Sony Alpha A500 new lens question

fav150 · 26 Jun 2011

Hi,

My current setup is a Sony Alpha A500 and a Tamron 300 lens. Im thinking of either replacing the Tamron for a new (or second hand) like for like lens or possibly getting a 400/500/600 lens.

My questions are;

Would i notice a difference going from a Tamron lens to either a Sigma, Sony or Minolta lens (staying at 300) ?

Can any one recommend a 400/500/600 lens which is good value and decent spec wise?

I currently like do bird photography, but sometimes find the tamron lens slow to focus and sharpness is an issue at the 300 end.

If any one can help i would really appreciate it.

thanks

heidfirst · 27 Jun 2011

budget?

I'm assuming that you have the Tamron 70-300 LD Di in which case if you upgraded to the Tamron SP 70-300 PZD or the Sony 70-300 G SSM then, yes, imo you would notice the difference.

there is also the Tamron 200-500 & various Sigma zooms in the >400/500 range.
Sony 70-400 G SSM is superb but not inexpensive.

fav150 · 27 Jun 2011

Hi,
thanks heidfirst

Is the tamron lens you mention the same as Tamron SP 70-300 f/4-5.6 Di VC USD? as i cant find much information/prices on the PZD.

The sony g ssm lens is £700 plus, really i would want a 500 lens for that, or am i being unrealistic?

I suppose i want improve the quality of my shots (and have a sharper and quieter lens) for the best possible price. The lenses i've seen so far range from £300-£1500

heidfirst · 27 Jun 2011

fav150 said:
Is the tamron lens you mention the same as Tamron SP 70-300 f/4-5.6 Di VC USD? as i cant find much information/prices on the PZD.

sorry, yes. They call it PZD on the 18-270 but USD on the 70-300.
& the Sony version doesn't have VC so it's SP 70-300 Di USD.

The sony g ssm lens is £700 plus, really i would want a 500 lens for that, or am i being unrealistic?

yes.

You can find the 70-300 G SSM for £450-500 s/h.
Bear in mind that it's possible to crop in on a shot taken with a very high quality shorter lens & still have better IQ than that from a lower quality long lens (e.g. the Sony 70-400 G SSM is sharper at 400 & cropped in than the Tamron 200-500 is at 500).
If you can afford the 70-400 G SSM it's pretty much the best in class from any manufacturer.
Below that the Tamron SP looks like it may well be the best bang for buck in the "step up from kit" class.

There's also the Sony 500/8 Reflex but it's a bit of a niche lens & not very flexible so whilst it has it's uses I wouldn't recommend it as your main long lens.