lenses for A200

[jodi]

ok so this is my collection of lenses all minolta

35-70 f3.5-4.5 which i LOVE
35-70 f4 which i got for the macro capability-pretty cool but not as sharp as the one above wide open
50mm f1.7
70-210 f3.5-4.5 which i LOVe also

i was looking at the tamron 28-75mm f2.8 would that be a good addition to my collection? since its faster than my 35-70 and i exclusively photograph my son so i only do portraits. seems to get pretty good reviews, especially for the price..i do like sharp images, but corner shaprness doesnt bother me as i dont do landscapes. just wondering if anyone has one and what they think of it..

[OldClicker]

I have the Minolta version of the 28-75 f/2.8 and it is what I use to cover that range. - TF

[Anbesol]

The Minolta 28-75 f/2.8 uses the same optical design, don't know how similar the specific elements are and theyre coating and such. I love my Minolta and corner sharpness is even good to great even wide open. The only time you hear anybody make even a moderate complaint about corner sharpness on this lens is because they are using it on full frame, APS sensor has a great sweet spot with this lens, certainly worth it. Look for the Minolta version, should go for about the same price, or you could also wait for Sony's version to come out which I believe has the SAM and the zoom lock tab.

Though you do already have great portrait lens, this is another great one with an extra stop of speed. On mine the color is also slightly more neutral than my other Minolta glass.

[DonSchap]

I recommend that you check the TAMRON SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD for focus, because there were a rash of these lenses that required a manufacturer "tune-up", out of the box. After the lens was returned to TAMRON for alignment, it was and is as perfect as I can imagine.

I speak from personal experience. :thumbsup:

The TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD was just perfect out of the box and I have rarely heard anyone complain about their copy.

These two lenses are top drawer ... having the best features TAMRON builds into their glass. They have earned several powerful awards in Europe and the States.

[jodi]

thanks DonSchap.. are you referring to the front focussing problem ? i did read about that. if im buying online (they do have a money back return), but should i ask them to check it first ?

[DonSchap]

Nope ... when you buy a lens and it has an "adjustment issue" (meaning it mechanically works fine and is not broken, that it just is out of alignment) you should send it to the manufacturer for calibration, as a "manufacturer's defect." They will align it for free and return it to you, in proper working order.

You do not return the lens to the retailer. The only thing returning the lens for a "swap" does is present a good possibility that you are going to get ANOTHER lens with the exact same issue and you have returned another misaligned lens for sale to someone else. Now, instead of a guaranteed repair/alignment, you reinserted a bad lens into the mix for some one else and taken a good chance that you have not solved your own problem.

After four solid years of lens purchases, returning a lens to the manufacturer (be it TAMRON, SIGMA or SONY) has always resulted in getting back a properly working lens. If you find it out of alignment ... and check it well, when you buy it. Do the "battery test", it is quick and usually reveals most problems.

Here's a discussion (<- click here) of the issue. It is a little dated, but I think you will get the idea.

After getting mine back (took about three weeks, round trip), it has worked flawlessly. :thumbsup:

My advice: get your price (with a US warranty) and get it aligned.

[jodi]

hey don

the image for the tamron 28-75 is missing, what did it look like ?

also the one guy said that you had given him tamrons details in the US so that he could get the uk dealer, can i please have those as well cos im in new zealand and i wouldnt know who to contact.

cheers!

[DonSchap]

the image for the tamron 28-75 is missing, what did it look like ?

When, it showed the front battery in more focus than the center one. Obviously, the center battery was the focal point, so it should have been perfect focus.

also the one guy said that you had given him tamrons details in the US so that he could get the uk dealer, can i please have those as well cos im in new zealand and i wouldnt know who to contact.

cheers!

Where are you planning on buying the lens? If you use a US retailer w/ a US Warranty, the US Warranty applies.

Anyway, here is the mailing address for US Warranty repairs:



Print it and voila! Good luck.

[DonSchap]

Don't forget to make a bid for the TAMRON AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD I have up on the Digital Camera Resource Page forum. (<- Follow this link)

The effort expires on Oct 1, 2009

[jodi]

thanks for all your help!

[jodi]

i saw that you can get them on ebay new from japan for 410 US.. that works out to 600 NZ with delivery but they cost 1000 here, somebody is making money all right. anyway i checked the feedback they have 100% with over 4000 trades and i read each feedback comment on the first 5 or so pages all looks good. is it a bad idea to get this lens on ebay ?

[DonSchap]

The Front Focus issue needs to be resolved BEFORE the lens is bought and shipped. Here in the states, it is a bit inconvenient ... but in your situation ... it is crucial. Also check availability of the new SONY 28-75 being released this coming month. It is listing at $799 ...



and I suspect there actually may be a price advantage with YOU getting it locally over the TAMRON and shipping from the states, if there is nothing askew.

Look, email me and lets see what can be worked out.

donschap@yahoo.com

I really hate seeing you off-shore dudes get screwed, especially with poor QC. It's just not right.

Here's a thought: I called one of the larger stateside retailers and they have more than 50 of them in stock, priced at $389/ea,



that's less than half the price of the SONY wrapped one. We can order one and have it shipped here. I can check it ... send it to TAMRON for repair if necessary, or send it on to you if it checks out okay. I can sell you mine, but it really is my main lens on the A850 ... and not having it for 3 weeks is going to be a real hassle. Still, it will save declaring value. I really like the lens. Anyway, kick it around ... but I believe it to be the cheapest approach of all the solutions I can wrangle up. The retailer admits it is an industry problem even with the higher-priced lenses ... but refuses to conduct any "QA" on their end. They just sell whatever is in the unopened box. I guess it is safer that way and simply screws everyone else.

Like I said, stateside, you would only be inconvenienced a couple of weeks and at a minimal shipping cost. Where you are at, jodi ... you easy exceed the price of the lens with one go around with a reship.

[jodi]

yeah i know rock and hard place huh. i cant believe the retailers here sell it for 1000 dollars, basically its the difference between affording it and not !

cool ill email you..