which Sony zoom lens?

[ljphil78]

Hey guys my brother in law is on the hunt for a Tele zoom for his Sony a450 to compliment his 18-55 kit lens and me being a Canon man I haven't got a clue what to recommend?? Anyone got any suggestions? He can be a bit tight when it comes to spending money so I'd say budget upto £500 but if there's anything above that, that really stands out I could always try and persuade him to spend a bit more lol

 

[heidfirst]

How tele does he want to go?
If 70-300mm is OK then the Tamron SP 70-300 F/4-5.6 Di USD (~£350) is the best under £500 new.
Above that the Sony 70-300mm G SSM (~£700) is better but nothing like twice as good.

 

[phil-t]

Some random options

- Second hand 'beercan', Minolta 70-200 f/4
- Tamron 18-270PZD for a walkaround do it all lens
- Wait for new Sony 18-135 just about to be released
- Look at a Tamron 17-50 and Tamron 70-300 (second hand, or slightly up the budget if new)

 

[s162216]

A Minolta 70 - 210mm F4 'Beercan' from 1985 onwards can be got in good condition for about £100 or so and is fine for most things plus their built like a tank! Literally just steel and glass plus a couple of tiny plastic parts. Nice and sharp as well.

 

[ljphil78]

Cool thanks guys, I think I'll probably try to steer him towards a beercan, or tell him to wait for the new Sony 18-135, I don't think he'll be needing any more reach than that. Any idea on a release date and price on the new Sony?