Monday, May 12, 2014

Good telephoto lens for sony alpha dslr?




Pedro


I recently purchased a Sony SLT-A35 and I've been very pleased with it thus far. I only the supplied kit lens and I'm interested in purchasing a telephoto zoom lens for it. Right now I'm looking at the tamron 75-300 mm lens due to the low price and the good reviews. There's also the Sony version of the tamron which is more expensive. Finally there is also the Minolta "beercan" lens that can be purchased used at a reasonable price although I believe that one is a 70-210 mm lens. Which of those is the best option? Feel free to offer more suggestions but keep in mind that I can't really afford anything more than the Sony which is $250.


Answer
Unless you absolutely positively need the extra "reach" of 300mm (the Tamron 75-300mm) I strongly suggest the Minolta Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 simply because its a constant aperture zoom. Also, I own and use the older manual focus 70-210mm f4 "Beercan" and the optics of the AF version are identical to mine. Its one sharp lens.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/6217155698/ My camera was mounted on my tripod but this was taken using my 70-210mm zoom.

Help with picking a camera?




OhLawdyy.


I really want the Nikon d3000 , I'm a noob at photography but really interested. The thing is .. I currently have the Nikon L120 , but I want to switch. My mom wants me to buy a camera that has everything , which is understandable. My brother graduation is coming, and we want to take videos and pictures. I want one where I can still take good photos, but at the same time have what my mom wants. I looked at the Sony NEX 5 .. it's looks pretty good. The video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Tu7OAItdc&feature=bf_prev&list=FL6oFvK2PM8ElsB5ebN4fIVg&lf=mh_lolz I thought was pretty good. & Pictures I saw on another video. Do you think this is good for us or do you recommend a different camera?


Answer
First, the Nikon D3000 does not have video and its been discontinued.

Although I'm a Sony fan when it comes to their DSLR cameras I don't care for their NEX series. Why? Because they introduced yet another lens mount and there aren't many lenses available and the ones that are are expensive.

In my opinion the Sony SLT A35 or SLT A55 will best meet your needs. Both models feature Sony's Translucent Mirror Technology which allows for full-time continuous auto focus whether you're shooting still pictures or full 1080 HD video. During video the A35 and A55 use phase-detect auto focus which is faster and smoother and gives better results.

All Sony DSLR cameras - the Alpha and SLT series - use the legacy Minolta Maxxum "A" lens mount. What this means is that you can buy used Maxxum AF lenses for the A35 or A55. They will auto focus and meter as they should and save you money if and when you want to add a lens or lenses to your kit.

Suppose you decide that a 50mm f1.4 lens is one that you want. A Maxxum AF 50mm f1.4 is under $200.00 on eBay. A Sony branded 50mm f1.4 is close to $400.00 - and they are the same exact lens! All Sony did was re-brand the Maxxum 50mm f1.4 as a Sony.

If you decide that you need more zoom than the 18-55mm zoom that comes with the camera you can buy a Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 zoom lens (its known as the "Beercan") for about $200.00 on eBay. I own and use the older manual focus version of this lens and except for the auto focus provision they are identical. The constant aperture is very desirable when shooting video. Sony offers a 55-200mm f4-5.6 variable aperture zoom for around $200.00 but the Maxxum 70-210mm f4 is the better choice. The Sony 70-200mm f2.8 zoom will cost you about $2,000.00. That makes the Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 a real bargain.

Sony SLT A35 review:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA35/AA35A.HTM

Sony SLT A55 review:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA55/AA55A.HTM

This explains the differences between the SLT A33 (discontinued), A35 and A55:
http://www.digitalphotographywriter.com/2011/06/sony-a35-vs-a33-vs-a55-comparison-and.html

Prices from B&H - http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Sony SLT A35 w/18-55mm zoom lens $699.99 with free USA shipping.

Sony SLT A55 w/18-55mm zoom lens $799.99 after a $50.00 Instant Savings from B&H. Ends 10-1-2011. Free USA shipping.

In my opinion there are enough upgrades between the A35 and A55 to justify the extra $100.00 for the A55.




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