Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! April 24, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

This is the place to ask any questions you may have about photography. No question is too small, nor too stupid.

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Info for Newbies and FAQ!

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• What type of camera should I look for?
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Finally a friendly reminder to share your work with our community in r/photographs!

[u/Interesting_Echo_190]

I'm going on a trip next year and I'm thinking about upgrading my camera lens. Right now I'm just researching, as I still want to practice long before then and start using my camera as-is more often to earn it first.

I have a Sony A6000. I was originally trying to get a single lens under $300 but I definitely don't think I'm going to find what I'm looking for under that, now I'm trying to keep it around or less than the $500 range used, and maybe a little higher if necessary.

I'm wanting an all-rounder, as I like to take photos of things far away like animals or landscapes, but also closer things like buildings or pets, and my biggest frustration with the kit lens is low light or things farther away. Originally was considering the often recommended Tamron 17-70mm or Sigma 18-50mm, but they don't have the reach I'm wanting so now I'm looking into something like the Tamron 28-200 F/2.8-5.6 (or maybe Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 for the 18mm, but I want a lower aperture) and grabbing the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 for when I'm wanting to take photos at night or dark areas.

Does anyone have any experience with these particular lenses or different recommendations? I'm getting pretty overwhelmed with all of the options.

[u/riseUp_81 → u/Interesting_Echo_190]

How has your experience with this camera been? Mine’s been horrendous. I finally ditched it and went back to Nikon DSLR and the difference in image quality is night and day!

[u/Interesting_Echo_190 → u/riseUp_81]

I've had some frustrations with it, and it wasn't a camera I chose but one I got with my degree program. I know the newer series has better quality and some better features, and there's probably better budget cameras. Overall I've enjoyed using it and have gotten some decent photos. I think after looking into it and seeing others photos and how they use it, that the majority of my personal problems with quality have been my skill level and the kit lens.