Lens help for Sony A57 buyer

R

ricksname

Messages
2
Edit My Images
No
Hi guys, after having my heart set on an A65 for some time, I've weighed up my options and decided I might be better off with an A57 for the difference in cost. I'm planning to buy here in the UK, and have found this deal:

http://slrhut.co.uk/product/ID1112C5/slt_a57-_Sony-Alpha-SLT_A57-SLR-Digital-Camera-_Body-Only_-/

I'm still comparing lenses. For someone new to SLRs (or SLTs!) the range of things available, and what makes a good or a bad lens, is pretty overwhelming. I've been keeping an eye out for a second hand Sigma 17-50mm f2.8, but it's still a little expensive. I really don't want to pay more than around £300 for my first lens. I know this is very much the cheap end of zoom lenses, but surely with that money I should be able to find something far better than the kit lens.

Thoughts on these, or any other suggestions?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sigma-17-...=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item5aef79809c

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tamron-SP...=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item35c605bd06

The Tamron has very positive reviews, and is much more in my kind of range.

Thanks!
 
I used to have Sony gear and I also purchased the A65 before realising that I'd be better off financially with the A57 too. The only real difference is the OLED viewfinder on the A65. The other minor differences didn't matter. In the end I got the A77 cos it was a bargain.

Anyway, back to your question on lenses. What I'd say is that I had the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and it practically never left the camera. In fact I don't think i bothered changing it ever other than for macro shots with my macro lens. Certainly never bothered using the primes which sat languishing in my bag.

I've no experience with the Sigma though.

Oh lastly...not sure if the one from SLRHut will be UK sourced or a grey import. Someone else can say I'm sure. But Sony Outlet are currently doing refurb A57's for £399 with the kit lens and a 12 month warranty. For me that makes a better deal. YMMV
 
Last edited:
Slt cameras and older sigma lenses don't mix well. Some have to be modified to work. Later ones are already ok but I'd check with sigma themselves as they'll know exactly when one was made. Tamron or Sony brand ones are less trouble. Old Minolta lenses are also ok. It's just sigma as they didn't pay Sony the money to use their mount so they sort of reverse engineered it so there are sometimes compatibility issues when a new body comes out.

a58 is also due out soon. Should make 57s even cheaper. I fancied the a65 but it is missing GPS which is slightly annoying.
 
I picked up an a57 from the Sony Outlet last week for £370 but it's back to £399 at the moment, you do however get the kit lens that you could stick on eBay?

This may seem a little weird to other people but I didn't buy the Tamron 17-50mm, instead I went for the Sony 18-135mm. I tried my friends 17-50mm and I think I just prefered the extra (long) range the Sony gives. Both are equally sharp and both are well built. I prefer the manual focus ring and the almost silent focusing on the 18-135mm. I debated if I needed the f2.8 through the zoom and, for me, I didn't. Amazon had the 18-135mm for £220 when I bought it last month, as the lenses were taken from an a77 kit. Just throwing in another name to the hat.

EDIT : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-SAL181...F8&qid=1365102451&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+18-135

Still for sale through the same vender I bought from, Digital Depot.
 
Last edited:
afaik SLRHut body will be a grey import.
If you are happy with a refurb with full warranty https://outlet.sony.co.uk/shop/DSLR-&-SLT-Camera/SLT-A5/ & https://outlet.sony.co.uk/shop/DSLR-&-SLT-Camera/SLT-A6/

Both of those linked lenses are pretty good - the Tammy obviously is 2.8 throughout it's range but the Sigma has a wider range (albeit not fixed aperture), better build but may have issues with SLTs. If it's new Sigma will sort it though.
Have you considered the Sony 18-135 (from ~£200)?
edit: Micehorns obviously has similar thoughts
edit2: WEX have an A65 refurb with 6 month warranty for £450
 
Last edited:
After a bit of research, I've discovered that SLRHut import their cameras from the US. I don't really have a problem with this, but will I run into issues here? Video recording in NTSC rather than PAL or something? I'm on the fence between this and just going for the refurb. I'd rather have a new camera, obviously! But I might be shooting myself in the foot with it.

EDIT: Bought it from Dabs in the end. Roughly the same price as Sony for a new camera. Didn't fancy risking it with SLRHut!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top