Sony zoom?

CBA100

CBA100

Messages
1,145
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
I havent got a zoom lens at the moment and think its about time i invested in one. Had a little cash saved AND sold my ipad just before the RRP reduction so i figure ive got about £400-£450 to spend on one.

Since buying my A700, ive always said that 'one day i'll have a 'G' lens' ;) and the Sal70300g is one ive recently been looking at. Ive read quite afew positive reviews with the main 'con', being the current price. I obviously cant afford a new one, however 'used' prices seem to fall into my price bracket.

I'd like to be able try afew different things this summer (afew trips to donnington. Some bird shots) just something away from the macro photography ive been doing since purchasing the camera. I'm not sure how the above lens stands, using it for motorsport/bird shots :shrug: Hopefully someone that has it, can help me out.

Is there anyother lens that may be better (and within my price bracket) thats more suitable for what i plan on using it for? Preferably i'd want atleast a 300mm zoom (anything less, and i dont think it'll be useful at all for bird shots)...i just think my budget may hinder this :shrug:
 
andy700 said:
If you are prepared to buy used, then I would suggest a 75 - 300 Minolta lens (known as the "Big Beercan), from around 1985. It should cost around £100, but the build quality and performance are all great.

http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Minolta-AF-75-300-F4.5-5.6_lens52.html
Click to expand...

Cheers Andy.

I'd already looked into the 75-300mm Big Beercan, but quite afew reviews on the internet say its main downfall is the amount of CA. It also seems to be one of those that has a variation of quality in each lens/copy. Some say there copy is immaculate, others say its dreadful. Its a case of finding/buying the right one. Preferably i'd rather get something a little newer.
 
The 70-300G is a fine lens, and will not disappoint, significantly better than the budget 70-300's (Sigma, Tamron, Sony).

There are a couple of better alternatives; One of the 70-200 f/2.8's - which have less reach, but have the advantage of f/2.8, or the 70-400G - which is superb by all accounts.

Unfortunately both alternatives are outside yuor budget.

Other options;

The Tamron 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 Di VC USD - this is a higher spec than the budget Tamron 70-300, and was thought likely to be fairly good - I haven't seen a review of the Sony one to compare it to the 70-300G though.

Another possibility is the Sigma 100-300 f/4, which some people rate quite highly - I've no personal experience of this one, but as with all non-HSM Sigma's on an A700 I would advise setting AF to 'slow'.
 
Faldrax said:
The 70-300G is a fine lens, and will not disappoint, significantly better than the budget 70-300's (Sigma, Tamron, Sony).

There are a couple of better alternatives; One of the 70-200 f/2.8's - which have less reach, but have the advantage of f/2.8, or the 70-400G - which is superb by all accounts.

Unfortunately both alternatives are outside yuor budget.

Other options;

The Tamron 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 Di VC USD - this is a higher spec than the budget Tamron 70-300, and was thought likely to be fairly good - I haven't seen a review of the Sony one to compare it to the 70-300G though.

Another possibility is the Sigma 100-300 f/4, which some people rate quite highly - I've no personal experience of this one, but as with all non-HSM Sigma's on an A700 I would advise setting AF to 'slow'.
Click to expand...

Cheers Jonathan, certainly afew to look into. :thumbs:

Would love the 70-400G, but ive got no chance at the moment :shake:

I actually came across the 'Tamron 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 Di VC USD', and like yourself, im yet to find a Sony review on it :shrug: I think it was only something like £350 from 'Park'.

Have you got any shots, taken with your 70-300?.
 
Last edited:
CBA100 said:
Cheers Jonathan, certainly afew to look into. :thumbs:

Would love the 70-400G, but ive got no chance at the moment :shake:

I actually came across the 'Tamron 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 Di VC USD', and like yourself, im yet to find a Sony review on it :shrug: I think it was only something like £350 from 'Park'.

Have you got any shots, taken with your 70-300?.
Click to expand...

Sent links by PM, as not on this forum.
 
Hi my FIL has the 70-300G lens and he really likes it, he gets great results with it and his 700.

Don't think you'd be disappointed if you got one
 
Last edited:
for the budget ones - the big beercan & minolta 100-300mm APO are the ones which come to mind, sadly there aren't that many worthwhile budget 300mm lenses. Different story for the 200mm range though (the various cheapo 55-200mm lenses and of course the beercan are very respectable).

for the higher end ones - sony 70-300mm G and the sigma 100-300mm f4

tamron are (eventually) going to release a high end 70-300mm which might be worth waiting for it, if you're planning on buying new.

Also if you're willing to trade speed for range the minolta 100-400mm APO is pretty good at 300mm (so so at 400mm though) and would be cheaper than the sony G
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the info guys. :thumbs:

After looking at shots taken with the 70-300 G (and as im now more keen to try some bird shots), i dont think the 300mm zoom will cut it. Is there anyother longer lens available, within my price bracket?

Ive looked at the 'Sigma 170-500 F5-6.3'. Anybody got a review on this lens or info on anyother lens within my price range?
 
Could consider using a 1.4 TC on the 70-300G, there are some over on Dyxum using them, have a look at the Sigma 100-300 F4 also using a TC and the Sigma 120-400 OS second hand may be available for your budget.
I'm struggling to afford the Sony 70-400 which gets rave reviews but like hens teeth second hand, I have found them available in the UK for 1K new but everytime I almost get enough money to buy one something else burns the funds up :bang:
 
SussexBlue said:
Could consider using a 1.4 TC on the 70-300G, there are some over on Dyxum using them, have a look at the Sigma 100-300 F4 also using a TC and the Sigma 120-400 OS second hand may be available for your budget.
I'm struggling to afford the Sony 70-400 which gets rave reviews but like hens teeth second hand, I have found them available in the UK for 1K new but everytime I almost get enough money to buy one something else burns the funds up :bang:
Click to expand...

I thought i read somewhere that you cant use a TC on the 70-300g :thinking: Something about the rear element of the lens hitting the TC :shrug:

If this isnt the case then it may be an option :D

'ChinaArts' on ebay sell the 70400G for £859 Delivered :love: This place was recommended by another member on here. Still more than i can afford though. :'(


EDIT: Just done a little reading up and it turns out that the above problem is with 'Sony' TC's. Kenko 300 Pro 1.4x TC seems to work fine, although will only AF in good light.
 
Last edited:
CBA100 said:
I thought i read somewhere that you cant use a TC on the 70-300g :thinking: Something about the rear element of the lens hitting the TC :shrug

If this isnt the case then it may be an option :D

'ChinaArts' on ebay sell the 70400G for £859 Delivered :love: This place was recommended by another member on here. Still more than i can afford though. :'(


EDIT: Just done a little reading up and it turns out that the above problem is with 'Sony' TC's. Kenko 300 Pro 1.4x TC seems to work fine, although will only AF in good light.
Click to expand...

Look here for photos using the Kenko
http://raisiner.smugmug.com/Dyxum/Sony-70-300G-Kenko-14X-Pro/7054314_TLGW8/1/451916154_Q48ud#451916154_Q48ud
 
CBA100 said:

EDIT: Just done a little reading up and it turns out that the above problem is with 'Sony' TC's. Kenko 300 Pro 1.4x TC seems to work fine, although will only AF in good light.
Click to expand...

The Sony (and Minolta) TCs are designed to be used with a very specific set of lenses, which inlucde the 70-200/2.8 and 200/2.8, 300/2.8 and 300/4. As you say, they will not fit most other lenses.
 
onomatopoeia said:
The Sony (and Minolta) TCs are designed to be used with a very specific set of lenses, which inlucde the 70-200/2.8 and 200/2.8, 300/2.8 and 300/4. As you say, they will not fit most other lenses.
Click to expand...

Thanks for confirming Mark :thumbs:

Just had delivery confirmation for tomorrow morning :D. Its my day off tomorrow aswell so hopefully......i'll be able to have a wonder out with the new lens tomorrow. :woot:
 
It's arrived!! :banana:

Shame the weather is RUBBISH today :'(


5529168170_ac5301e20f_z.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top