Hey everyone! I recently picked up a Sony FX30 for my video projects, and I’m absolutely loving the Super 35 look. However, I’m really struggling to find a solid wide-angle lens that fits a tighter budget. Since it's a crop sensor, I’m looking for something around the 10-15mm range to get those expansive cinematic shots without too much distortion. I’ve been eyeing the Sony 11mm f/1.8 and a few Viltrox options, but I'm curious if there are cheaper gems I'm missing. My budget is strictly under $500. Does anyone have a favorite 'bang-for-your-buck' wide lens that handles the FX30’s autofocus well? What are you guys using for your wide shots?
yo!! jumping in here cuz i had a similar situation—spent ages over the years hunting for a wide look that didn't break the bank!! i eventually grabbed the Samyang AF 12mm F2.0 E and i think it's been a fantastic journey... its sooo snappy!! Tip: Maybe check used Sony E 11mm F1.8 listings? They usually hit that $500 budget and the native AF is amazing!! gl!! 👍
Yo, been digging into some charts for the FX30 lately and you should look at the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM Sony E. It sits right in that 10-15mm sweet spot and usually stays way under your 500 dollar limit. Since the FX30 uses a Super 35 sensor, having an f/1.4 aperture is a massive advantage over the slower f/2.8 zooms. It lets in way more light, which means you can keep your ISO lower and avoid that nasty grain in the shadows. Technically, the lens is pretty sophisticated for the price... it has 14 elements in 11 groups and includes extra-low dispersion glass to keep the chromatic aberration in check. The STM motor is snappy and handles the FX30 autofocus tracking surprisingly well for a third-party lens. Its built like a tank, though that means its a bit heavier than the native Sony 11mm. If you dont mind the extra few grams, the sharpness and low-light performance are hard to beat for the money. Kinda feels like a pro lens hiding in a budget price bracket.