Photo sharing: Sony Alpha

[fractal]

I used the lens for dance ( see my flickr), it was great.

The good news is that suddenly, a couple copies of the lens have popped up. There are always copies on eBay for $900+...
But any chance to get it under $750 is a steal. (I paid $600 for the non-HS version, with the focus limiter knob cracked off).

So there is another very good copy from good seller listed at $599 right now, I believe.

I've also started using the lens with a 2x tele. My telephoto zooms are collecting dust, despite their convenience.

I did pick up an old Minolta 50mm 1.4 Rokkor for $60 and an adapter. Even though I have the Sony E 50mm 1.8, I've always wanted a bit faster lens and this is the first time I'll be using an adapter. It also gets me ready if I win the 200mm 2.8.

 

[havoc315]

I did pick up an old Minolta 50mm 1.4 Rokkor for $60 and an adapter. Even though I have the Sony E 50mm 1.8, I've always wanted a bit faster lens and this is the first time I'll be using an adapter. It also gets me ready if I win the 200mm 2.8.

I don't believe it's the same adapter.
The 200/2.8 is an autofocus lens, *if* you pair it with the LEAE2 or LAEA4 adapters. Paired with the LEAE1 or LAEA3, you can use it as a manual focus lens.
But not sure that the Rokkor adapter will work at all... I believe the Rokkor lenses used a different distance than the AF/Maxxum lenses.

The non-AF adapters (LEAE1) seem to run about $100 on ebay for the older type... the LEAE2, cheapest price is about $220-$250. The newest version, the LEAE4 is $350 new.

If you want to open a whole world of A-mount lenses, then splurge for the expensive adapter. (Lots of affordable standout primes, like a 135/2.8 that runs $250ish, the 100/2.8 1:1 macro prime for $300ish, and on the really cheap end, the 50/1.7 for about $50. (This last one isn't stellar, but it would be AF with the adapter, and is certainly capable of good results).

 

[fractal]

havoc,

Thanks - I wasn't completely sure. This is the first time I am dabbling into using an adapter so I am learning as I go along. The adapter I am getting is a cheepie ($18) so I suspect you are correct.

If I get the 200mm I am planning to test is out as a replacement for my 18-200mm zoom, which I primarily use at the long end. I am concerned about losing OSS however but seems like a good trade off for the larger aperture.

 

[havoc315]

havoc,

Thanks - I wasn't completely sure. This is the first time I am dabbling into using an adapter so I am learning as I go along. The adapter I am getting is a cheepie ($18) so I suspect you are correct.

If I get the 200mm I am planning to test is out as a replacement for my 18-200mm zoom, which I primarily use at the long end. I am concerned about losing OSS however but seems like a good trade off for the larger aperture.

That's a tough one. And whenever I seriously think about switching to E-mount and keeping my favorite lenses with adapters, I suddenly remember that I don't want to lose stabilization.

On the one hand, I wouldn't want to use a long lens like the 200 without stabilization. On the other hand, if you are mostly using it for action, you will want to use faster shutter speeds anyway, so you'll be fine. (And that 2.8 aperture will really open up faster shutter speeds too).

I have the Minolta 70-210 f4 beercan and the Tamron 70-300 usd. Debating whether to keep them. If I am going to shoot telephoto, I just really love the 200, or the 200 with a 2x tele.
I stuck the beercan on the camera yesterday to play around... it does offer nice flexibility as a portrait lens on full frame.
The Tamron...... I guess it's still useful for when I really need the flexibility of a telephoto zoom. And the image quality is perfectly fine... but the 200 prime is just soooooooooo good.

 

[fractal]

my stabilization will be my tripod. lol

 

[HPS3]

Fractal, I've used the Minolta Rokkor PG 50 f1.4. It takes the MD mount. I thought it was too soft at 1.4 but was really sharp after f2. It also lacked contrast wide open. Maybe your copy will be better.

 

[fractal]

Fractal, I've used the Minolta Rokkor PG 50 f1.4. It takes the MD mount. I thought it was too soft at 1.4 but was really sharp after f2. It also lacked contrast wide open. Maybe your copy will be better.

Thanks for the info Harry. I'm anxious to compare this vs my Sony E 50mm.

Keep posting pics from your 55mm. Love to see more!

 

[fractal]

TGIF!

 

[havoc315]

Thanks for the info Harry. I'm anxious to compare this vs my Sony E 50mm.

Keep posting pics from your 55mm. Love to see more!

So should I assume you didn't get the 200 fractal?

 

[fractal]

So should I assume you didn't get the 200 fractal?

Did not get it. I was outbid but I am looking at the one at $599 with 4 days left to bid.

 

[havoc315]

Did not get it. I was outbid but I am looking at the one at $599 with 4 days left to bid.

At least you know what to expect in terms of market value. I paid $600 for the original version (not High speed version), with significant body damage but perfect glass. A really good copy of the high speed version just went for $750. And you can always find copies for $900+. (If you intend to use it only as manual focus, you may want the original version instead of the HS version. The HS version uses a shorter focus ring, which makes it faster for auto focus, but harder to fine tune manually).

In general, a great place to look for A and E-mount lenses, usually fairly priced, is the sales forum board on dyxum.com. Right now, someone is listed the 300mm/F4 for $900.

So if you keep your eyes open, you'll find a version of the lens (either original or HS) for under $800. Paying anything between $700 and $800 is a fair price if it's in very good condition. (Especially if it offers a warranty, etc)
While the HS version is worth more than the original version, I don't see a huge price differential. Maybe the HS version sells for $50 to $100 more.

I see one seller is listing at $900 or best offer. I'd offer the guy $700 and point out the camera that sold yesterday -- $765 for the High speed version, with a warranty.

 

[Hockeyman]

Gatorland Peacock by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

 

[fractal]

At least you know what to expect in terms of market value. I paid $600 for the original version (not High speed version), with significant body damage but perfect glass. A really good copy of the high speed version just went for $750. And you can always find copies for $900+. (If you intend to use it only as manual focus, you may want the original version instead of the HS version. The HS version uses a shorter focus ring, which makes it faster for auto focus, but harder to fine tune manually).

In general, a great place to look for A and E-mount lenses, usually fairly priced, is the sales forum board on dyxum.com. Right now, someone is listed the 300mm/F4 for $900.

So if you keep your eyes open, you'll find a version of the lens (either original or HS) for under $800. Paying anything between $700 and $800 is a fair price if it's in very good condition. (Especially if it offers a warranty, etc)
While the HS version is worth more than the original version, I don't see a huge price differential. Maybe the HS version sells for $50 to $100 more.

I see one seller is listing at $900 or best offer. I'd offer the guy $700 and point out the camera that sold yesterday -- $765 for the High speed version, with a warranty.

Thanks for all the guidance. I just started bidding on another on Ebay.

 

[Hockeyman]

I woke up at 4am, out th door and at the beach by 5am, to get these. If thats not dedication then I dont know what is

Pier To Paradise by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

Juno Beach Sunrise (Explored 6-7-14 #179) by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

 

[fractal]

I woke up at 4am, out th door and at the beach by 5am, to get these. If thats not dedication then I dont know what is

Pier To Paradise by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

Juno Beach Sunrise (Explored 6-7-14 #179) by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

beautiful shots!

 

[havoc315]

baseball-324.jpg by Havoc315, on Flickr

 

[fractal]

I got my Minolta 50mm f/1.4 today! I took a few quick shots in my front yard, wide open...

focus peaking made focusing pretty easy ( stationary subject also helped ).

I also think the camera looks pretty bad-asss wearing the Minolta...

 

[Animagic!]

Hey guys just a quick update. I just got back form my trip to SoCal with the a99. It was my first outing with the new camera and the Rokinon 35mm f/1.4. I gotta say that I love both!

The a99 is a great camera to use! It's so comfortable to carry and handle that I totally forgot that it's a full frame camera. Hahaha The Rokinon is exactly what I thought it would be, fully manual and optically wonderful. the manual focusing and manual controls were not as bad as I thought. Focus peaking wasn't as useful as I remember on my a58 for some reason. But regardless I still had plenty of success manually focusing. My rate of success focusing on dark rides was higher overall. Amazingly, I got Wendy and John in perfect focus on Peter Pan's Flight but Pan's face was covered up by the mast. Darn you mast!!
As far as the Rokinon 35mm goes, I love the focal length. There were a few times I wished it was a 50mm (mostly just on dark rides) but overall I was glad it was wider a lot more often than I wished it was narrower. Besides, as a prime lens you gotta work with that single focal length. Personally, I'm a big fan of the 35mm focal length. Also I found the Tamron 70-300mm to be a really handy, dandy walk around lens. I even used it on some dark rides for poops and giggles! I used it to a degree of success on Pirates believe it or not. I'll try to post pictures soon!

 

[fractal]

Hey guys just a quick update. I just got back form my trip to SoCal with the a99. It was my first outing with the new camera and the Rokinon 35mm f/1.4. I gotta say that I love both!

The a99 is a great camera to use! It's so comfortable to carry and handle that I totally forgot that it's a full frame camera. Hahaha The Rokinon is exactly what I thought it would be, fully manual and optically wonderful. the manual focusing and manual controls were not as bad as I thought. Focus peaking wasn't as useful as I remember on my a58 for some reason. But regardless I still had plenty of success manually focusing. My rate of success focusing on dark rides was higher overall. Amazingly, I got Wendy and John in perfect focus on Peter Pan's Flight but Pan's face was covered up by the mast. Darn you mast!!
As far as the Rokinon 35mm goes, I love the focal length. There were a few times I wished it was a 50mm (mostly just on dark rides) but overall I was glad it was wider a lot more often than I wished it was narrower. Besides, as a prime lens you gotta work with that single focal length. Personally, I'm a big fan of the 35mm focal length. Also I found the Tamron 70-300mm to be a really handy, dandy walk around lens. I even used it on some dark rides for poops and giggles! I used it to a degree of success on Pirates believe it or not. I'll try to post pictures soon!

Looking forward to the pics!

 

[Animagic!]

Shot at f/5, 180mm, 1/60 sec, ISO 3200. I really like the way this shot was metered. I think the shadows make it much more dramatic and visually interesting that if her whole body was illuminated.


I was a bit surprised how things worked out with the Tarmon 70-300mm USD /f4-5.6 worked in low light. It was great on it's a small world and I even scored some keepers on Pirates of the Caribbean.