Finding the right zoom lense to buy

[xjess]

I own a Minolta X-370 camera and I would like to purchase a zoom lense, but have no idea where to look. Anyone know the cost? Any help would be appreciated.

[Clemmie]

I've found eBay to be an excellent place to shop for Minolta lenses. I've assembled a Maxxum kit over the last several months, with less than $400 spent on 9 lenses thus far. None of these brand new, but about half being like new factory refurbs with warranty, and all in fine condition.

http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/basicsearch.html

Just enter 'Minolta Lens' as a starting point, to see the range available at the moment - then add the designation of a model you target, like the 70-210, to see listings for just that model.

You will find a variety of zoom ranges available. If you're looking for a telephoto, the 70-210 f/4 - usually under $50 - is probably the finest telephoto zoom ever made. In a 'normal range' zoom, the 35-70 and 35-80 models are particularly noted for their sharpness.

Read the ads carefully, and be sure you are getting the MC or MD mount - whichever fits your camera. The so-called "A bayonet", or AF lenses, are for the autofocus Maxxums and do not fit your camera. If you find a seller who doesn't know the difference - and some don't - buy from someone else.

You will generally find a good selection available at most any time. I will highly recommend sticking with genuine Minolta lenses. Used, especially for the manual focus models, they really don't cost any more - and often cost less - than inferior third-party lenses.

[xjess]

Thank you!!

I've found eBay to be an excellent place to shop for Minolta lenses. I've assembled a Maxxum kit over the last several months, with less than $400 spent on 9 lenses thus far. None of these brand new, but about half being like new factory refurbs with warranty, and all in fine condition.

http://pages.ebay.com/search/items/basicsearch.html

Just enter 'Minolta Lens' as a starting point, to see the range available at the moment - then add the designation of a model you target, like the 70-210, to see listings for just that model.

You will find a variety of zoom ranges available. If you're looking for a telephoto, the 70-210 f/4 - usually under $50 - is probably the finest telephoto zoom ever made. In a 'normal range' zoom, the 35-70 and 35-80 models are particularly noted for their sharpness.

Read the ads carefully, and be sure you are getting the MC or MD mount - whichever fits your camera. The so-called "A bayonet", or AF lenses, are for the autofocus Maxxums and do not fit your camera. If you find a seller who doesn't know the difference - and some don't - buy from someone else.

You will generally find a good selection available at most any time. I will highly recommend sticking with genuine Minolta lenses. Used, especially for the manual focus models, they really don't cost any more - and often cost less - than inferior third-party lenses.

[Clemmie]

You're welcome. Let me know what you end up with. I like to hear how the story turns out.