Buying second hand

srichards

srichards

Messages
11,165
Name
Suz
Edit My Images
Yes
Is there a brand league table around for second hand gear and which ones to avoid or which ones are hidden gems? I've been looking at getting a nifty (chosen minolta 1.7) and a wide angle. I bought a sigma 18-35 yesterday in preference to a cosina 19-35. Just seen a review of the sigma which slates it so now I'm wondering whether I have just made a great error! I was going to try and get away from sigma but haven't done well. Another brand I see second hand is tokina. Are they any good? Ditto Vivitar? Seen Cosina and vivitar 100-300s (getting away from sigma) under £100. Missed out on a minolta 100-300 for £75 too.

I know tamron are pretty good and sigma are good value but a bit iffy.

Personal reviews aren't necessarily much help as they can only be a comparison to what that person already has. I can't find good in depth scientific style reviews with proper side by side lens comparisons with values for distortion - pincushion etc. The latter would be make it simple as you could look up the lens and get an idea where it sits compared to others available. I'm beginning to wish I hadn't chucked out my old photography mags as they're full of just such information :(
 
Thanks for that link but they've not reviewed any that I've been looking it. I think most of them are a fair few years old now :-)

Should have mentioned I'm only looking at minolta fit too so it makes it even harder to find relevant information!
 
Suz, I have an A700, and I recently "discovered" the "dyxum" site, which gives all kinds of brilliant reviews for everything to do with AF fit lenses.
Your search for the "Holy Grail" could seem a lot closer when you look at this site.
Good luck,
Andy
 
I've looked at that site. It's great for finding out specific technical info like filter size and f stop range. Looking at the sigma 18-35 two people have said it is brilliant. The other says its carp and mentions the cosina I was looking at instead as being better!

Wonder if anyone makes a test card you can take pictures of to judge lenses...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top