hi there! just wanted to know who else is using a sony alpha :Dum::Dum:

KaPepe is a very proud owner and user of a Sony Alpha-100.

yehey! dalawa na kami. anyone else out there?

@Christian... actually I am an avid Minolta user... since manual film days pa... then naging Konica-Minolta... then buy-out ng Sony.

If you are just new to the Sony dSLR, I would rather suggest that you go back in history to appreciate the excellent functionalities of the Sony Alpha... how it evolved and started from the minds of the Minolta.

You will definitely enjoy using it. I am already awaiting for the release of the newer pro bodies, the Sony Alpha 100 is not well-built enough to stand the rigors of my photgraphy work in the field (not unlike the KM 7D). Nonetheless, it's a very good substitute to fill the gap from the 7D to a Sony pro-body.

What lenses are you using? The kit lens is a good start.

@Jose... the sony alpha is my first dslr. I did see some works of the Konica-Minolta online and I believe the alpha hasn't disappointed its predecessor. Although I do agree that the alpha's body is not well built for rigorous settings and I do hope the new alphas would be better.

But despite the alpha's weak points, it's a great camera for newbies like me. Right now I'm using the kit lens more often because of its versatility, fast auto-focus, and sharp images. Although, I do use my sigma APO 70-300mm telemacro lens when the need arises. :)

Alpha user here too!

...been waiting for Sony Alpha users to come out and finally here we are...been using my Alpha for about 5 months now and I am satisfied with it so far...bought it second hand with 3 lenses. The Sony Standard Zoom, the 75-300mm zoom & the Minolta 50mm lens.

I'm new in photography, it has been my long time dream though. I only got the chance to pursue it when i got my Sony Alpha. Hope Sony won't disappoint me. hehe. Any insights 'bout photography and Sony Alpha will surely help me develop my skills in my new-found carreer. [Actualy, I'm doing photography as a sideline for now.] I'm a Graphic Designer by profession...

This is great! more Alpha users are coming out. It's quite understandable why there are only a few alpha users out there since sony just released its dslr bid last year. Hopefully more alpha users will come out.

I've owned my Alpha since the first day they were available here in Canada. Buy yourselves a Dicain vertical grip if you can get your hands on one there, it's a handy accessory to have. I bought one by emailing the manufacturer in Korea and had it sent to the Manila when I was there on vacation.

Hi Arthur! how much is the dicain grip? is it already available in the US? I might go there this June.

I read it in the Alpha forum on Dyxum (http://www.dyxum.com). The distributor is in Michigan, I believe. From the manufacturer in Korea, I think the grip is about $130US plus about $20USD shipping to Manila. I don't know if you've seen it already, but it only relocates the battery, so there are no extra dials or buttons (aside from the shutter button). However, it does help a lot when shotting portrait photographs with my larger lenses. Rumour has it, that Dicain is working on another grip with two batteries.

ok since its about sony alpha thread. anyone of you planning on getting the CarlZeiss 16-80mm? ive been waiting for this lens. is it worth it? ive already seen a test result at dyxum and CZ seems beat the G lens in IQ but not drastic though. CZ or the 11-18mm?

ok since its about sony alpha thread. anyone of you planning on getting the CarlZeiss 16-80mm? ive been waiting for this lens. is it worth it?

i've seem the zeiss prototype during the sony launch in japan last year. it's pretty damn good for that range. according to sony.com.ph, they still don't carry the lens yet. that site is pretty much updated. the one i want is the 135 f1.8 zeiss.

i've seem the zeiss prototype during the sony launch in japan last year. it's pretty damn good for that range. according to sony.com.ph, they still don't carry the lens yet. that site is pretty much updated. the one i want is the 135 f1.8 zeiss.

thanks for the update. according to what ive read its light, good range, superb IQ. very tempting...

IIRC i have enquired at our local sony square - CZ 135 f1.8 is locally available 80K++ i think.

thanks for the update. according to what ive read its light, good range, superb IQ. very tempting...

IIRC i have enquired at our local sony square - CZ 135 f1.8 is locally available 80K++ i think.

that's one lens that you should get. its razor sharp and fast.

that's one lens that you should get. its razor sharp and fast.

which one? 16-80 or 135? 135 is way out of my budget :Grin: and i don't know where to use the 135mm for :Grin:.

i hope sony ph sells the 16-80 not higher than the MSRP 699USD.

the 135mm CZ sounds very interesting. The sony 18-70 kit lens is actually doing a pretty good job, so the 135 might be the next lens on my list :)

@arthur, thanks for the info regarding the grip. I might be in the US in June. I'll try to take a look at that grip.

i do! just got mine this month. my parents' gift. been wanting to have a dslr.
i'm happy there are other users here!
teach me teach me teach me! heehee

Isi, welcome to the club. hehehe.

Isi, welcome to the club. hehehe.

thanks! i should get all of you using this a100, and teach me the basics! ahehehe!

:D

The club grows everyday!

Another noob using Sony Alpha. Thanks for this thread I have a chance to ask about this - does anyone know where can i get filters for the kit lens? I went to several Sony shops but they currently do not carry them. Should I even bother, or should I be concerned about it na lang when I manage to save up for a lens upgrade?

Ang walang kupas!
jagey

Try a camera store (maybe on Hidalgo?). Generally, electronics stores won't sell filters of if they do they are not of the best quality.

You can alway buy a larger filter than the one on the kit lens (55mm) and use a step-up ring to adapt the larger filter to the smaller lens. Don't sell the kit lens short, the 18-70 is a pretty good starter lens.

H jagey! Where are you from? I get my filters from Kodak Image Center. There are also alot of photography stores in quiapo that sells filters.

Thanks for the quick tips Arthur, I just might go that route.

Christian I live in Las Pinas (while my daily grind is in the Ortigas area) and thanks also for the tip. I might as well check out Kodak Imaging (I googled their location and found they have one center in Makati).

Awk! jAgEy

Jagey, I'm from Cebu and alot of the people I know with dslr cameras get their accessories from photo shops in quiapo. They just usually call up the store and make an order... then it's shipped to them after they pay through the bank. Maybe that would be more convenient for you.

Not an Alpha user but a KM user here :D
@Arthur, are you regular in dyxum? I am as 'dogears' :)
@yam, 11-18 is ultra wide and will complement 16-80 - tuff choice and will depend a lot on your shooting preference. If you have the means, go get the CZ16-80 - it will be a great walk around/everyday lens. BTW, the KM18-70 kit lens is an underrated lens so don't count it out yet.
Shameless plug but I do have a spare 'beercan' (that's the cult classic Minolta AF 70-210 with a constant aperture of f/4) available for sale :) Follow this beercan link (http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/www.dyxum.com/lenses/detail.asp?IDLens=48) at dyxum and see why it has become a must have lens for Minolta/Sony users. It's got great bokeh, color and contrast.
Pls PM me if you are interested. Thanks :)

edit: I also have an available Min100-200/4.5, a short and light constant aperture tele

@moiseslua, i've seen some really amazing shots taken with the beercan on a sony alpha. pretty impressive. although i also heard its quite heavy.

Hi Christian,

I'm not really sure if it's a complaint when reviewers mention its weight. I agree it's heavy but I would like to use the term 'balanced', specially when used with the 7D. Also the weight may just be an indication of its optics and how well built it is. With the Sony A100 or KM5D, I don't think it should be an issue. I love to carry my KM5D/beercan combo by the lens. And yes, I think it's the next best thing while one is saving for the 70-200/2.8 :D Some even calls it the poorman's G lens.
Just look at the sample images at dyxum's lens DB (including mine):
http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11307
and you'll see why it's become a cult classic.


Thanks

@moiseslua, yes, I frequent Dyxum as well. I am under the username "bluntman".

I am debating whether or not I should sell my beercan. On one hand it's a classic lens with great optics. On the other hand my 70-200/2.8G is taken over its duties.

I am also debating on whether or not to go with the CZ16-80. It seems like a nice lens with great image quality and saturation, but it will slower than my Sigm 17-70 (my current walkabout lens), although wider at both ends, but the build quality of the CZ is what is stopping me. From what I've read, it is a lot lighter than the two other CZ offerings for the Alpha.

@Christian, yes, it is heavy, as is its big brother, a 75-300/4.5-5, affectionately known as the "big beercan". But users take its heft as a sign of quality and, from what I've heard, Leica had some input into the specifications and manufacture of the lens.

@Arthur and Moises, have to admit that the beercan looks very tempting but as of now i can't afford it. Just placed an order for a sigma super DG external flash and I'm having my sigma 70-300mm lens repaired.
But what I'd really love to get my hands on is an 18-200mm lens. That would be nice for an all around lens :)

I was bored on my lunch hour so I went to the camera store. BIG MISTAKE. Not only did they have the tripod that I was looking for, the Manfrotto 190XPROB, but they also had the Carl Zeiss 16-80 lens in stock. Also, I found out that they were able to give me 50% of what I paid for my Sigma 17-70 lens because I bought it from them less than a year ago. Well, I am now a proud, but pennyless, owner of a Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod AND a Carl Zeiss 16-80 lens.

@arthur, congrats on your new CZ! maybe you can review it for us & post sample pics... specially on the wider end! :)

@moises, your beercan is tempting but as of now i really don't know where to use those tele's for... :)

Jagey, I'm from Cebu and alot of the people I know with dslr cameras get their accessories from photo shops in quiapo...<snipped...>

ey Christian...thanks! can you also share which reputable shops in particular you were able to deal with in the past? I vey much appreciate your suggestion, I had no idea one can order from shops in Quiapo.

I just a couple of quick observations with the lens:
- surprisingly fast AF
- slight vignetting at the long end
- not as sharp at the long end either
- vibrant colours throughout

@Arthur, yep, those who can afford the CZ16-80 and don't mind the build quality which is un-CZ like are very lucky :D I can't afford it hence I'm sticking with my kit lens which to my surprised works great with the KM7D. I think it's working great with the A100 as well. Lucky you having both beercans - not to mention owning the 'great white' :)

@Arthur congratulations on the new CZ lens! have you tried making the aperture smaller when you use it at it's maximum focal lenght? it might help make the photos sharper.

@jagey, try contacting henry's camera and acel photography. i believe there is a thread somewhere here on DPP that has the contact numbers to these stores.

hello christian! im an alpha user also! just got it last month and this is also my first dlsr! im still learning and is just amaze with picture taken by kapepe! im so envious of his pictures! i hope some day i can also learn to shot those kinds of picture! By the way do you happen to know Dr. Enricuso the anesthesiologist? Just wondering! I know him because when i was in cebu for my residency training in surgery( yes Im a Surgeon) he was our consultant in the anesthesia department!

Hehehe. Hi Robert. He is my dad. Small world :)
So where are you practicing now? I'm thinking of going into surgery also.

any one of you has SONY HVL-F56AM flash?

@Kapepe, sir since your the residence expert with KM/Sony system :):):) have you tried HVL-F56AM on your KM D7D? heard that it has some issues... Can the flash be triggered remotely by the 7D? Can I slave HVL-F36AM? TIA!

@yam wish i had the budget for the sony flash but the price is just too steep for me. I ordered the sigma super DG flash and hopefully get it before the end of this month. Sorry I can't be of much help.

@Christian, how much for the sigma super DG flash? where did you bought it? can it be triggered wirelessly? can the power of the flash be manually set?

@yam, i ordered it at acel photography in quiapo. They said that it would arrive in two weeks, but now they send to give it another 2 weeks. I'm not sure if you can trigger it wirelessly. From the sony alpha group discussion threads on flickr, i think they mentioned that you couldn't do that yet. I'm not sure if they meant the sony flash or if it included all other flashes compatible with the alpha.

by the way, the sigma flash was 8,500. Had to deposit 1,000 just to make the order.

thanks Christian! :)

no problem dude. If you learn something, please share it with us :)

@Christian is it the EF 500 DG Super? if so your in luck! just found out that it can be triggered wirelessly!!! Can I get the contact # of the vendor where you bought the flash?

Hi Yam! really? so there is a wireless remote for it? cool!!!! here is the no. for acel photography... (02)-733-0492. You can also try JT photoworld since they are the distributor of sigma - (02)-899-5018. :)

any one of you has SONY HVL-F56AM flash?


I do, I also have the original MInolta 5600HS(D). Both flashes work great with the Alpha, even in wireless mode.

@Christian, it's not a wireless remote for the flash, but rather, it will fire when it gets a signal from the camera's onboard flash.

Hi Arthur, so these flashes comes with a wireless remote or do you buy it separately? Sorry about the newbie question... I haven't tried using external flashes yet :)

Christian, no flash (Sigma, Sony, Metz, etc.) comes with this a wireless remote. What you have to do is set the camera and the flashes to wireless flash mode and raise the onboard flash. I believe you can use up to four flashes, wirelessly...I know two flashes work without a problem. It's a great feature since you are not constrained to the length of the off-camera flash cable.

wow! this is great!!! can't wait to get my flash and try this out! thanks arthur! :D

@Christian, take note its the "DG SUPER" not the ST that can be triggered wirelessly. and yes our dslr will send signal to the flash unit wirelessly and can trigger miltiple flash units (i don't know how though). good alternative for strobes or studio lights. thanks for the contact info!


@Arthur, thansk for the info! ive got the older brother of alpha the KM D7D ive read that F56AM have some issues with the said unit. I think i'll take my chances with Sigma flash. aside from the issue its 50% cheaper. :Grin:

@yam, thanks! I'm looking forward to get my flash. I just called up acel this morning and the two weeks they promised just increased to another two weeks :(

chris got my F56 from HK and it cost around 16K! yes it can be triggered by our built in cam falsh! i tried using it a couple of times but still learning how to use it!

hi doc robert. wish the flash would arrive before I go to dumaguete. I'm really looking forward to using it :)

hi guys, im a newbie here and in field of photography. after number of days thinking what to get for a DSLR i finally decided to have a sony a100 last week. this is my first camera and just been interested on taking pictures last year. im glad that there is a thread here for alpha users like me cause it seems that canon/nikon were the dominant even in forums of number of DP forum sites. anyway, i see a lot of good pictures here using their alpha and just join in to learn from you guys :)

uy hi jeffrey! just like you, i'm a newbie too on this sony alpha! welcome!

uy hi jeffrey! just like you, i'm a newbie too on this sony alpha! welcome!

thanks isi :) right now im enjoying getting portrait pictures and wonder if you can help me decide on what to have next.. a flash or a another lens? :Grin: if lens, what kind of lens?

jeff if you would ask me, lens would be a good first buy. a zoom lens or macro lens

jeff if you would ask me, lens would be a good first buy. a zoom lens or macro lens

hmm.. im still thinking if i would plan to have 18mm-200mm or 50mm F1.4 lens for portrait pictures... woah.. its hard to select and if only i can have both :)

Any lens faster than f1.7 is going to be expensive. I definitely agree with getting a lens over a flash. Besides, not having a flash will force you learn proper lighting techniques.

Pick up a macro lens...they are good for macros, and portraits. Macro lenses are generally very sharp and quite fast. Remember, they are basically prime lenses (fixed focal point lenses) with an extension tube.

hmm.. im still thinking if i would plan to have 18mm-200mm or 50mm F1.4 lens for portrait pictures... woah.. its hard to select and if only i can have both :)

jeffrey if you're planning portrait photos then go for the 50mm but the 50mm f1.4 you're thinking of is very expensive. by the way, when you say portrait shots... do you mean portrait photos of people in your family and friends or are you thinking of street photography type of portrait photos?

jeffrey if you're planning portrait photos then go for the 50mm but the 50mm f1.4 you're thinking of is very expensive. by the way, when you say portrait shots... do you mean portrait photos of people in your family and friends or are you thinking of street photography type of portrait photos?

photos of people like my family or friends... thats why i can not choose both :( ... 50mm f1.4 cost 21+ and 18mm-200mm cost 28+ ... but i read that 18mm-200mm is a good all around lens not sure and im amaze taking pictures with people in high quality with blur background. whats your thoughts about it?

by the way, im only a beginner on this hobby and im not getting pictures for business purpose... i just realize recently that i go to a lot of wonderful place like boracay, palawan, bohol and using only a cam phone.. i should somehow capture these wonderful experience and share it with my other friends :)

Any lens faster than f1.7 is going to be expensive. I definitely agree with getting a lens over a flash. Besides, not having a flash will force you learn proper lighting techniques.

Pick up a macro lens...they are good for macros, and portraits. Macro lenses are generally very sharp and quite fast. Remember, they are basically prime lenses (fixed focal point lenses) with an extension tube.

is 50mm f1.4 a macro lens? sorry, although i already read a lot of stuff but im still a beginber :Grin:... i see on Sony brochure another 50mm and 100mm macro lens... is 50mm macro lens better than 50mm f1.4 lens?

hi guys! i'm an alpha user too... i'm currently using the kit lens only and i'm thinking to purchase a second lens do you have a suggestion? thanks in advance

is 50mm f1.4 a macro lens? sorry, although i already read a lot of stuff but im still a beginber :Grin:... i see on Sony brochure another 50mm and 100mm macro lens... is 50mm macro lens better than 50mm f1.4 lens?


jeffrey you can achieve a good depth of field (blurred background) with any kind of lens. the 18-200 is indeed a good all around lens especially if you are traveling. but if don't really need all that zoom power the 50mm would be great especially in low light situations. check out the sigma 50mm f2.8 macro. its a cheaper alternative and it has a 1:1 magnification for macro shots. its also good for portrait shots.

hi guys! i'm an alpha user too... i'm currently using the kit lens only and i'm thinking to purchase a second lens do you have a suggestion? thanks in advance

Mars, the kit lens is very versatile and i actually prefer using it more often. but you have to ask yourself what kind of photos you want to take when you're planning to get a second lens.

jeffrey you can achieve a good depth of field (blurred background) with any kind of lens. the 18-200 is indeed a good all around lens especially if you are traveling. but if don't really need all that zoom power the 50mm would be great especially in low light situations. check out the sigma 50mm f2.8 macro. its a cheaper alternative and it has a 1:1 magnification for macro shots. its also good for portrait shots.

oh i see.. i thought only sony and minolta lens is applicable to alpha... good to know there are alternative brand that is cheaper... can you give me some estimates on how much is that? 50mm f2.8 macro in sony here i think is around 20+...

@jeffrey the sigma 50mm f2.8 macro in JT photo would probably be around 15k with warranty already. but the nice thing about sigma is even if you buy it in the US (which would only be around 10k) you can always use their 1 yr warranty here in the philippines.

by the way jeffrey, if you also decide on the getting an 18-200 lens, the sigma 18-200 lens for the alpha is only P19500 in JT photo.

as of now, i only have two lenses. the kit lens and sigma's 70-300mm (tele-macro). here are some photos taken with the sigma's macro function. it only has a 1:2 magnification in its macro function.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/439497074_faa9aa2c09.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/244/446016066_80ee08e765.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/450324361_c50c8eb335.jpg

Try to find a store that sells used Minolta auto focus lenses, they are much, much cheaper than the Sony equivalent. I know of at least on one Hidalgo that had an 85mm/1.4 lens for 11k. It was in beautiful condition and included both of the original end caps and the original hood.


I have a 50/1.7 lens which I bought off of eBay for only $100CDN (about 4200PHP). A 50/1.4 lens goes for at least 5x the price. Sure, the glass may be a bit better and it is half a stop faster, but is it really worth it?

The 50/1.4 is not a macro lens, but the 50/2.8 is a macro lens. It's slightly slower than the 1.4, but it, in effect, gives you two lenses in one!

The blurred background is called bokeh (sounds similar to "booky"), it's a Japanese word. All lenses can give you a blurred background, all you have to do is to open the aperture on the camera. On the Alpha, switch to Aperture Priority (on the silver dial on the top of the camera, choose A), I always shoot in this mode, unless I have to go to full manual. Then with the control dial near the shutter, rotate it to the left until the aperture reading in the top right corner of the LCD goes to the lowest setting/number. Focus on an object in the foreground and depress the shutter.

Sigma and Tamron are other lens manufacturers that also sell lenses in a Minolta/Sony mount. Tamron actually made Minolta's 11-18 lens for them which Minolta just rebadged.

Try to find a store that sells used Minolta auto focus lenses, they are much, much cheaper than the Sony equivalent. I know of at least on one Hidalgo that had an 85mm/1.4 lens for 11k. It was in beautiful condition and included both of the original end caps and the original hood.




I think I got this one for a higher price :P Sa Photoworld kasi.

by the way jeffrey, if you also decide on the getting an 18-200 lens, the sigma 18-200 lens for the alpha is only P19500 in JT photo.



You may want to reconsider. Getting this and 'graduating' from its IQ someday will turn out to be a 'waste' of money. Sorry can't think of other appropriate words.
The Tamron 18-250 however is more worthy of your money than other 'all-in-one' wide-tele lenses.
Just my 5centavos :P

Mars, the kit lens is very versatile and i actually prefer using it more often. but you have to ask yourself what kind of photos you want to take when you're planning to get a second lens.

Thanks bro... i want to shoot landscapes and portraits as well... do you have a recommended lens.


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1251/553769050_072466ec71.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1169/531010645_9795652dea.jpg

You may want to reconsider. Getting this and 'graduating' from its IQ someday will turn out to be a 'waste' of money. Sorry can't think of other appropriate words.
The Tamron 18-250 however is more worthy of your money than other 'all-in-one' wide-tele lenses.
Just my 5centavos :P

@moises, i heard the tamron 18-250 is an amazing lens. i know someone who uses it and she comes up with really nice and sharp lenses. infact, i think its cheaper than the sigma. my only apprehension with the tamron is, i can't seem to find a service center for the tamron here in the philippines. i've learned the value of the service center when the focusing ring of my sigma 70-300mm became loose. although, i bought the lens in NYC, they still honored my waranty and the service was very good. maybe if there was a good service center for tamron here in the phil, i'd give tamron more thought :D

Thanks bro... i want to shoot landscapes and portraits as well... do you have a recommended lens.

Mars maybe you'd be better off with the 18-200mm lens. if you like shooting outdoors and taking nature shot, the extra 200mm might come in handy.

Try to find a store that sells used Minolta auto focus lenses, they are much, much cheaper than the Sony equivalent. I know of at least on one Hidalgo that had an 85mm/1.4 lens for 11k. It was in beautiful condition and included both of the original end caps and the original hood.
.

@Bong, KaPepe mentioned that he might part with some of his minolta prime lens when he gets home to the phil... i hope one of them is going to be a 50mm f1.7 :D

by the way jeffrey, if you also decide on the getting an 18-200 lens, the sigma 18-200 lens for the alpha is only P19500 in JT photo.


thanks chris, for now ill just review my options and consider that i still dont have the money yet :Grin:... this hobby is very expensive one but exciting. hehehe! :)

thanks guys for a lot of information about lens and its price... now im thinking of tamron 18-250 mentioned by moises... i think there is also a lot of options in hidalgo so i may visit there someday.

as isi said, our kit lens already capable of macro and portrait pictures.. i still wondering if getting a 50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.4 which is cheaper is worth it. guys who have this lens? is it worth it or i rather spend it to a wide lens like 18-200?

Try to find a store that sells used Minolta auto focus lenses, they are much, much cheaper than the Sony equivalent. I know of at least on one Hidalgo that had an 85mm/1.4 lens for 11k. It was in beautiful condition and included both of the original end caps and the original hood.


I have a 50/1.7 lens which I bought off of eBay for only $100CDN (about 4200PHP). A 50/1.4 lens goes for at least 5x the price. Sure, the glass may be a bit better and it is half a stop faster, but is it really worth it?

The 50/1.4 is not a macro lens, but the 50/2.8 is a macro lens. It's slightly slower than the 1.4, but it, in effect, gives you two lenses in one!

The blurred background is called bokeh (sounds similar to "booky"), it's a Japanese word. All lenses can give you a blurred background, all you have to do is to open the aperture on the camera. On the Alpha, switch to Aperture Priority (on the silver dial on the top of the camera, choose A), I always shoot in this mode, unless I have to go to full manual. Then with the control dial near the shutter, rotate it to the left until the aperture reading in the top right corner of the LCD goes to the lowest setting/number. Focus on an object in the foreground and depress the shutter.

Sigma and Tamron are other lens manufacturers that also sell lenses in a Minolta/Sony mount. Tamron actually made Minolta's 11-18 lens for them which Minolta just rebadged.

hi arthur, thanks for this info.. i learned a lot... beside to hidalgo, is there any story where i can see these lenses? its quite hard to find these in mall. i leave south.. cavite/las pinas hope there is a near store that you guys know.

@jeffrey the sigma 50mm f2.8 macro in JT photo would probably be around 15k with warranty already. but the nice thing about sigma is even if you buy it in the US (which would only be around 10k) you can always use their 1 yr warranty here in the philippines.

JT is in hidalgo right? hmm.. i only visited henrys but im not aware where is JT located

as isi said, our kit lens already capable of macro and portrait pictures.. i still wondering if getting a 50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.4 which is cheaper is worth it. guys who have this lens? is it worth it or i rather spend it to a wide lens like 18-200?


Min50/1.7 is cheap but delivers while Min85/1.4 is very hard to find and will cost you a lot. I suggest you hunt for the Min50/1.7 first and keep your eye on the Min85/1.4.
Prime lenses are almost always better than zoom lenses and the trend for newbies will be from zoom lenses to prime lenses :) I say save your money and buy the 'keeper' lenses :)

Min50/1.7 is cheap but delivers while Min85/1.4 is very hard to find and will cost you a lot. I suggest you hunt for the Min50/1.7 first and keep your eye on the Min85/1.4.
Prime lenses are almost always better than zoom lenses and the trend for newbies will be from zoom lenses to prime lenses :) I say save your money and buy the 'keeper' lenses :)

great... thanks moises.... i will try to look at those lens... i remember before when i plan to have a DSLR.. someone told me to get canon 400d w/o lens and buy 50mm 1.8 which is about 4K+ because they said 400d lens kit is not that good... no offense for canon lover i know there is a lot :Grin:.... hence, to the last minute i decided to get my a100... Super steady shot is a must for me because my hands is shaking :Grin:

Actually... the 400D kit lens is much like the KM/Sony's 18-70 kit lens - they perform 'very well' from 18-40mm :) I'm still holding on to mine. I'm not sure why but it performs very well with the KM7D but not with the KM5D - and no idea if used with A100.

Just wanted to share and get your inputs:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1285/571346037_efcb25ddd6_b.jpg

MOA at sunset
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1134/571346059_31029ad5a2_b.jpg

The shots are good, just work on the composition. For instance, in the second photo, the light post in the lower right corner is distracting and takes the viewer away from the illusion of being off, away on a secluded beach. In the first photo, again, the light post on the left and the "something" in the top right hand corner.

Mars I agree with arthur. try using the rule of 3rds and a good composition can really catch some attention. you should post your photos in the show your alphas photos thread here in dpp.

@jeffrey, for me the kit lens is already very good. i like to use it alot rather than my 70-300. the only reason i'm getting a 50mm f2.8 macro, is because it has a 1:1 macro magnification and the 2.8 aperture which could be fun in low light settings. but then again, i just got a sigma 500 super DG flash with a lightshpere so light may not be that much of a problem :)

@jeffrey, for me the kit lens is already very good. i like to use it alot rather than my 70-300. the only reason i'm getting a 50mm f2.8 macro, is because it has a 1:1 macro magnification and the 2.8 aperture which could be fun in low light settings. but then again, i just got a sigma 500 super DG flash with a lightshpere so light may not be that much of a problem :)

yep.. thanks chris.. i believe our kit lens is great. it has a mark of MACRO on it maybe thats why as a newbie i thought it is already a macro lens :Grin:... im now eyeing to 50mm 1.7 because it has very good reviews although of only few people and i consider the price much cheaper than 50mm 2.8 macro.. here in Manila, 50mm 1.7 cost 21K and 50mm macro cost 29K... i also noticed that the price abroad is almost half of our price here and its unfair :Mad:.. hopefully i can ask my mother in law to buy me one in the middle east if it is much cheaper there.

i want to share this picture to you guys.. for 100 photos i shot on my first day of use of it i found 1 which makes me proud. this is a shot of my model :Grin:.. this is actual photo not edited in PS and pinoy na pinoy pa.. may jeepney pa background.. hehehe!

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q285/koolbeep/DSC00185_01.jpg

taken with my sigma 70-300mm APO telemacro lens
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1425/588392537_5aa997cf24.jpg

Sony Alpha Owner
Cebu City

taken with my sigma 70-300mm APO telemacro lens
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1425/588392537_5aa997cf24.jpg


hi chris, is this 2.8 lens? great shot bro!

f4-5.6. Sigma's 70-200 is f2.8

proud owner "Sony Alpha"
location "Cebu City"

to all: Cebu City Alpha users lets meet and have some chit-chat...
092799925800000 (remove the last 4 zeros)

I'm new here po, and I'm using a Sony Alpha 100w. :)

I'm new here po, and I'm using a Sony Alpha 100w. :)

dumadami mga alpha users ah :)... was 100w a double lens package by sony? 17-70/75-300.... i got only 17-70. ok ba ang 75-300?

dumadami mga alpha users ah :)... was 100w a double lens package by sony? 17-70/75-300.... i got only 17-70. ok ba ang 75-300?

yes sir yung A100w ang double lens package. yup yung 75-300 sir swak sa malayuan. parang malapit lang ang subject pag nakuha. ganda sir. :)

yes sir yung A100w ang double lens package. yup yung 75-300 sir swak sa malayuan. parang malapit lang ang subject pag nakuha. ganda sir. :)

sayang.. dapat yan din pala kinuha kong package kaya lang add ng 10k :Grin: anyway, mas maganda package sa US kasi they have a package that has 18-200 all in one lens.. :Grin: badtrip lang wala sa atin nito :(

Oh,nice,lots of alpha users already. I have a question though since I am still a newbie at photography. I just want to ask what settings are to be used on how to make this dslr gain more light gathering power? Apparently, this has been my problem when shooting a subject on low light conditions. A friend, who is using a canon 350d says that its all about the metering mode that i should use. we took pictures of the same subject on more or less the same position with same exposure and light conditions as well as no flash used but what i get is a very dark photo while with him, the subject is very well lit. For him, he is using the average metering mode setting for his canon while i'm using the multisegment metering mode on my alpha (which i think is the equivalent of the ave. setting in the canon my friend is using -- or am i wrong). I am also using the kit lens that came with it which is a DT 18-70mm. Please help! Is it the metering mode as well as the type of lens i'm using that causes this or is it the fact that this camera is not very good in low light conditions?

@Marven, what settings did both of you use on your cameras? (F-stop, shutter speeds, exposure compensation, focus mode, etc.). What lens did you friend use? Unless all things are equal on both cameras, it can be difficult to say what is wrong.

Hello, another noob here. I just bought an alpha and I'm searching for groups and forums that will help me tame this beast. After exploring the camera, I know what aspect of photography I want to explore and that is Macro photogaphy. The kit lens that comes with the a100 has been ok but I want to zoom in more on subjects. I plan on buying a macro lens. I've seen alot of lenses in ebay but I'm very wary in buying it online because I can't return the product if I'm not totally satisfied with it. I plan on going to Hidalgo, what shops sell minolta lenses and what good macro lens should I consider? I hope the sell 2nd hand lenses para mababa lang presyo hehehe.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1005/915511767_536f145beb.jpg

taken with the alpha and its kit lens.

Hello, another noob here. I just bought an alpha and I'm searching for groups and forums that will help me tame this beast. After exploring the camera, I know what aspect of photography I want to explore and that is Macro photogaphy. The kit lens that comes with the a100 has been ok but I want to zoom in more on subjects. I plan on buying a macro lens. I've seen alot of lenses in ebay but I'm very wary in buying it online because I can't return the product if I'm not totally satisfied with it. I plan on going to Hidalgo, what shops sell minolta lenses and what good macro lens should I consider? I hope the sell 2nd hand lenses para mababa lang presyo hehehe.

Welcome to the forums!

Stick to the name brands that you are familiar with, like Sigma, Tamron, Sony and Minolta. Bring your camera with you so you can try out the lenses in the the store - if they don't let you try them, walk out. There really isn't such a thing as a bad macro lens, some lenses you'll have to stop down a bit or some are built sturdier than others, but they are all very good, very sharp lenses. The decision comes to how close do you want to be to the subject. Do you want a 50mm lens or a 100mm lens? My macro lens is a 90mm Tamron.

@Christian, saan ka nag punta? It's been a while since you've posted. Welcome back, and nice pic!

My Alpha arrived.. thanks for everyone that helped me with the decisions :)

Congrats! What lens(es) did you get with it?

Oh,nice,lots of alpha users already. I have a question though since I am still a newbie at photography. I just want to ask what settings are to be used on how to make this dslr gain more light gathering power? Apparently, this has been my problem when shooting a subject on low light conditions. A friend, who is using a canon 350d says that its all about the metering mode that i should use. we took pictures of the same subject on more or less the same position with same exposure and light conditions as well as no flash used but what i get is a very dark photo while with him, the subject is very well lit. For him, he is using the average metering mode setting for his canon while i'm using the multisegment metering mode on my alpha (which i think is the equivalent of the ave. setting in the canon my friend is using -- or am i wrong). I am also using the kit lens that came with it which is a DT 18-70mm. Please help! Is it the metering mode as well as the type of lens i'm using that causes this or is it the fact that this camera is not very good in low light conditions?

Hi Marven...try this as I think this might solve your problem - press and hold the AE Lock button first with your thumb before pressing your shutter halfway to autofocus and thereafter to take your shot...you should have a near perfect exposure all the time even without flash. Watch out though since if there is very little light, your picture may be taken at a slower shutter speed and hence you'll need to keep your camera very still. Note also that you can "AE-lock" any part of your image as you please - so aim at darker portions is you intend to have a little overexposure or at lighter ones to underexpose.

I know this is the amateurish way out but at least, this way, you get to see the settings chosen by your alpha in your viewfinder so you still end up learning in the process.

Hope this helps.

My Alpha arrived.. thanks for everyone that helped me with the decisions :)

Enjoy your alpha moments cocoy!

Just in case anyone is interested, I still have a beercan that i can 'share' to the Minolta legacy :D Thanks

@Christian, the lighting is very nice. How did you set it up? TIA.

Congrats! What lens(es) did you get with it?


the 18-70.. .which i now feel is lacking.. :D i should have gotten the 18-200! :P

Just in case anyone is interested, I still have a beercan that i can 'share' to the Minolta legacy :D Thanks

CLOSED.... hehehe! :Grin:

Yeah, I'm not sharing it anymore :))

Hello, just like to ask, what's the better lens, the beercan or the kit lens that comes with the alpha (SAL 18200)?

based on reviews, the beercan is better (although you are comparing two lenses with different focal lengths). For further reading:
Min 70-210/4: http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/detail.asp?IDLens=48
Sony 18-200/3.5-6.3: http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/detail.asp?IDLens=313

IMHO - a better alternative to the SAL18-200 is the Tam18-250 which is getting rave reviews so far.

Bong and Moises... been very busy with work. hehehe. fortunately one of the cardiologists in my hospital is also into photography and made a small studio in his house. for the shoot we used 2 strobes with soft box from both sides at 45 deg angles. :D

hi.. im also using an alpha... hehe
anyone has an extra beercan lying around?

Hello, another noob here. I just bought an alpha and I'm searching for groups and forums that will help me tame this beast. After exploring the camera, I know what aspect of photography I want to explore and that is Macro photogaphy. The kit lens that comes with the a100 has been ok but I want to zoom in more on subjects. I plan on buying a macro lens. I've seen alot of lenses in ebay but I'm very wary in buying it online because I can't return the product if I'm not totally satisfied with it. I plan on going to Hidalgo, what shops sell minolta lenses and what good macro lens should I consider? I hope the sell 2nd hand lenses para mababa lang presyo hehehe.

hi, if you want a lens with a nice zoom, i have a sigma 28-200 Macro. PM me if you're interested.
anyways, ive just been to hidalgo recently and most of the stores there have ran out of minolta lenses..:( im not sure if they would get more but you should check too just to be on the safe side.

minolta already ended there lens production and sony continues it so obviously it would be hard for us to find one except if you buy it as a used lens by your friend or other minolta fanatic here.

minolta are built to last so if you find one get it :)

hi.. im also using an alpha... hehe
anyone has an extra beercan lying around?

I do. I don't use it anymore since I bought a 20-200/2.8.

I also have 2 AF50/1.7 for 'sharing' :D PM me if you're interested. This is one weapon that should be in one's bag.

tnx for the reply on my previous post in this thread here regarding the light gathering power/metering mode of the alpha...another question though, what zoom lens would you guys suggest that is perfect for low light conditions (without me having to use flash as much as possible)? Also,even if i hav the money to buy one, are the carl zeiss lens offered for the alpha worth buying (especially the CZ DT16-80MM F3.5-4.5 VARIO-SONNAR T,which is what i'm drooling for now)?

tnx for the reply on my previous post in this thread here regarding the light gathering power/metering mode of the alpha...another question though, what zoom lens would you guys suggest that is perfect for low light conditions (without me having to use flash as much as possible)? Also,even if i hav the money to buy one, are the carl zeiss lens offered for the alpha worth buying (especially the CZ DT16-80MM F3.5-4.5 VARIO-SONNAR T,which is what i'm drooling for now)?

Hi Marven, I think the CZ 1680 is not a fast lens obviously because of its max apperture at 3.5/4.5... for zoom lens, a fast lens had a max apperture of 2.8 ... right now, I believe Sony/CZ has no zoom lens at 2.8 on there lineup now but there are other brand like tokina, tamron and sigma zoom lenses at 2.8 and fitted our alpha.

Here are some:
Tamron - SP AF 28-75 F2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF
Sigma - 18-50 F2.8 EX DC
Tokina AT-X 165 PRO DX AF16-50mm f2.8

you can also check this out http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp for more "A" mount lenses...

If you are looking at CZ16-80, don't forget to check the Tamron 18-250 ;)

...or the 70-200/2.8G from Sony either. ;)

You'd be surprised what the CZ can do in low light conditions. It is only 1 stop slower than the f/2.8 lenses, but sharper than most lenses with similar range.

^(cough cough cough) :D

...or the 70-200/2.8G from Sony either. ;)

You'd be surprised what the CZ can do in low light conditions. It is only 1 stop slower than the f/2.8 lenses, but sharper than most lenses with similar range.

hey arthur, sample picture naman ng CZ mo dyan... :)

Look in my Flickr site.

kuya bong, i wanna borrow the CZ when you get home....can you do that for me? i'll treat u at tagaytay :D:D:D:D

Look in my Flickr site.

cool..so the shots you made using the alpha in your flicker used the CZ lens?...very,sharp...something im looking for :Grin:

Look in my Flickr site.

wow... sana bumababa price ng CZ agad :Grin:

oh,btw alpha lovers...be careful of always removing/reinserting your CF cards in the card slot of the camera itself, the pins might bend rendering it useless. This happened to me after purchasing the alpha after 10 days. good thing the warranty is still active and I had it fixed immediately without charge, phew. My advice: just use the USB cable supplied in transfering the pictures from your alpha to the PC, and if you really do need to change memory cards on-the-go, just be really careful. Hope this helps.

wow... sana bumababa price ng CZ agad :Grin:

you wish!:D

oh,btw alpha lovers...be careful of always removing/reinserting your CF cards in the card slot of the camera itself, the pins might bend rendering it useless. This happened to me after purchasing the alpha after 10 days. good thing the warranty is still active and I had it fixed immediately without charge, phew. My advice: just use the USB cable supplied in transfering the pictures from your alpha to the PC, and if you really do need to change memory cards on-the-go, just be really careful. Hope this helps.

i have never taken out my CF
always used the usb cable thing to transfer

good to know
thanks for sharing:):)

you wish!:D

i am dreaming! :D

i am dreaming! :D

dreaming helps...i do wish that CZ prices drop too:)

yeah..oh well.... i wish they would do that sooner
and manufacture more more more types of lenses
:D

1 last 50mm to share :) just send PM :)

50mm macro? f/1.4?

I just saw this thread today.

I use 7D and Alpha 100. Nice Cameras.

Speaking of the zeiss lens,

I don't own one due to the duplication of the lenses i already have.. but,

I had a chance to use Zeiss 85mm T coating and 135mm.

These are the real monsters.. All metal constructed. very solid and heavy.
The lmage quality is hell SHARP!! And also Expensive.

Lots of pro photographers in Korea, especially the Canon and Nikon photographers are very
tempted to migrate to Sony/Minolta because of the Zeiss Lenses..

I just saw this thread today.

I use 7D and Alpha 100. Nice Cameras.

Hi Lawrence, i love your G lenses on your signature... :) was the 70-200 a Sony or Minolta brand?

Hi Lawrence, welcome to DPP. Can you post samples using that diffuser on your sig? TIA

Thank you for the comments.

I use a Minolta Brand.. The Sony Brand 70-200 SSM is not attractive at all. No emblem, very plain..
Original Minolta Engineers knew the style.. really! heh..

Hm... My samples of using the diffuser? hm.. let me find a link for it.. and i will post a new thread..

hullo hullo fellow alpha users!
:D:):)

hullo hullo fellow alpha users!
:D:):)

dumadami na tyo isi :D ...

AAAAAHHH GRABEEE INGIIITTT AKO!!!!! ang gaganda ng lenses hehehehe.



Thank you for the comments.

I use a Minolta Brand.. The Sony Brand 70-200 SSM is not attractive at all. No emblem, very plain..
Original Minolta Engineers knew the style.. really! heh..

Hm... My samples of using the diffuser? hm.. let me find a link for it.. and i will post a new thread..

Hi guys! Thank god at dumadami na ang mga sony/minolta users here in dpp. I was hesitant to post here before dahil kung hindi canon ang equip naka nikon(i felt that nobody was interested with the sony @lpha, got intimidated newbie pa kasi lol!). By the way im very thankful for this thread and for forum members who are very open on giving tips on what kind of lens/lenses to buy, hope to have a photo/eb with other @lpha users here in the metro.

p.s.
about those who are interested with the 18-200mm f3.5-6.3
this is a very good all around lens been using this one for a month now.(sulit ang pera dito madalang ako magpalit ng lens except for portrait shots i use my 50mm f1.4). most unused lens is the 500mm f8 reflex(because i don't have the time yet to go birding or shoot wildlife kaya laging nakatago lang ito, though i tested it a couple of times, pics are sharp naman but the funny thing is the bokeh(circles of light like donuts pero for me nakakatuwa ang effect nito, don't know with other photographers?)

Welcome PeeWee! Enjoy your stay and post some photos when you get a chance.

hey guys... question please... need your help...

what should be the correct setting for the a200 for this type of lens...

Sigma 28-200mm F3.5-5.6

whenever i shoot pics... its either blurry or too bright... im getting frustrated...

help please

Hi JV,
Are you shooting on M mode?
Just always look at EV scale, it should be at 0 most of the time before you press your shutter button. doing this will give you right exposure.
The reason you get blur picture is because of the shutter speed. If your taking picture without a tripod and the shutter speed is below 1/25 1/15 1/10 1/8 ..... (considered SLOW SHUTTER SPEED), it will result to some blur pix, so setting a higher ISO like ISO 400 ISO 800 will result to an increase in shutter speed.
I hope you understand my point. If not
check your manual and see :
FOCUS
EXPOSURE &
MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE

Chris

using the Aperture priority shud solve this problem! all you have to do is choose what you want from, the lowest F# to the highest F#. The smaller the F# the shallower the DOF and the bigger the F# the deeper the DOF! You just have to know what you want! The shallower the DOF the background is blurred (bokeh) the deeper the DOF the background is also in focus together with the subject! :)

thanks robert and christopher...

will consider both your tips... will udpate you soon..

thanks =)

Using Manual, Auto, shutter priority or aperture priority should all work as long as you watch out for that blinking warning from the metering of the camera. Read the manual if you're a very fresh DSLR user, it will help a great deal. Blurry - make sure the camera locks focus. Bright - make sure the metering is followed or correct.