What is the best budget prime lens for Sony FX30?

Question

I finally pulled the trigger on a Sony FX30 last week for a small documentary project I'm filming around Chicago next month. Its my first real cinema camera and honestly im a bit overwhelmed with the lens options. I've been stuck using an old zoom lens from my a6000 but it just doesnt have that shallow depth of field I need for the sit-down interviews im planning. My budget is pretty tight right now since the body cost so much, so im looking to stay under $350 or $400 if possible.

I did some digging online and saw a lot of people recommending the Sigma 16mm f/1.4. It looks sharp as hell in the sample videos but man it looks massive and im worried about my wrists after a four hour handheld shoot. Then I saw the Sony 11mm f/1.8 which is way smaller and lighter but maybe that's too wide for talking heads? I dont want people looking like they have big noses because of the distortion. Some guy on a gear forum mentioned the Viltrox 23mm or 33mm lenses but I havent heard much about their autofocus reliability on the FX30 body. I really need something that can track eyes well while the subject is moving a bit. What are you guys using that doesnt cost a fortune but still looks professional...

Daviddix · Accepted Answer

Honestly, you should definitely look at the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS for those documentary interviews! It is absolutely fantastic on the FX30 body because the autofocus is lightning fast and totally reliable for eye tracking. Since you are worried about weight, this thing is a dream to carry around compared to the Sigma stuff. Here is how I see your options for that budget:

Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS

Love this for talking heads. The 52.5mm equivalent focal length is perfect for a natural look without distortion, plus the built-in stabilization is amazing for handheld work.

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

Incredible image quality, but yeah, its a brick. If you are shooting for four hours handheld, your wrists will definitely feel it.

Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 AF

Really decent glass for the price, but native Sony lenses just handle the FX30 autofocus system so much better in my experience. I would skip the 11mm for interviews since it distorts faces way too much. Go with the 35mm Sony and you wont regret it... the bokeh is buttery smooth!

Poison_ricug · Answer

Saw your post and had a thought... how much space are you actually gonna have for these sit-down interviews? Like, are we talking cramped Chicago apartments or a bigger office space? That really changes which focal length makes sense for you. In my experience shooting on Sony APS-C for years, I've tried many of these and here is what I would look at for that professional look without breaking the bank:

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E is basically the gold standard. I've used this for ages and its super sharp but way lighter than that 16mm beast you were worried about.

If you want something tighter for headshots, the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS is a total sleeper hit. It even has built-in stabilization which is clutch for handheld work.

Regarding Viltrox, the Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 E STM is actually solid on the FX30 now. I've found the autofocus stays locked on eyes pretty well after the recent firmware updates tbh. Lmk about the room size and I can give more specific advice!

8wewe11 · Answer

Re: "Saw your post and had a thought... how..."Id suggest the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary. Used it for a 10-hour marathon doc; its lightweight, reliable, and fits your budget nicely.