My new love - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/18/2004 08:28:15 AM · #1

Oh wow, I've just spent my lunch break trying the new Minolta DSLR, wowowowowow!
I took some shots with a VERY heavy 300mm lens at 1/30s and it's pretty sharp, I took shots at ISO 800 and ISO 1600, and it's smoother than my FZ10 at ISO 50, from what I can tell in the store. The general consensus is that the noise is less than Nikon and Canon. The image stabilising is SWEET!
The camera feels superb, I love the fact that there are so many buttons for different functions... it might seem intimidating in theory, but it's completely intuitive, I had it sussed immediately. I don't like using one menu for many functions. The auto-focusing was nice and quick, and the camera seemed extremely robust. Colour reproduction is superb. Yep, this is the camera for me, as soon as I can raise the money.
So, can people reply to this thread who have any experience of using Minolta lenses... I actually just bought a Minolta film camera on EBay a couple of days ago with a couple of lenses including the cheap 70-300mmm which has had pretty good reviews. However, I have the 100-300mm in my sights. But if you have any experience with any of the other lenses... or any opinions, please let me know!

Gauti

Canon EOS-7D

11/18/2004 08:34:16 AM · #2

Good luck with your new love.
I hope your FZ-10 does not go sour on you since you've go a new love :)

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/18/2004 09:13:58 AM · #3

I think once you try to carry around an equivalent zoom range to your Z10 on a day trip, you'll begin to appreciate that FZ10 more. When I bought my SLR, I was figuring on one of the easy to carry compact "superzoom" lenses--unfortunately, after getting the SLR, I started reading bad things about them (quality wise).

But, the good news is that while I don't know about the minolta lenses, the advantage of the Minolta is that you don't need to use Minolta lenses to take advantage of image stabilization! And I do know of one superzoom (low range superzoom anyway) that is reviewed well (and has worked well for me so far). Check out the Sigma 18-125. I think they have a minolta mount for it. It's a great carry around lens covering a wide field and still good quality. (Though Tamron has announced a new 18-200mm which sounds even better, we'll have to see how it rates).

The Sigma makes my SLR "almost" compact enough that I've delayed buying one of the FZ models (though it's not a constant 2.8 like the Panasonics: it's 3.5 at 18mm and 5.6 at 125 mm). However, when you need more zoom, the Panasonics can't be beat. I was at my daughters high school band concert taking pics and I felt a bit silly with my huge white 70-200mm F4/L lens. And I could have used a 400mm F2.8 instead. Try pricing a good 2.8 aperture 50-400 zoom lens for an SLR! So I still figure on buying the FZ3 for that kind of thing.

I don't mean to sound negative on SLRs--they do have a wonderful feel and great flexibility. And best of all, no shutter lag. But I just want you to know up front that they are expensive and wil be quite heavy and large when you try to use it to fill the same shoes of your FZ10.

Regards--Neil

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/18/2004 09:33:12 AM · #4

//www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/minolta-7d.shtml

11/18/2004 09:43:12 AM · #5

Thanks,
I hear your points, and believe me I've been trying to hold off getting a DSLR for as long as possible.
I'm finding myself needing better quality though for professional reasons, and the FZ10 just isn't cutting it any more. I have no problem with bulk, as I'm absolutely dedicated to a career in photography. It'll be nice to have the FZ10 as backup, or when I need to be really discreet or quiet. The quality of the shots needed is starting to become far more important than the simplicity of using an FZ10.
Anyway, I'd appreciate more advice or reviews of compatible lenses... Minolta or otherwise!

terje

Apple iPhone

11/18/2004 10:03:52 AM · #6

Bobster, join our badass 20D club!

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

11/18/2004 10:12:55 AM · #7

Originally posted by terje:

Bobster, join our badass 20D club!

Not enough money for 20D plus loads of stabilised lenses! I think the lower end Minolta lenses are much better value for money, and I prefer the Minolta DSLR anyway. Sorry!

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

11/18/2004 10:17:22 AM · #8

I was gutted that Minolta took so long to come out with a DSLR as I've been a Minolta (film) SLR user since I was about 12.
I waited and waited but finally we had to buy one because our funds for it were coming from the Â£1k we estimated we'd save on film and developing during the 2 month trip to Southern Africa this year. So we really needed to buy before we went. So the Nikon D70 won out.
I still feel very angry at Minolta for letting their loyal followers down so badly that many of us were forced to move to another brand.

That said regarding lenses, I have been very happy with the Sigma lenses I use on the newer of my two Minolta film SLRs.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

11/18/2004 10:20:42 AM · #9

Originally posted by Kavey:

Which Sigma lenses?

Also, are you going on a trip to see penguins soon? I'm really jealous... can you give us more details? :-D

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

11/18/2004 10:25:54 AM · #10

In the words of my photography professor "Ugh, Minolta? don't get me started"

;-)

digistoune

Canon EOS-20D

11/18/2004 10:32:21 AM · #11

I think it's great that you have found THE ONE! Shopping for a camera, comparing features, reading reviews can be very time consuming and sometimes frustrating considering the differing opinions. Judging by what you've been able to accomplish with your FZ10, I am looking forward to seeing what you will do with the Minolta. When are you planning on getting it?

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

11/18/2004 10:33:48 AM · #12

Sorry, I don't have any information for you on Minolta lenses but just want to alert you to check out how KM advises cleaning the CCD. Is it a pain or easily done and can you mess up the "AS" technology. Could be an issue.

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

11/18/2004 11:07:08 AM · #13

I have an insurance claim that I'm REALLY hoping is going to go through, although there are some complications with it. It will just about cover the Minolta. Cross your fingers for me! No-one's mentioned the cleaning issue, I'll keep an eye out.

Sammie

Olympus OM-D E-M5

11/18/2004 12:50:38 PM · #14

Bob, that new Minolta DSLR sounds really nice - hope you will be able to get it soon. It's nice you got to try it out. Perhaps you could post a few of your test shots??? I'd love to see what it can do compared to the 20D.

Just received my new FZ20 on Tuesday and it's a sweet camera, too. Love the 9 point autofocus. It's even faster than the FZ10 with almost NO shutterlag at all. The focus is ultra fast and the metering is fantastic. It is still a bit noisy but WOW, it's a cool camera, too!

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

11/18/2004 01:08:36 PM · #15

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

Which Sigma lenses?

Also, are you going on a trip to see penguins soon? I'm really jealous... can you give us more details? :-D

Bob
I have
a 28-135mm f3.8-5.6 Macro Aspherical IF
and
a 100-300mm f4.5-6.7 DL

These are not expensive lenses but I have always been happy with the results. All the Kenya safari prints I'm selling for charity (want one? ;) are taken with these lenses, a surprising number with the wider of the two.

Yes indeed we have a trip coming up that involves many penguins!

Here's the official summary:

We cruise east to the Falkland Islands with its large resident population of Rockhoppers and Magellanic penguins along with Black-browed Albatross. There are also several colonies of the majestic King Penguins. The historical side of the islands is also explored before the ship sails onto South Georgia. Ernest Shackelton - the greatest Antarctic Explorer - is buried here under the spectacular ice-crowned mountains. The ship threads its way through magical fjords to Salisbury Plain, a place so remote that it has evolved into one of the worldâ��s most astonishing wildlife havens boasting a 100,000 population of King Penguins on its beaches, with an imposing backdrop of snow covered peaks. The island also supports significant populations of Elephant and Fur seals. The voyage continues to the South Orkney Islands and enters an enchanted world of icebergs and ice-covered mountains as the bays and channels of the Antarctic peninsula are reached. On frequent shore excursions by Zodiacs it is possible to view Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins at close range and observe nesting kelp gulls and terns. Whales (Humpback, Minkie and sometimes even Orcas) are frequently seen breaching close to the shore and even the Zodiacs.

The itinerary starts in Ushuai and is as follows:
Day 1 Board the Mariner and sail the Beagle Channel.
2 Sail east towards the Falkland Islands.
2-4 Falkland Islands.
4-7 At sea sailing towards South Georgia.
7-10 South Georgia.
11 At sea sailing to the South Orkney islands.
12 South Orkney Islands (ice conditions permitting).
13 At sea sailing south to Antarctica.
13-16 Antarctic Peninsula.
16-18 Drake Passage sailing north towards South America.
19 End Ushuaia.

Message edited by author 2004-11-18 13:10:03.

Kylie

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

11/18/2004 01:10:05 PM · #16

Sammie - Congrats on your new baby! I know you've really been looking forward to it for a long time!

Bob - Hope to be saying the same to you very soon! Good luck!

Message edited by author 2004-11-18 13:10:23.

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

11/18/2004 01:17:27 PM · #17

You started and ended in Argentina, my home country!!!! Did you go anywhere else in Argentina? I haven't been there for so long.

Kavey, how close can you get to a subject with your macro lens?

Originally posted by Kavey:

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
Which Sigma lenses?

Also, are you going on a trip to see penguins soon? I'm really jealous... can you give us more details? :-D

Bob
I have
a 28-135mm f3.8-5.6 Macro Aspherical IF
and
a 100-300mm f4.5-6.7 DL

These are not expensive lenses but I have always been happy with the results. All the Kenya safari prints I'm selling for charity (want one? ;) are taken with these lenses, a surprising number with the wider of the two.

Yes indeed we have a trip coming up that involves many penguins!

Here's the official summary:

We cruise east to the Falkland Islands with its large resident population of Rockhoppers and Magellanic penguins along with Black-browed Albatross. There are also several colonies of the majestic King Penguins. The historical side of the islands is also explored before the ship sails onto South Georgia. Ernest Shackelton - the greatest Antarctic Explorer - is buried here under the spectacular ice-crowned mountains. The ship threads its way through magical fjords to Salisbury Plain, a place so remote that it has evolved into one of the worldâ��s most astonishing wildlife havens boasting a 100,000 population of King Penguins on its beaches, with an imposing backdrop of snow covered peaks. The island also supports significant populations of Elephant and Fur seals. The voyage continues to the South Orkney Islands and enters an enchanted world of icebergs and ice-covered mountains as the bays and channels of the Antarctic peninsula are reached. On frequent shore excursions by Zodiacs it is possible to view Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins at close range and observe nesting kelp gulls and terns. Whales (Humpback, Minkie and sometimes even Orcas) are frequently seen breaching close to the shore and even the Zodiacs.

The itinerary starts in Ushuai and is as follows:
Day 1 Board the Mariner and sail the Beagle Channel.
2 Sail east towards the Falkland Islands.
2-4 Falkland Islands.
4-7 At sea sailing towards South Georgia.
7-10 South Georgia.
11 At sea sailing to the South Orkney islands.
12 South Orkney Islands (ice conditions permitting).
13 At sea sailing south to Antarctica.
13-16 Antarctic Peninsula.
16-18 Drake Passage sailing north towards South America.
19 End Ushuaia.

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

11/18/2004 01:22:42 PM · #18

Originally posted by ursula:

You started and ended in Argentina, my home country!!!! Did you go anywhere else in Argentina? I haven't been there for so long.

Haven't been yet, leaving this weekend... one night in Ushuaia on way out and one night in Buenos Aires on way home. That will be it.

Originally posted by ursula:

Kavey, how close can you get to a subject with your macro lens?

I don't know in measurements and it's all packed so I don't want to get it out and measure it now but I remember testing various lenses in the shop and checking out how close I could get and I was really surprised at how close I could get with that wide angle given that it's not actually a specialist macro lens. I went into some stores and tested and compared a range of lenses including Minolta's own, Sigma, Tamron and some other stuff and that's the one that I liked the best. I'm not for spending HUGE amounts of lenses (even though I know how important glass is) and I'm always happy with the results...

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

11/18/2004 01:44:30 PM · #19

Have fun on the trip!! That itinerary sounds just about like one of my dream trips. I'm looking forward to the pictures :)

Originally posted by Kavey:

Originally posted by ursula:
You started and ended in Argentina, my home country!!!! Did you go anywhere else in Argentina? I haven't been there for so long.

Haven't been yet, leaving this weekend... one night in Ushuaia on way out and one night in Buenos Aires on way home. That will be it.

Originally posted by ursula:
Kavey, how close can you get to a subject with your macro lens?

I don't know in measurements and it's all packed so I don't want to get it out and measure it now but I remember testing various lenses in the shop and checking out how close I could get and I was really surprised at how close I could get with that wide angle given that it's not actually a specialist macro lens. I went into some stores and tested and compared a range of lenses including Minolta's own, Sigma, Tamron and some other stuff and that's the one that I liked the best. I'm not for spending HUGE amounts of lenses (even though I know how important glass is) and I'm always happy with the results...