Ok so, before I give advice, quick question - are you planning to use the 'Active' stabilization on the FX30?? It adds a notable crop, so something like 15mm might actually feel way too tight for vlogging... i think it ends up being like a 1.1x or 1.2x extra crop on top of the APS-C sensor. If you need to stay cheap, the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 E is usually around $300-$330 and super light. I've tried many lenses and that one is great for the price. If you’re really tight on cash, the TTArtisan 10mm f/2 AF Sony E-mount is like $160. Seriously. It’s a bit wierd with the AF sometimes, but for wide shots it works. Lmk if you’re using a gimbal or just handheld tho, cuz that totally changes what focal length you'll actually need! gl

> Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on. @Reply #5 - good point! Robert is right, those are the standard choices. In my experience, if youre worried about the 1.5x crop or that 1.7x with active steady shot, you really need that 10-11mm range. I've tried many of these third-party lenses over the years, and I'd personally suggest the Viltrox AF 11mm f/1.8 E because the linear motor performance is actually very comparable to the higher-end glass. Another option is the Meike 10mm f/2.0 AF Sony E mount if you want the widest possible prime without going fisheye. I actually spent all morning in my workshop trying to DIY a custom wooden handle for my FX30 rig. I was obsessing over the ergonomics and the specific density of the walnut I was using, but then I totally botched the mounting hole alignment. I guess being a specs nerd doesnt always translate to carpentry skills... anyway, check those lenses out, they definitely punch above their weight.

TIL! Thanks for sharing

Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.

In my experience, the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF Sony E-mount is the absolute best bang for your buck at around $400-430. The autofocus is actually solid for video and that f/1.4 is killer for low light... * Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF Sony E-mount - Best overall value.
* Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 E - Super compact for vlogging (~$300). Honestly, dont bother with the expensive Sony glass if ur on a budget! gl!

Honestly, when you look at the current market for APS-C glass, the third-party manufacturers have basically flipped the script on Sony. If you want that REALLY clinical, reliable autofocus performance, sticking with Sigma is usually the safest bet. Their stepping motors are basically industry standard at this point and they play very nicely with the Sony AF algorithms, especially for video tracking on the FX30. On the other hand, Viltrox has been making HUGE strides lately. Their newer stuff is giving everyone a run for their money because they focus so much on fast apertures which helps with that shallow depth of field look, even on a crop sensor. Tbh, if you are doing more professional production, you might miss the breathing compensation you get with native Sony lenses, but for vlogging, the value proposition from the third-party guys is just way better for the wallet. Basically, I would look at it like this:

• Go with Sigma if you want the most reliable AF and build quality
• Look at Viltrox if you need the fastest glass for low light
• Stick to native Sony if you absolutely need the digital corrections and perfect sync You really cant go wrong with any of the modern third-party options tho. The gap between them and the native glass has narrowed SO much in the last two years.