need to purchase a filter system with components that are made specifically for it. For more information about the filter system I recommend for this lens and why, visit our Camera Brackets & Accessories page.
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 - https://geni.us/Sony_FE_35mm_14
This lens has a ton of character, and the 35mm focal length is extremely versatile.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 - https://geni.us/Sony_FE_85mm_18
I guess one might call this lens a "Nifty 85." If you are a full-time portrait photographer, you may wish to look into purchasing the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 lens. But I think this lens is so good, that I chose it over the faster f/1.4 version without a second thought.
Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO - https://geni.us/Laowa_90mm_2X_Macro
The Sony FE 90mm G OSS Macro lens is a wonderful lens, don't get me wrong. But this is one instance where I like to say "go small or go home!" This Laowa 90 mm lens provides 2x magnification whereas the Sony lens provides 1:1 magnification. You can still get close to your subject with the Sony lens, but you can get even closer with the Laowa. The Laowa lens is a manual focus lens, but I default to manual focus anyway when shooting macro subjects.
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 - https://geni.us/Sony_FE_135mm_18
In my opinion, one of the best lenses in the Sony lineup.
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS - https://geni.us/Sony_FE_100_400_GM