Purchasing different lens' for Sony A550

[DznyFan]

After much consideration and knowing that I really wanted to play with the lens for a night parade on our upcoming trip I purchased the Sigma 30mm F/1.4. Now it has been delivered and I have been playing with it. I sure like the fast lens for capturing light.

I am still leaning towards getting the Tokina 11-16 when it comes available in the United States. Then my husband said you need a zoom lens to get the wildlife. We have deer, turkey, Bald Eagle, numerous hawks and a bear that lurk in our back yard near the woods. My 300mm just does not get close enough.

If I could find a used 50-500mm again or even a lens that is a zoom up to 600mm I would grab it.

My husband saw zackiedawg's photo of the fountain and went nuts. He said that is what you need to get.

So with that in mind does anyone know of a store or website that sells used lenses?

Can't wait to see some shots!
B&H, Adorama (I think) and KEH all sell used.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Take a look at Adorama under their used Minolta Autofocus (maxxum) zooms. They have a Sigma 170-500. Excellent condition but they do give you 15 days for returns if you don't like it.

Congrats on the 30mm!!

 

[vandort]

Wisbucky,
I think that you will be glad that you purchased the Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens. I think that it is a really nice lens to have.

 

[wisbucky]

Wisbucky,
I think that you will be glad that you purchased the Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens. I think that it is a really nice lens to have.

Thanks I cant wait to see how it works at night for the parade.

Kat4disney I am looking at that lens it is so tempting. I was hoping for the 50-500mm. Even though it is heavy I plan on using it on a tripod on our deck. But this one is tempting.

 

[zackiedawg]

Also, do consider the Tamron 200-500mm F4.5-6.3 lens. It is cheaper new than the Sigma 50-500, rates as well in most tests and user reviews, is actually a bit lighter and shorter, and can really perform. I've used one now for 3 years and do all my wildlife and bird photography with it - it's a killer lens and super-sharp and detailed with great color.

Feel free to check out this gallery of my birding and wildlife shots taken with the A550 and Tamron 200-500:

http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/a550greencay

Brand new I think they go for $800 or so, and if you can find them used, even less. I checked out and tested the 50-500 and 200-500 when I was shopping for a long lens - and though both are quite good, I just ended up finding the Tamron a better fit for me, as I liked the image results and the fact that it was a bit lighter and shorter (though any 500mm lens is still going to be long!).

 

[wisbucky]

Also, do consider the Tamron 200-500mm F4.5-6.3 lens. It is cheaper new than the Sigma 50-500, rates as well in most tests and user reviews, is actually a bit lighter and shorter, and can really perform. I've used one now for 3 years and do all my wildlife and bird photography with it - it's a killer lens and super-sharp and detailed with great color.

Feel free to check out this gallery of my birding and wildlife shots taken with the A550 and Tamron 200-500:

http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/a550greencay

Brand new I think they go for $800 or so, and if you can find them used, even less. I checked out and tested the 50-500 and 200-500 when I was shopping for a long lens - and though both are quite good, I just ended up finding the Tamron a better fit for me, as I liked the image results and the fact that it was a bit lighter and shorter (though any 500mm lens is still going to be long!).

The think I liked about the 50mm is sometimes we will end up with wildlife right on our lawn as we are watching the woods. So having the 200 might be to close up at the time. I hate to be stuck with a lens that is to close and I loose the shot because of it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kat4disney I am looking at that lens it is so tempting. I was hoping for the 50-500mm. Even though it is heavy I plan on using it on a tripod on our deck. But this one is tempting.

I've seen a used 50-500 a time or two so good luck! Better to buy exactly what you want. Ebay might be a good option to watch too.

 

[zackiedawg]

That makes perfect sense...no worries - the 50-500 was every bit as good when I compared the two. I intended to be a bit more portable than you - if you're using it mostly at home and may need the close proximity ability, then it sounds like a perfect choice.

 

[wisbucky]

Well folks I did it. I purchsed the Sigma 50-500mm also. I am waiting for it to come. I also have the 50mm f2.8. Sort of a little dissapointed in the 50mm as I was hoping to really get some great shots but with fixed focuz length I was having trouble keeping side lightening and other streaks of light from interferring. Dont get me wrong under some other circumstances I am sure it will work great. Just that while I was at Boardwalk I was a little troubled by it. I ended up going back to the original lens that came with the camera.

Once my Sigma get here I am so wanting to shoot our wildlife in the back.

I am still debating on the Tokina 11-16mm. Hubby says I have become obsessed with my lenses but he loves what they all can do.

Anyone have any suggestions for the 50mm lens or any other lens that might allowe me to get great night shots. Doesnt have to be just fireworks and parades but still images etc. Thanks for everyone's great help.

 

[disneyboy2003]

Well folks I did it. I purchsed the Sigma 50-500mm also. I am waiting for it to come.

WOW! Congratulations on your new Sigma lens! I heard that Sigma recently added Image Stabilization to this lens, but that's only applicable to the Canon & Nikon mounts. Since your Sony camera already has built-in image stabilization, your lens is already effectively image stabilized.

Looks like you'll be getting quite a work-out with your new 4.3 pound lens! I think the heaviest lens I've got is 3.2 pounds, so I've definitely got "lens envy".

Congratulations again, and be sure to show us some photos with your new lens.

 

[mom2rtk]

Be sure to come back and post some photos with it here!

 

[zackiedawg]

Well folks I did it. I purchsed the Sigma 50-500mm also. I am waiting for it to come.

Congratulations! Should be lots of fun - the first time you see some animals up close with the 500mm, you'll be thrilled.

I also have the 50mm f2.8. Sort of a little dissapointed in the 50mm as I was hoping to really get some great shots but with fixed focuz length I was having trouble keeping side lightening and other streaks of light from interferring. Anyone have any suggestions for the 50mm lens or any other lens that might allowe me to get great night shots. Doesnt have to be just fireworks and parades but still images etc. Thanks for everyone's great help.

Question: Do you have a lens hood with that 50mm? I know with my 50mm F1.7 Minolta lens, there isn't a lens hood per se, just a very tiny extending plastic ring that can be pulled out about 1/2 inch. If side lighting and flare is a problem, it sounds like a lens hood would solve your problem. If you don't have a reasonable sized one that came with the lens, maybe consider buying one aftermarket that will help shield side lighting better. Especially if you have a filter on too, flare can be really bad.

I actually have an ancient rubber folding screw-on lens hood in the same 49mm filter size as my 50mm...it's from my '78 Pentax ME Super's 50mm prime...I use that folding rubber lens hood on my 50mm Minolta, and it works wonders. I'm sure such things are still available out there on the used market...with the crop factor on these cameras, a screw on hood and filter still shouldn't have any vignetting issues (since you're effectively shooting at a 75mm focal range).

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Well folks I did it. I purchsed the Sigma 50-500mm also. I am waiting for it to come. I also have the 50mm f2.8. Sort of a little dissapointed in the 50mm as I was hoping to really get some great shots but with fixed focuz length I was having trouble keeping side lightening and other streaks of light from interferring. Dont get me wrong under some other circumstances I am sure it will work great. Just that while I was at Boardwalk I was a little troubled by it. I ended up going back to the original lens that came with the camera.

Congratulations on the lens purchase!

And I was thinking the same thing zackiedawg talked about with your 50mm 2.8. It sounds like the lens hood on the 50mm either isn't there or wasn't long enough for the conditions you were shooting in. I too have a rubber folding hood from my old Minolta film days that I used on the new 50mm 1.7 as an after market option. Or, sometimes you have to use your hand to shield the sun from producing flare at a certain angle. That can happen with all lenses at certain times but especially if the hood isn't enough to block the angled light.