Need Advice from Sony Users
Sep 12, 2012 19:43:36 #
I recently went on a 2 week vacation to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Salt Lake City. I have an A200 camera with my longest lens being a Minolta 75-300. I found that lens to be inadequate when viewing some wildlife and want to get a "longer" lens for use in the future. Does anyone have a 400 or longer lens? What make is it? and are you satisfied with the quality of the pictures that you get? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Sep 12, 2012 22:45:35 #
Rob O'
Loc: Freakin' Hot Arizona
I have the Sony SAL70400G SSM. This is an outstanding lens and I've found it to be sharp at both ends and all apertures. It's a heavy lens, but as I'm a pretty big guy I don't have any problems carrying it. Focusing is virtually silent and extremely fast.
My wife uses the SAL70300G SSM as it's lighter and easier to carry, but just as sharp.
But they aren't cheap. I think the 70-400 will set you back about $1800 now.
I also have a Sigma 500mm f:7.1. I've tried to like this lens, but it just doesn't match up with the Sony's. However, Sigma makes some newer zoom lenses in the 500mm range that are very good. And somewhat less expensive.
And then, of course, there is the new Sony 500mm f:4 that will cost you something like fifteen grand. I don't think I'll ever own one of those.
My wife uses the SAL70300G SSM as it's lighter and easier to carry, but just as sharp.
But they aren't cheap. I think the 70-400 will set you back about $1800 now.
I also have a Sigma 500mm f:7.1. I've tried to like this lens, but it just doesn't match up with the Sony's. However, Sigma makes some newer zoom lenses in the 500mm range that are very good. And somewhat less expensive.
And then, of course, there is the new Sony 500mm f:4 that will cost you something like fifteen grand. I don't think I'll ever own one of those.
Sep 12, 2012 22:49:06 #
Sep 13, 2012 04:26:39 #
There are a few good teleconverters out there but you will lose a couple of stops and sometimes the clarity but they are a cheaper way to go.
Sep 13, 2012 05:43:29 #
I have the 70-400G as well and it gives excellent results on my a900. As an alternative there is the 500mm f8 mirror lens which although not as sharp as the 70-400 will give you the distance you require at a much cheaper price.
Sep 13, 2012 05:45:52 #
Sep 13, 2012 06:40:17 #
AuntieM wrote:
I recently went on a 2 week vacation to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Salt Lake City. I have an A200 camera with my longest lens being a Minolta 75-300. I found that lens to be inadequate when viewing some wildlife and want to get a "longer" lens for use in the future. Does anyone have a 400 or longer lens? What make is it? and are you satisfied with the quality of the pictures that you get? Thanks for any help you can give me.
I have an A300. I also have a Tamron 500mm lense I like it a lot. Sorry I'm replying from my iPad so can't give you any examples of the lens quality.
Blake
Sep 13, 2012 06:53:13 #
Difficult ask really.
How was it inadequate, quality or just focal length?
Crucially, what budget do you have in mind?
How was it inadequate, quality or just focal length?
Crucially, what budget do you have in mind?
Sep 13, 2012 07:23:33 #
Sep 13, 2012 09:18:42 #
I use a Tamron 200-500mm zoom on my A55 and A77. I.Q. is crummy from 200-240 and from 460-500, but I've re-labled it my " 240-460 zoom" and I swear it's the best hunk of glass in my lens stable! worth far more than every penny paid for it!
And just on spec...not really expecting much...I tried it with a Vivitar 1.4 teleconverter with amazingly great results. That works out to ~ 890mm. Send me your email addy (i'm on my portfolio iPad) and I'll send you some examples!
Dave Graham
East River, SD
And just on spec...not really expecting much...I tried it with a Vivitar 1.4 teleconverter with amazingly great results. That works out to ~ 890mm. Send me your email addy (i'm on my portfolio iPad) and I'll send you some examples!
Dave Graham
East River, SD
Sep 13, 2012 11:49:35 #
gopiqpp
Loc: SAUDI ARABIA
I have a Sigma 150-500mm. Great lens when used at F8. Works very well on my A390 and my A57. If you plan to use it on the newer SLT series from Sony make sure the lens has the label " a65 and a77 Compatible". With the A200 it will work fine.Costs approx $1069 new.
Sep 13, 2012 11:57:51 #
A few weeks ago i went on e/bay and bought a used Minolta 100-400 APO lens for $600.00 .It is much lighter than my 70-400 Sony lens and easier to shoot with.
At the Bronx Zoo
Sep 13, 2012 12:28:05 #
AuntieM wrote:
I recently went on a 2 week vacation to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Salt Lake City. I have an A200 camera with my longest lens being a Minolta 75-300. I found that lens to be inadequate when viewing some wildlife and want to get a "longer" lens for use in the future. Does anyone have a 400 or longer lens? What make is it? and are you satisfied with the quality of the pictures that you get? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Sony offers a 70 - 400mm, but it's a little pricey. I have a Tamron 200 - 400mm which works pretty well, although it's a little on the heavy side; tripod manditory.
Sep 13, 2012 16:42:33 #
I already had my 150-500 Sigma when I bought my a65, and had read about compatibility issues. I contacted Sigma in UK, who advised to try it and if auto- focus did not work to send receipt for camera and lens and they would make necessary adjustments to the lens.
It did work, and I have had good results
It did work, and I have had good results
Sep 13, 2012 17:07:19 #
malcy wrote:
Taken with the Sony 500mm f8 mirror lens
Impressive, expecially for a mirror lens.
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