Help with lens chooice

[demonsmasher]

I have a A100 here are the lens choices I am looking at with price. What would you go with.

1. Cosina AF 28-300mm f/4-6.3 MC Wide-Telephoto Lens $108.49

2. SIGMA 70-210mm F4-5.6 UC-II $99.99

3.Sony DT 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 $103

4. Sigma 55-200mm DC$139.00

[demonsmasher]

Or Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom lens $127.50

[Canuck935]

Meh.. I would say save up a little more and get a beercan (Minolta 70-210 f/4).

[pisco]

Agree.
What lenses do you currently have? I don't own any of the 18-200, I used to change between kit lens and beercan, and then bought CZ 16-80... but that's me (rather have good lenses than one that covers all)

[Canuck935]

From reviews, it seems the Sony 18-200 isn't that great. The Sony 18-250 is a much better lens as far as the superzooms go. The 75-300 is not really good. I got the Minolta Version and after little use I've retired it and it now serves as a paperweight.

Like pisco, I've also ended up going with the cz16-80 and beercan combo. I've also added the 11-18 at the wide end. I've been debating the new 70-300 G SSM, but I feel like I'd still use the beercan more often. Just can't beat that incredible bokeh..

[demonsmasher]

Well got a beercan off ebay. Should be getting it this week sometime.

[Anbesol]

Great choice! That beercan is the best value for the money you'll find on a sony mount. Let us know how you like it and give us some demo shots!

[ddkb00]

How well would this beer can lens work with the Sony A700 for taking sports shots such as volleyball and or basketball?
Thanks for any responses.

[Canuck935]

If you're on a budget, yes the beercan would be my choice. f/4 throughout the range seals the deal here. It's not the fastest at focusing, but nor is any other telephoto in the price range (plus they are f/5.6+ at the long end).

[ddkb00]

If I was to get the Sonay A700 what lens would you recommend?
I have the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and I also have the Tamron 100-300 f5-6.3
Is there a better choice that I could use that does not cost $1000
Or would I be better off keeping my Minolta 5D and getting a better lens.
What do you think?

[Canuck935]

If I was to get the Sonay A700 what lens would you recommend?

Well, that depends. What kind of lens are you looking to pick up with a700? Wide angle? Telephoto? Macro? Standard zoom?

I'll just answer them all (keeping the $1000 or less in mind)

WA: Tamron/Sony 11-18, Sigma 10-20, or wait for the new Tamron 10-24.
Tele: Sony 70-300 SSM
Macro: Sony/Minolta 100mm f/2.8 or Tamron 90mm
Zoom: Zeiss 16-80

I have the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and I also have the Tamron 100-300 f5-6.3
Is there a better choice that I could use that does not cost $1000

Again.. A better choice for which? I have the Tamron 28-75 as well and I think it is fantastic. It was the lens that was on my camera the most until I got the Zeiss 16-80. for a replacement for the 100-300 I say the Sony 70-300 SSM.

Or would I be better off keeping my Minolta 5D and getting a better lens.
What do you think?

Well, that's entirely up to you. Unless you were seriously considering the upgrade, I wouldn't suggest you go try out an a700. Once you do you won't be so happy with your 5D anymore. This is exactly happened to me with my a100.

[ddkb00]

Thanks for all the info. You are always so nice to help with the questions.

I am sure I will upgrade to the Sony A700; have heard so many good things about it. Then maybe I will invest in a better zoom lens.

Thanks again.