Need advice on lens for Sony A55

[dletts]

I recently  switched over to the Sony A55 after using the A700 ( stopped due to the AF motor malfunction). I am looking for some long range lens that can be used on the A55. I currently use the 70/300 4.5 and would like to invest into another 1-2 lens. I currently am shooting photos for the Sporting KC our local MLS soccer team.

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

Kurt Munger, http://kurtmunger.com/ , has much good info.

I happen two have Minolta 400/4.5 APO, Minolta 300/4 APO, SAL 70-300/4.5/5.6G, Minolta 80-200/2.8 so I can comment on those lenses.

Best regards
Erik

I recently  switched over to the Sony A55 after using the A700 ( stopped due to the AF motor malfunction). I am looking for some long range lens that can be used on the A55. I currently use the 70/300 4.5 and would like to invest into another 1-2 lens. I currently am shooting photos for the Sporting KC our local MLS soccer team.

[dletts]

Hi Erik

Thanks for the information on Kurt Munger's site. It looks interesting but will take time to review.

What camera (s) are you using ?

David

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

Alpha SLT 55 and Alpha 900. I have also an Alpha 700 which is in retirement. The Alpha 900 is my main camera, I use the SLT 55 when live view is needed for focusing, video and as a walkaround camera.

Best regards
Erik

Hi Erik

Thanks for the information on Kurt Munger's site. It looks interesting but will take time to review.

What camera (s) are you using ?

David

[Fine_Art]

I can recommend the 300 f4 G. Its incredibly sharp even with a UV protective filter. Good rich color, good bokeh. A Minolta HS version can be found in top condition for about $1200.

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

I have both the 400/4.5G and the 300/4G, the 400/4.5G is clearly the better lens. I presume that the 300/4 is going to E-bay one of these days.

BR
Erik

I can recommend the 300 f4 G. Its incredibly sharp even with a UV protective filter. Good rich color, good bokeh. A Minolta HS version can be found in top condition for about $1200.

[rickk]

The 70-400 is a surprising good zoom lens. The results far exceeded those of a Nikon 80-400 I used to have and at least equaled the quality of the Minolta 300/4 that got sold after using the 70-400. The down side is that it is big and heavy. Nevertheless, if I think that some reach beyond a 50 might be needed, then the 70-400 is on the A900, and the combo is on the big tripod. I finally tried the lens on the A55 a couple of weeks ago when an even tighter field of view was in order, and I was quite impressed with the results. When fully extended, there is some potential wobble, so I'd recommend your best long lens technique and extra shots for insurance.

Minolta's 200/2.8 is an excellent lens when you don't need the extra reach. It works great on both the A900 and A55.

Regards,

Rick

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

I have seen good reviews of that lens at both Kurt Munger and Andy Biggs, I'm considering to buy it myself.

I have the 70-300/4.5/5.6G also, and see some issues with that lens. I get inconsistent performance from that lens.

The 400/4.5 is very sharp, but hard to focus. Works well with 1.4X APO converter. With 2X converter it is not really sharp. Manual focusing is not easy with that lens!

I guess I would buy the 400/4-5.6 if I did not have a 400/4.5 already.

Best regards
Erik

The 70-400 is a surprising good zoom lens. The results far exceeded those of a Nikon 80-400 I used to have and at least equaled the quality of the Minolta 300/4 that got sold after using the 70-400. The down side is that it is big and heavy. Nevertheless, if I think that some reach beyond a 50 might be needed, then the 70-400 is on the A900, and the combo is on the big tripod. I finally tried the lens on the A55 a couple of weeks ago when an even tighter field of view was in order, and I was quite impressed with the results. When fully extended, there is some potential wobble, so I'd recommend your best long lens technique and extra shots for insurance.

Minolta's 200/2.8 is an excellent lens when you don't need the extra reach. It works great on both the A900 and A55.

Regards,

Rick