Looking for advice on lenses. The background is this. Someday I would like to have an APS-C sensor camera with fast frame rate, good high iso and good autofocus for BIF, and to act as a backup. Plus a full frame camera with good image quality and preferably live view for landscape. Though I'm not printing past 17” wide at present, it would be nice to have the flexibility to go bigger. I have been looking at Sony, and while it is a tempting option, I decided to wait until the new versions of the A900 and A700 (or similar) come out next year.
In the meantime I'm looking at making my Canon 40D a backup and buying a secondhand 5d Mk 2 for landscape. The real clincher was my 70-200 f4 IS. I like this lens a lot. It weighs 760 gm and I can walk around all day with it without tiring. I like the range, sharpness and bokeh. I like the fact it doesn't extend (like when I'm standing in the rain).
That out of the way, the nearest Sony/Zeiss lens I can find is the Sony 70-300 f4.5-5.6. Can anyone share how it compares to the Canon 70-200. Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Thanks in advance, David
If you want a 70-200 f4 then the only brand that does one is Canon, even Nikon can't help you here. One of Canon's specialities.
Sony's 70-300 G is very highly thought of and is probably the best out of the 70-300s, but it's not weathersealed, nor does it have the AF speed. It does have the extra 100mm.
There's also the 70-400 G, again very highly thought of, but the same problems and it doesn't weigh 760g anymore...
If you must have a 70-200/4 in Alpha mount then it exists, but it was made in 1985. You get excellent build, screwdrive AF, decent bokkeh and sharpness and a LOT of CA. It's not up to the Canon 70-200 in any way other than the price - about $150 2nd hand.
For more info on the 70-300G, your best bet is
www.dyxum.com - a site dedicated to Minolta/Sony issues. Ask on the lens forum there.