do you think sony dslr lenses are overprice? im having dilemma. i have a KM 7D and i want to start investing on lenses specifically 50mm f1.4 and 70-300mm 4.6-5.6. either invest on these lenses or sell my current system and get a nikon or canon system and start investing on either of their lenses?

http://www.sony.com.ph/dslr/index.asp?cat_id=19&subcat_id=73

Some of the lenses are more expensive but some are quite same priced with other same category lenses from other manufacturers without talking IQ.

Does the IQ hold up with counterpart/less expensive lenses from other manufacturers? Maybe you should try to look into that so you can justify the cost difference? :)

excuse me for the ignorance but what does IQ stands for? (your not referring to intelligence quotient i think) :Grin:

aside from their lenses i think their dslr camera is quite expensive too. i mean at the price range a100 doesn't pack the features that 30D or D80 currently have. and i think they are moving quite sluggish in the dslr arena.

IQ= image quality

thanks :)

reviews on sony lenses are quite rare in the internet. so i really have no idea regarding the image quality :)

try this link for KM/ Sony lenses

http://www.mhohner.de/minolta/lenses.php?lang=e

You will never know the difference till you try thier high end lens.

200 APO 2.8 + velvia
http://www.dcfever.com/photosharing/photos/20060301/l752601141405359.jpg

50/ 1.7 + km d5d
http://www.dcfever.com/photosharing/photos/20060301/l752601143618986.jpg

facing same dilemma... i own a KM 7D and i'm thinking of buying lenses...the sony 50mm f1.4 is over-priced - relative to canon's or nikon's standard fast lens which is below the $100 price range... there are used minolta 50mm f1.7 lenses being auctioned at ebay...wonder if they are a "good" buy (quality and all)...

my brother though is convincing me to jump ship and switch to nikon... whatyouguysthink?

Is sony lenses overpriced? Yes I think so. I have an officemate who is using the KM 7D and he is really disappointed with what sony is doing with its DSLR and lens lineup. If Sony will not make their prices more affordable to the users then he is convinced that he will really need to jump ship.

But you will need to also consider the way you shoot. This would dictate what lenses you needed to buy. You can then use that info to check for the prices of the lenses and how much will you be investing on these lenses then compare the price of how much will you invest if you jumpship. You might figure in the end that it would be a lot cheaper in the end to change brand.

just my 2 cents.. :)

facing same dilemma... i own a KM 7D and i'm thinking of buying lenses...the sony 50mm f1.4 is over-priced - relative to canon's or nikon's standard fast lens which is below the $100 price range... there are used minolta 50mm f1.7 lenses being auctioned at ebay...wonder if they are a "good" buy (quality and all)...

my brother though is convincing me to jump ship and switch to nikon... whatyouguysthink?

same probs here. but if you have collection of lenses already sony might release new body this year (according to the rumors the new body will be a 7D successor) plus the much awaited carl zeiss lenses (CZ will be very expensive though but i think its a class of its own).

but i think i already made-up my mind. i'll just wait for the "black screen of death" of my KM7D (unfortunately its a mechanical bug of all the 7D and some 5D) then i'll jump ship either nikon or canon. but if i can get a nikon FM2 then nikon it will be.

Some personal thoughts on the Minolta System...

- Minolta gear is for very special breed of photographers (discreet, lowly/humble, pay more attention to excellent photographs rather than lust for camera gear, mostly used by serious hobbyists/collectors and very few professional photographers)

- the Minolta system is the least advertised, but yet the most advanced (prior to its surrender of assets to Sony)... 1st autofocus camera was made by Minolta, idea of multi-segment metering came into perfection through Minolta, wireless TTL multi-flash capability also perfected by Minolta, eye-start focussing innovated by Minolta, predictive auto focussing that captures fast moving subjects, ANTI-SHAKE built-in the camera body... lots of excellent photographic functionalities implemented in Minolta cameras... only from the minds of a Minolta.

- Minolta optics are amongst the best glass that you'll ever find in the photographic industry... in the past, they even had several lenses co-produced with Leica because Leica company had to rely on the excellent optical quality of Minolta glass. I have used and owned Minolta G-class lenses and I am very confident to say that they truly capture images that would blow you away. The Minolta 70-200mm f/2.8, now re-branded as Sony SSM version, is by far, the best tele-zoom lens (and the most expensive too!) in this focal range.

===================

Some personal thoughts on the newer Sony dSLR system and the Carl Zeiss lenses...

- the very first dSLR body released by Sony (A100) was a bit late, it's an excellent photographic tool... lots of complains regarding "noise" issue at high-ISO... plastic body... Dynamic Range Optimizer implementation (much better than 7D's High-key and Low-key)... anti-shake still built-in the body.

- Yes, the price is a bit expensive... but primarily because anti-shake and DRO are their main selling points... plus the capability to use CZ optics. Try comparing the cost if you are to acquire VR or IS lenses from Nikon and Canon and perhaps you would understand the price factor... practically all lenses that you use will be stabilized (by two stops below the normal... e.g. I can safely shoot at 1/125s with a 300mm lens handheld).

- The CZ lenses are fairly expensive... simply because they're Carl Zeiss. Same with the Minolta-G lenses... e.g., my 85mm f/1.4 cost me US$1,100. If you're really looking for very good Minolta lenses, that would also work in the Sony A100, you can get them at good prices in the used market. Brand new still-in-the-box lenses (not really new since most Minolta lenses were produced in the late 80's and early 90's) can still be found in camera shops in European countries (e.g. UK, Czech republic) or in Northern America... since they are becoming scarce in supply, and being considered as relics and collectors' items, prices are sharply increasing.

Serious Minoltians and excellent photography topics and discussions can be found here...
http://www.dyxum.com/
(this is where we're hiding... very exclusive, yet very warm and cozy)

========================

IN CONCLUSION...

I am an avid Minolta user, inherited most of my stuff from my late father and grandfather. I don't get frustrated since I know all the Minolta stuff that I have are great photographic tools. I don't think I will even get into the idea of selling them since I consider them as my treasured possessions. I'm sure I would still be able to use my Minolta glass in upcoming dSLR innovations by Sony, but not with the A100, I'm not putting my prime G lenses on that body.

Jump ship to other brands??? Happy to say, I am ecclectic when it comes to photographic equipment. I love shooting with a D70s... looking forward to a D200 soon! I truly enjoy shooting with my Canon 400D... I might consider getting a full-framed Canon 5D!

In the end, I don't let my photographic eye and passion to be controlled and manipulated by lust for gear and optics. If ever I will be buying a piece of equipment, it has to be justified by such great passion, and $$$ will not come out from my own pocket.

facing same dilemma... i own a KM 7D and i'm thinking of buying lenses...the sony 50mm f1.4 is over-priced - relative to canon's or nikon's standard fast lens which is below the $100 price range... there are used minolta 50mm f1.7 lenses being auctioned at ebay...wonder if they are a "good" buy (quality and all)...

my brother though is convincing me to jump ship and switch to nikon... whatyouguysthink?

Don't bother about Sony's 50mm f/1.4. All the 50mm f/1.4 lenses (Canon, Nikon, Minolta) share the same price bracket... $300-400. The $70-100 price range applies to f/1.8 versions (or 1.7 for Minolta). If you're serious in getting one, Minolta 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.7... just let me know (PM me) and I may be able to help you out. :)

========================

IN CONCLUSION...

I am an avid Minolta user, inherited most of my stuff from my late father and grandfather. I don't get frustrated since I know all the Minolta stuff that I have are great photographic tools. I don't think I will even get into the idea of selling them since I consider them as my treasured possessions. I'm sure I would still be able to use my Minolta glass in upcoming dSLR innovations by Sony, but not with the A100, I'm not putting my prime G lenses on that body.

Jump ship to other brands??? Happy to say, I am ecclectic when it comes to photographic equipment. I love shooting with a D70s... looking forward to a D200 soon! I truly enjoy shooting with my Canon 400D... I might consider getting a full-framed Canon 5D!

In the end, I don't let my photographic eye and passion to be controlled and manipulated by lust for gear and optics. If ever I will be buying a piece of equipment, it has to be justified by such great passion, and $$$ will not come out from my own pocket.
im new to photography. my decision to get KM was partly because my father was a minolta fan (back in the film era) and partly because someone offered me 7D at the price that i can't resist and of course 7D is excellent body (minus the black screen of death bug which im expecting anytime sooner and was too late to know of this issue). i always thought that minolta is a cult brand (which is really good), i guess i was right. but unfortunately i am a KM user at the wrong time/generation. how i wish Konica Minolta didn't gave it up. IMO KM is KM while Sony is Sony they are 2 different companies with different strategies & goals.


cheers,

yam

im new to photography. my decision to get KM was partly because my father was a minolta fan (back in the film era) and partly because someone offered me 7D at the price that i can't resist and of course 7D is excellent body (minus the black screen of death bug which im expecting anytime sooner and was too late to know of this issue). i always thought that minolta is a cult brand (which is really good), i guess i was right. but unfortunately i am a KM user at the wrong time/generation. how i wish Konica Minolta didn't gave it up. IMO KM is KM while Sony is Sony they are 2 different companies with different strategies & goals.


cheers,

yam
kinda OT, but I remembered something,

Back in the 90s when I still had my studio, I used a Minolta 700si as my primary camera, and had a couple of NIKONs as backup. I dunno why, but theres something about the color made by my 700si that made me like Minolta more. Anyway here's what I noticed having owned 3 Minolta AF SLRs in the past, after a few years of usage, the grip will start to melt... I mean the rubber material deteriorates for some reason. And this happed in ALL my minolta bodies. So I was wondering if SONY inherited this flaw....hmmm time will tell I guess. :)

im new to photography. my decision to get KM was partly because my father was a minolta fan (back in the film era) and partly because someone offered me 7D at the price that i can't resist and of course 7D is excellent body (minus the black screen of death bug which im expecting anytime sooner and was too late to know of this issue). i always thought that minolta is a cult brand (which is really good), i guess i was right. but unfortunately i am a KM user at the wrong time/generation. how i wish Konica Minolta didn't gave it up. IMO KM is KM while Sony is Sony they are 2 different companies with different strategies & goals.

cheers,

yam

@Yam... be happy then... would it matter if you knew that same KM people are actually manufacturing Sony A100... Minolta still produces their excellent lenses, re-badge nga lang ang brand to Sony, it's basically the same optics (or perhaps even better).

Why worry so much about "black screen of death," naka-ilang shutter actuations ka na ba? My first body (already sold), reached 24th cycle of 9999 frame counts (~240K actuations), no sign of black screen. The 7D I'm using now is on its 35th cycle (that's ~350K actuations). It's not really a bug, and all cameras have it. The black frame happens due to failure of the shutter assembly mechanism, thus, the reason why all cameras stipulate the approximate shutter actuations it can perform (clicks) before you notice some irregularities. Most cameras will claim a guaranteed 100K shutter actuations. If it happens, such black frame issue is a minor electronic repair, or at the most will require replacement of the whole shutter assembly which Sony people would be able to perform. No worries at all. :)

kinda OT, but I remembered something,

Back in the 90s when I still had my studio, I used a Minolta 700si as my primary camera, and had a couple of NIKONs as backup. I dunno why, but theres something about the color made by my 700si that made me like Minolta more. Anyway here's what I noticed having owned 3 Minolta AF SLRs in the past, after a few years of usage, the grip will start to melt... I mean the rubber material deteriorates for some reason. And this happed in ALL my minolta bodies. So I was wondering if SONY inherited this flaw....hmmm time will tell I guess. :)

Peter... the color you're referring to is pretty much influenced by the lenses (also film) that you were using (there's no way to control color via the 700si body). It only proves that Minolta lenses are excellent optics (even their kit lenses were crafted to almost near perfection). Imagine i'm still using the Minolta AF28-135mm f/4 (lens that Leica adopted); it was produced way back in 1986, no sign of deterioration.

The grip doesn't melt... it's the rubber part detaching from the metal/plastic part due to humidity factor (very humid kasi d'yan sa Pilipinas... and in some other parts of the globe). Still, it's a flaw that Minolta should have corrected. :)

Yes i do think it is.

Peter... the color you're referring to is pretty much influenced by the lenses (also film) that you were using (there's no way to control color via the 700si body). It only proves that Minolta lenses are excellent optics (even their kit lenses were crafted to almost near perfection). Imagine i'm still using the Minolta AF28-135mm f/4 (lens that Leica adopted); it was produced way back in 1986, no sign of deterioration.

The grip doesn't melt... it's the rubber part detaching from the metal/plastic part due to humidity factor (very humid kasi d'yan sa Pilipinas... and in some other parts of the globe). Still, it's a flaw that Minolta should have corrected. :)

Yeah thats what I meant Jose, the system, not just the body. Minolta lenses tend to give me bluer blues, richer colors than my nikons.

And the rubber melting issue, it's really a shame. Coz that was the main reason why I sold my entire system at a dirt cheap price. :(

@jose, thanks for the word of encouragement. i'll cross my finger it will last sir... :)

just visited our local sony showroom. zeiss lenses are now available (i think) since they have the price for it.

Zeiss
- 85mm F1.4 za - 85,000 PHP
- 135mm F1.8 za - 92,000 PHP

G lenses (KM/Sony)
- 35mm F1.4G - 90,000 PHP
- 70-200mm f2.8G - 150,000 PHP
- 300mm f2 - 86,000 PHP

hmmm.. looks like the G is more expensive than zeiss? i dunno... :Dum:

hopefully sony phils brings down the prices. but things are looking good...

@jose, thanks for the word of encouragement. i'll cross my finger it will last sir... :)

just visited our local sony showroom. zeiss lenses are now available (i think) since they have the price for it.

Zeiss
- 85mm F1.4 za - 85,000 PHP
- 135mm F1.8 za - 92,000 PHP

G lenses (KM/Sony)
- 35mm F1.4G - 90,000 PHP
- 70-200mm f2.8G - 150,000 PHP
- 300mm f2 - 86,000 PHP

hmmm.. looks like the G is more expensive than zeiss? i dunno... :Dum:

hopefully sony phils brings down the prices. but things are looking good...

Ouch! Overpriced nga. But the Zeiss lens.... drool :P~

Ouch! Overpriced nga. But the Zeiss lens.... drool :P~

the G designation i think is equivalent to L lenses of Canon. correct me if im wrong though.

i can't afford it anyway... someday hopefully... :Scared:

the G designation i think is equivalent to L lenses of Canon. correct me if im wrong though.

i can't afford it anyway... someday hopefully... :Scared:

Yam, punta ka sa dyxum forum (www.dyxum.com (http://www.dyxum.com))... marami nagbebenta used G-lenses doon, mura lang. If you can wait, I have an extra 85mm f/1.4 G lens that I can part with when I get home to the Phils. :)

:) thanks...

@jose_deluna, when are you coming back to manila? was wondering if you have the big beercan, 100-300APOd or 100-400APO (for parting :) )? are you a registered member at dyxum [as well]?
regards,
dogears/moises

@jose_deluna, when are you coming back to manila? was wondering if you have the big beercan, 100-300APOd or 100-400APO (for parting :) )? are you a registered member at dyxum [as well]?
regards,
dogears/moises

Hi moises,

Yes, I am a registered member of dyxum. I do have a 100-300APO and still pondering if I would part with it or not. I use it intermitently since I prefer the bokeh of the 70-200mm f/2.8 (faster focussing too). But for extra reach, I'd bring out the 100-300APO (e.g. birding). I missed the beercan (already sold), it was indeed a legendary lens. I am holding on to a much better sibling... the 28-135mm RF constant f/4, truly an amazing lens.

I'll be home (Iloilo) sometime in April-May... will let you know if I decide to sell some of my Minolta glass.

Best regards.
KaPepe

Whoa! Meron na rin pala kayong 'the great white' :P
Meron po akong available na beercan - just let me know if you want it :)
Baka po meron kayong big beercan?
Ano pong brand yung 28-135/4?

Wala ako big beercan (100-400APO), I had to choose the 100-300APO since the big beercan's AF was too slow and hunts most of the time. Better keep your beercan, it will be a relic and collector's item in the near future. The 28-135mm f/4 is a Minolta G-class lens (circa 1986)... was co-produced with Leica and later on adopted by Leica for their own use... hand-crafted, superb optics, ultra-fast focussing considering it was produced in the 80's.

My preferred lenses are the fixed focals... 16mm, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm... these are the Minolta lenses that were really crafted for perfection. You could easily tell if a photo was captured using any of these lenses.

Feel free to borrow and use some of my lenses when I get home; as I am about to retire all these lenses and settle for cheaper 3rd party optics for my everyday shooting. Tumatanda na kasi ang lolo n'yo at hindi na kayang magbitbit ng mabibigat na gears.

Ah, oks. I think you are referring to this Min28-135/4-4.5 (http://www.mhohner.de/minolta/onelens.php?id=af28-135f4) which is actually 'almost' constant aperture :D I was once offered that lens but I turned it down and never had the urge to get one again... pero pag nagbitiw kayo eh baka magbago isip ko :)
I heard that Sigma primes at 20/24/28 are better than Minolta :D

@moises... parang OT na tayo nito... nevertheless still worth discussing (Minolta lenses that will also work for the Sony dSLR).

I have my admiration for the sigma lenses as well... in fact i have observed that my sigma 15mm f2.8 gives better colors and image quality with Minolta 16mm f/2.8. I am now enjoying the use of the sigma 10-20mm ultrawide zoom, extremely sharp and fun to use. I was also fortunate to find a brand new sigma EX 70-200mm f/2.8 which is considerably fast in AF (almost similar to the Minolta's SSM), but lacks some of the color and sharpness at the 2.8 setting... nonetheless a very favourable lens for sports and fast action, very responsive on the Sony A-100 and much lighter than the Sony or Minolta SSM. I was hoping to get my hands on the newer sigma 50-150mm f/2.8... much smaller and lighter. I'm beginning to trim down my gears to the lightest and most discreet way possible. Ganyan daw talaga 'pag tumatanda... lumiliit... ang camera gear!

very nice inputs guys. i don't mind if you continue your discussion here. or you can make another thread for minolta/sony/CZ ;) lenses.

thanks yam :)

To get back to the topic, yes - Sony's 'new' lenses are overpriced so just try to get the Minolta lenses - specially the beercan :) You can check out my latest shots from the great beercan at the PhilBalloonFest thread :) You just have to get one :) And it's considerably cheap in terms of price/performance ratio.