Travel Photography - Lens question from a noob...

I want to order a Sony NEX-C3 but don't know enough to pick which kit I need. My choices are for the 16mm F2.8 or the 18-55mm. I've had 18-55 before, but they are pretty limited. Most of my photos are inside rooms, airplane cabins and of people. Something tells me I'd be better off with the 16mm as it is nice and compact, and investing in a second better zoom lens like the 55-210.

Any guidance for me?

Now I think I've seen it all...you, a "noob" is awesome. :D

I'd get the prime and then another zoom. I've almost never been happy with the "kit" zoom with and camera I've had.

I want to order a Sony NEX-C3 but don't know enough to pick which kit I need. My choices are for the 16mm F2.8 or the 18-55mm. I've had 18-55 before, but they are pretty limited. Most of my photos are inside rooms, airplane cabins and of people. Something tells me I'd be better off with the 16mm as it is nice and compact, and investing in a second better zoom lens like the 55-210.

Any guidance for me?

Get an E-to-A mount adapter like this: (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/819768-REG/Sony_LA_EA2_A_Mount_Lens_to_NEX.html)

http://static.bhphotovideo.com/images/images150x150/819768.jpg

And, if wide angle is your primary concern, get something like this: (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/687279-REG/Tokina_ATX116PRODXS_11_16mm_f_2_8_AT_X_116.html)

http://static.bhphotovideo.com/images/images200x200/687279.jpg

Tokina 11mm-16mm f/2.8 which becomes a 16mm-24mm on the NEX.

For something not quite as wide but with more range and a longer reach you could get this: (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/363595-REG/Tamron_AF014M700_18_200mm_f_3_5_6_3_XR_Di_II.html)

http://static.bhphotovideo.com/images/images200x200/363595.jpg

Tamron 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 which becomes a 27-300 on the NEX.

Or any other lens for the Sony/Minolta A-mount.

The e mount lens lineup is pretty dreadful.

X2 on alpha mount (or other mount) adapter.

If you can't live with manual focus, I would recommend checking out micro four thirds, which has a good lineup of fast primes.

The e mount lens lineup is pretty dreadful.

X2 on alpha mount (or other mount) adapter.

If you can't live with manual focus, I would recommend checking out micro four thirds, which has a good lineup of fast primes.

I have a few of those from Olympus and Panasonic, but I'd like something even smaller. My GF2 serves me well, but is still rather bulky.

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

Did you check out the PowerOIS 14-42 lens from Panasonic? It's the size of a pancake lens (retracted) but offers the flexibility of 14-42.

I have a few of those from Olympus and Panasonic, but I'd like something even smaller. My GF2 serves me well, but is still rather bulky.

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

The package size body+lens is pretty close to the same in both systems. The reduction in body size is negated by the larger lenses of the NEX system. Even the Nikon 1 is about the same despite it's smaller yet sensor.

The 14-42x lens is a real game changer, as it's the only combo that provides a large sensor and zoom in a "pocketable" size with interchangeable lenses.

I've got both on my 5N. The practical difference in low light (in auto) and widest zoom between the two is minimal. The big advantage to the 16mm lens is the pocketablility. I'd suggest getting the zoom lens and buying the other lens on ebay.

2.8 is quite nice for indoor shots however 16mm isnt that wide.

I've got both on my 5N. The practical difference in low light (in auto) and widest zoom between the two is minimal. The big advantage to the 16mm lens is the pocketablility. I'd suggest getting the zoom lens and buying the other lens on ebay.

Sony have also announced a whole series of extra lenses (including some Carl Zeiss ones) for the NEX series so I'd say stick with the zoom lens and have a look at what is coming out this year.