Hi all,
Thought I'd join these lovely forums.
I recently bought an a57 and want to get some more minolta glass - it came with a 50mm 1.7 which I have been really impressed with.
I was wondering what other lens would be best to go for at this point? There seem to be many, I've read dyxum a bit and was wondering if the following would be a good start...
35-105
70-210 f4 or 100-200
possibly pursue a 100mm 2.8 macro as well.
Is a 50mm 1.4 much better than 1.7 as well?
I want to expand my photography, I mainly shoot my kids but want to do flowers/ birds a bit too.
Thanks!
I will disagree with the other comment, the Minolta 50mm f1.7 is not crap, it's a bargain for a full frame prime. On APS-C then the Sony 50mm f1.8 is preferable for the SAM motor and lens coatings, but the Minolta is a fine lens.
The Sony 50mm f1.4 however is only better in the sense that the centres sharpen up quicker because it has a head start being f1.4 rather than f1.7. If you are getting great results with the Minolta at around f2.2 then don't bother replacing with the Sony as it won't be any better as it only gets really sharp from f2.2 onwards. I've had both, now have the Sigma 50mm f1.4 HSM but that's another story and outside of your assumed budget.
The 35-105 isn't wide enough for APS-C. I wouldn't bother. I can see why you have mentioned it, there is much hype around it.
The 70-210mm f4 is big, heavy, noisy and a little slow to AF. Mine was a lovely lens, but stayed in my bag due to these reasons and you won't be shooting it at f4 anyway. Another hyped up lens that can be replaced with equally good lenses that are more likely to stay on your camera.
I have the 100mm f2.8 but prefer the focus ring and bokeh of the cheaper Tamron 90mm f2.8 which I also have and it makes for a very nice long portrait lens as a result. They are both sharp, so get the cheapest and that'll probably be my version, the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Model 72E. There are later versions like the 272E etc., but optically they are pretty much the same, so look out for the older 72E as it goes cheaper and is excellent. If offered one do not get the very old Tamron 90mm f2.5.
You don't say if you already have a "standard" kit zoom, such as the Sony 18-55mm. If not then get onto eBay and start bidding on the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 as that'll be your most used lens and for the price is very, very, good. I had one before getting the Sony 16-50mm f2.8 which even second-hand I am guessing is outside your budget. You will love the Tamron, it's a gem. Also consider the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4, just as sharp and 20mm longer but not a constant f2.8 and I prefer aperture over focal length, but you may want longer.
As for a tele-zoom, well that is something to save a bit for and the ~210mm focal length won't be long enough for birds anyway. Take a look at second-hand Sony 55-300mm and Tamron 70-300mm USD (not the cheaper non-USD) as starting points.
