Minolta lens compatibility - DPChallenge Forums

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

01/18/2007 05:53:07 AM · #26

Thanks paddles, that's very well balanced commentary there :-)

My Dad's lenses are so old I think they are manual focus. Therefore, from what people have told me here, I think I am better off starting from scratch. I certainly will look at all available brands before I make a purchase, as you correctly pointed out, feel, comfort and ease of use are paramount.

hoffy

Sony DSLR-A100

01/18/2007 06:11:17 AM · #27

I also agree with Paddles. Because its Canikon doesn't mean its the best for you (putting on flame suit). I bought Sony, because it would take the minolta gear that I had purchased previously. But I also liked the feel (& so did my wife).

Get ideas from the online stores (such as the one I posted), but you must go in store & try for yourself. I dont know who is good in Perth, so Hopefully someone here might be able to recommend (I also hang out on an Aussie forum. I might ask there as well for you)

Cheers
Hoffy

Sony SAL-18250 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification Zoom Lens

01/18/2007 07:37:24 AM · #28

Harvey Norman has a half decent range, then there's camera house all over the place, digi life and a couple of other places in the city.

lkn4truth

Sony Alpha a77

01/18/2007 08:21:46 AM · #29

I just want to add that it appears you may be making this purchase not based on what is the best bang for your buck but by what brand name will get you the most "ooo's and ahs." Keep in mind that owning a Nikon or Canon doesn't make you a better photographer. Also keep in mind that the sensor used in the Sony A100 is the exact same sensor used in the Nikon D200. IDENTICAL.

Additionally, Sony/Minolta have the only DSLR's in the world that I know of that have anti-shake technology built into the body of the camera itself (which can be turned off if you want). Having the anti-shake in the body means you save a ton of money not buying expensive lenses with anti-shake in the lens every time you buy a new lens. This is a HUGE advantage and has received rave reviews for quite some time.

However, it appears you may have your mind made up that if your lenses don't fit you're going with another (more popular) brand. I only suggest that you're going to pay extra for brand name and get no better quality of image. The difference between a $2000 Nikon Pro-sumer and a $600 Sony Pro-sumer are rediculously small and would probably require blowing up the picture to the size of your wall before you could see a difference.

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

01/18/2007 09:04:03 AM · #30

Thanks lkn4truth, appreciate that, didn't know about the sensor info, I fully realise that the camera won't make up for my deficiencies but a DSLR will be a huge jump out of the restrictions of my current SP-350, more freedom in settings I think.

hoffy

Sony DSLR-A100

01/18/2007 05:04:34 PM · #31

The recommendations for Retailers I got in Perth are as follows:

"I can recomend PRA Imaging which I buy most of my stuff from. Also Camera and electronic and Plaza cameras and Camera solutions in the City"

Harvey Norman can be good, only if you know EXACTLYwhat you want. For playing & advice, you are better off trying a camera specific shop (& generally, they will be cheaper)

03/01/2007 08:09:03 AM · #32

Well folks, I've bit the bullet, Hardly Normal (Harvey Norman) are having a sale and very shortly - as soon as the credit limit goes through - I will be the proud owner of a Sony A-100. I played with the Nikon D40, the Canon 400D and the Sony and the Sony felt better in my hands, has the burst capability I want and I liked the idea of being able to use different types of memory. Also there is the possibility of using my dad's lenses, especially the genuine minolta one. My dear wife let me do this and I am getting;

The camera
Sony 18-70mm/F3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens and Sony 75-300mm/F4.5-5.6 Zoom Lens.
2 2GB CF cards
A polarizing filter
A 36 metre flash unit
A lowepro slingshot 200 to pack it all in.

I am so excited, can't wait to start snapping away! Thanks for all your advice and counsel.

Message edited by author 2007-03-01 08:38:43.

03/01/2007 07:26:36 PM · #33

Bump for a new time frame.

03/01/2007 07:59:34 PM · #34

Noone seems to care, gee whiz, I'm glad my wife loves me!

paddles

Pentax K10D

Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF

03/02/2007 08:17:55 AM · #35

Congrats, hope you enjoy your new "baby"!

And if you don't, just send it to me. :)