Sony/Minolta users help
Mar 14, 2014 17:30:54 #
fhuhman
Loc: Jefferson City, MO
I have a Sony a350 with all the Minolta beercan and a 28-135 secret handshake lenses. I get good to very good pics, but would like to upgrade. Unfortunately I am on a budget. I am considering buying a a900 or buying a Minolta 17-35 G lens. I shoot mostly landscapes and general stuff. Which of the above would you recomend? The price of these are about the same on e-bay.
Mar 14, 2014 17:46:20 #
You have some great glass already. I use the handshake and mini-beercan lenses. I shoot with the A500. If I was going to upgrade I would strongly consider the A77. I have a few Sony DT lenses for the crop sensor and do not wish to buy new lenses for the full-frame.
Mar 14, 2014 18:01:39 #
Do you really have to have either one? If you already have some good lenses for shooting landscapes, I would save money and upgrade to an a77 (body only, brand new). Even though it is not full frame, it is way more versatile and cheaper than the a900 and it does have a 24mp sensor and an updated processor. I personally think the a900's on ebay are way over priced considering their vintage.
As for the lens, I know they go for big bucks. I am real cheap and unless I just have to have it, I would refrain. I bought my Carl Zeiss 28-80 at a pawn shop for $35.00
If I had to make a choice, I would go for the lens first.
As for the lens, I know they go for big bucks. I am real cheap and unless I just have to have it, I would refrain. I bought my Carl Zeiss 28-80 at a pawn shop for $35.00
If I had to make a choice, I would go for the lens first.
Mar 14, 2014 18:04:04 #
I agree with chapjohn, the A65 or A77 even the A58 would be a jump up. You have nice glass, and in the 17-50 range I highly recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 a superb lens, not too expensive.
Mar 14, 2014 18:08:58 #
Mar 14, 2014 19:28:52 #
The A350 was a very good camera back in it's day and I STILL use mine, though the A77 gets 90-95% of the work.
These guys have given you good advice. The prices on the A77 have dropped quite a bit and will drop more with the release of the new A77 Mark II in May, but either the A65 or EVEN the A58 will be a LOT more camera than you currently have... and all that you'll need for landscapes. ;)
The A900 is a VERY good pro quality camera... but it's 3 generations old now and as others stated, the newer cameras listed match it (except for tethering) in all areas except image quality.
You existing glass will go with any camera you choose, one of the benefits of owning a Sony. ;)
These guys have given you good advice. The prices on the A77 have dropped quite a bit and will drop more with the release of the new A77 Mark II in May, but either the A65 or EVEN the A58 will be a LOT more camera than you currently have... and all that you'll need for landscapes. ;)
The A900 is a VERY good pro quality camera... but it's 3 generations old now and as others stated, the newer cameras listed match it (except for tethering) in all areas except image quality.
You existing glass will go with any camera you choose, one of the benefits of owning a Sony. ;)
Mar 14, 2014 21:24:41 #
RaydancePhoto wrote:
I agree with chapjohn, the A65 or A77 even the A58 would be a jump up. You have nice glass, and in the 17-50 range I highly recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 a superb lens, not too expensive.
Good advice! I have the A65 and the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8... Great combination!
Mar 14, 2014 21:39:00 #
fhuhman wrote:
I have a Sony a350 with all the Minolta beercan and a 28-135 secret handshake lenses. I get good to very good pics, but would like to upgrade. Unfortunately I am on a budget. I am considering buying a a900 or buying a Minolta 17-35 G lens. I shoot mostly landscapes and general stuff. Which of the above would you recomend? The price of these are about the same on e-bay.
I had an A350...'til it was stolen. Great box. What features you looking for with upgrade? Unless you've reached the limits of utility of the A350 box, wh not put you $$ into more good glass?
After the robbery I had a windfall and replaced with an A77...had it for 2 years..one superb piece of kit!
Mar 14, 2014 21:49:09 #
Mar 15, 2014 08:44:33 #
if looking at the a58 dont. get the a57 instead. far better camera. that and the tamron 17-50 f2.8
Mar 15, 2014 12:52:20 #
Faster frames per second rate and a little bit bigger camera. Both are a HUGE step over the A350. ;)
Mar 15, 2014 13:08:11 #
tainkc wrote:
Do you really have to have either one? If you alr... (show quote)
I wish I could find THAT pawn shop! I've never bought any used photo equipment...I guess I'm afraid of getting shafted. I don't know about my 18-55, but my other lenses are compatible with full-frame, should I decide to upgrade the body in the future (already went from an A330 to an A77).
Mar 15, 2014 13:48:56 #
^^^I DID get lucky a couple of times following Toms example... but no luck since. :(
Amazon and Ebay...
Amazon and Ebay...
Mar 15, 2014 14:26:40 #
electricmonster
Loc: Naperville, IL
I would go with the A77. I have an A350, an 700, 900 & an A77. I love my A77. I do a lot of sports photography, Indoor swimming and Water Polo. I push it hard and it performs. I also love my A700. If you are on tight budget, the A700 is a solid value. The A77 gets knocked for its low light performance. I think that people expect too much with "slow" glass.
I also agree that the used A900's are over priced. Check out B&H and KEH for good buys on a used 77 or 700. Also lots of great buys on used Minolta lenses.
Good luck. Nice to see other Sony users in here.
I also agree that the used A900's are over priced. Check out B&H and KEH for good buys on a used 77 or 700. Also lots of great buys on used Minolta lenses.
Good luck. Nice to see other Sony users in here.
Mar 15, 2014 15:01:59 #
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