Best lens

[Darylann]

Hello! I have recently purchased a Sony alpha 100. I am looking for any feedback on the best zoom lens to buy for this camera? I am a huge Minolta fan but wasn't sure if the Sony lenses were improved for digital or if it is better to stick with the classic Minoltas? Thank you! Darylann

[another view]

Hi and welcome! I can't help you on this one personally, but there is a Sony & Konica-Minolta forum here on this site.

[payn817]

It may be better to ask on the Sony/Minolta forum.

If you can give us an idea about some things, it would help too.

What range would you like?
What's the budget?
What types of subjects?
Indoor or outside?

I am really surprised by the lenses Sony has released so far. They have been getting good reviews, personally I find the Sony lenses I've played with are pretty good. The classics are kinda nice too.

Check out these, if you don't need fast glass:
70-210 f/4 (minolta)
75-300 (sony, it may surprise you for it's price/class)
100-300 APO (minolta)

If you got more money:
Sigma 50-500

If you want it fast, and heavy, and $$$$$$$:
Sigma 70-200 2.8 (around $1000, last i checked)
Sony 70-200 2.8 G SSM ($2300)

All the old Minolta AF lenses work great on the Alpha.

[Darylann]

Thank you very much for all your feedback! My budget is between 200-300, I shoot both indoor and out, and my favorite subjects at this point are my children at all their events and candid potraits. When time allows wildlife and outdoor shots. What is fast glass? Darylann

[payn817]

Fast glass just refers to the aperture. You may not need it in most cases, especially if you can use flash most of the time. For your budget and interest, the minolta 70-210 f/4 will be fine.It is about 20 years old, and discontinued, but many fine used examples are available (check KEH.com), It has great color, contrast, bokeh, and is pretty sharp wide open. I use it regularly for concerts at f/4, and ISO 800. The bokeh (refers to the quality of OOF objects) is very nice, so will be great for the candid portraits. As for wildlife, we can never get a long enough lens, but if it is a priority for you, then the Minolta 100-300 APO would probably suit you better.

[Canuck935]

For a normal to telephoto range the Konica Minolta 28-75 f/2.8 is excellent. This lens is on my camera more than any of my other lenses.

[freygr]

Just remember that the Sony alpha 100 has a focal length magnification factor of 1.5, example a 50mm is like using a 75mm with a 35mm film camera. A normal lens on most digital SLR cameras (non- full frame sensors) is about 28mm. I would pickup a 50mm F2 or faster lens, (there aren't costly) preferably used so you can spend the money on a good telephoto lens.

[Darylann]

Thank you for all your feedback it is very helpful! I have a lot to learn! I look forward to learning from all of your expertise! Darylann