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johjeff
Joined: 14 Aug 2013 Posts: 20
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 3:58 am Post subject: Recommendation for budget mid-range zoom any mount |
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johjeff wrote:
Hello,
I need a little help choosing a mid-range zoom lens to use on my Sony ILCE-3000 (a3000). I guess ANY mount might be a little stretch, though there seem to be adapters for most of them for E-Mount cameras.
I am looking for something with a starting length of 24-28mm (or lower) and ending in 80-135mm with 3.5-5.6f or better. I am also looking for something under $100, preferably closer to $50 with good sharpness across the range, so probably SLR lenses.
Basically, I am looking for a good walking around lens with decent low-mid light capability. I have the 18-55mm range covered by the kit lens, and the 80-210 range covered by a Tamron Adaptall. I have a 50mm 2.8 Jenna Tessar Exacta mount for a prime.
I have been looking at Vivitar Series 1, Tamron, and Minolta AF lenses and am having trouble finding reviews.
Hope you guys and gals can help me.
Thank you.
Jeff _________________ ~ Jeff |
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WNG555
Joined: 18 Dec 2014 Posts: 784 Location: Arrid-Zone-A, USA
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 4:51 am Post subject: |
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WNG555 wrote:
The budget vintage zooms that I have experience with that somewhat covers your criteria....
Bear in mind, being all metal and glass, none are considered lightweights. Other than a few being f/2.8, none can touch the 1855 kit zoom's overall performance.
18mm is wider, OSS, high contrast, lightweight.
1. Sun Optical 24-40mm macro zoom, f/3.5. Good optical performance from this old, big zoom. Cheap too.
2. Tokina AT-X 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom. Excellent optics and color. Smallest of the first four recommendations.
3. Vivitar Series-1 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5 Varifocal. Very sharp, warm colors, f/2.8 speed. But won't hold focus being a varifocal. Heavy.
4. Kiron 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Varifocal. Very similar to the above, but cooler colors, and a bit slower for greater focal length. Heavy.
5. Tokina RMC 28-70mm f/4. RMC color, either love it or hate it. constant f/4, smallest of the group, and lightest. Sharp stopped down.
There are Tamron 28-80, 28-70 zooms that are praised, but I have no experience with these. But I think Adaptall-2 lenses are excellent from the ones I do own.
A Minolta MD 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom similar to the Tokina AT-X is also a well-regarded lens. _________________ "The eyes are useless when the mind is blind."
Sony ILCE-6000, SELP1650, SEL1855, SEL55210, SEL5018. Sigma 19/30/60mm f2.8 EX DN Art.
Rokinon 8mm f3.5 Fish-Eye, 14mm f2.8 IF ED UMC. Samyang 12mm f2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-Eye.
And a bunch of Manual-Focus Lenses
My Flickr |
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Mr G
Joined: 27 Jan 2014 Posts: 187 Location: London & Essex
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 5:34 am Post subject: |
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Mr G wrote:
Hi, for the zoom range you are looking at I would suggest something multi coated with a constant aperture throughout.
Sure the members here have plenty of recommendations! _________________ EVEN A BLIND SQUIRREL FINDS A NUT NOW AND THEN! |
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Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013 Posts: 5995 Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:06 am Post subject: |
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Oldhand wrote:
In your budget area the Vivitar Series-1 28-90mm is very hard to beat.
It is varifocal which can be a pain when you are taking images on the fly, but it is fast, it is sharp and it is cheap. Comes in Nikon AI, Pentax K, Minolta MD, Canon FD and probably other mounts as well.
I can't recall ever seeing one in M42 mount though.
I have had the Kiron 28-85 and the Vivitar (Kiron) 28-105, and the Vivitar Series-1 28-90mm is sharper than these in the samples that I had.
Cheers
OH |
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Raxar
Joined: 25 Mar 2014 Posts: 222
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 8:39 am Post subject: |
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Raxar wrote:
I think "Vivitar 28-70mm f/3.4-4.8 MC Macro" is the best thing you could buy for about 15~20$ , but if you looking for great zoom lens forget about wider than 35mm and you will have so many great options (nFD 35-105/3.5 Macro | MD 35-70/3.5 Macro | Zuiko 35-70/3.6 | etc) and if you really need really wide zoom i think 18-55 oss will be more than enough (compare to cheap mf lenses) and if you planing to buy an a7 soon you better spend 50 bucks more and get the "MD 24-50/4" |
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Lloydy
Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 7771 Location: Ironbridge. UK.
Expire: 2022-01-01
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 12:16 pm Post subject: |
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Lloydy wrote:
The Vivitar Series 1 28-90 f2.8 - 3.5 is on my Sony A6000 at the moment, it's a great lens. My other recommendation is the Minolta Rokkor 35-70 f3.5 Macro which is also excellent, maybe better than the Vivitar. The Tamron 17A Macro 35-70 f3.5 is another good option, adaptall mount as well. _________________ LENSES & CAMERAS FOR SALE.....
I have loads of stuff that I have to get rid of, if you see me commenting about something I have got and you want one, ask me.
My Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/mudplugga/
My ipernity -
http://www.ipernity.com/home/294337 |
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marcusBMG
Joined: 07 Dec 2012 Posts: 1308 Location: Conwy N Wales
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 2:34 pm Post subject: |
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marcusBMG wrote:
Only vintage choices at 24-xmm I know of are the adaptall SP 24-48mm 13A and the kiron made 24-48mm (kiron, vivitar). Both are good. I have the 13A and it is particularly good for a zoom at 24mm.
35-70's are nice and compact, not much bigger than a nifty fifty, and mostly good, I put the adaptalls esp 17A comfortably ahead of eg tok rmc. 17A has macro to 1:2.8. 17A is derived from the vaunted 01A SP 35-80mm which has any number of recommendations on line if you look.
Adaptall line up has 3 choices x-135mm, all worthwhile best is the SP 28A 28-135mm. Not so hot at 28mm, from around 35mm up it matched or bettered my DA 18-135mm in resolution.
More adaptall info. _________________ pentax ME super (retired)
Pentax K3-ii; pentax K-S2; Samsung NX 20; Lumix G1 + adapters;
Adaptall collection (proliferating!) inc 200-500mm 31A, 300mm f2.8, 400mm f4.
Primes: takumar 55mm; smc 28mm, 50mm; kino/komine 28mm f2's, helios 58mm, Tamron Nestar 400mm, novoflex 400mm, Vivitar 135mm close focus, 105mm macro; Jupiter 11A; CZJ 135mm.
A classic zoom or two: VS1 (komine), Kiron Zoomlock... |
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johjeff
Joined: 14 Aug 2013 Posts: 20
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 5:33 pm Post subject: You guys are great! Any info on Minolta MAXXUM lenses? |
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johjeff wrote:
Thanks for all the tips. I'll be exploring ebay to see what I can find.
Does anyone have any experience with Minolta MAXXUM lenses like MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 Wide/Tele macro, and is it worth $60?
Have a great day! _________________ ~ Jeff |
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marcusBMG
Joined: 07 Dec 2012 Posts: 1308 Location: Conwy N Wales
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:15 pm Post subject: |
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marcusBMG wrote:
Just been browsing the specs of the a3000. I have to say that the low res lcd and evf do not orient this camera to MF use.
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While the image quality is excellent for such a cheap camera, the handling, operation and overall build aren't quite up to scratch, with the LCD screen and electronic viewfinderin particular proving to be of low-quality. |
Photography blog
Doesn't seem to have focus peaking. Not clear what magnification might be available on the lcd or evf to fine focus. Looks like a bridge camera with a swappable mount!
I do wonder how satisfied you will be trying MF on this camera, obviously I'm not familiar with it but for me the first thing I would look for in a mirrorless camera for MF use is the quality of the evf, then the lcd then features like magnification (ideally one button push like on my samsung NX20) and focus peaking. _________________ pentax ME super (retired)
Pentax K3-ii; pentax K-S2; Samsung NX 20; Lumix G1 + adapters;
Adaptall collection (proliferating!) inc 200-500mm 31A, 300mm f2.8, 400mm f4.
Primes: takumar 55mm; smc 28mm, 50mm; kino/komine 28mm f2's, helios 58mm, Tamron Nestar 400mm, novoflex 400mm, Vivitar 135mm close focus, 105mm macro; Jupiter 11A; CZJ 135mm.
A classic zoom or two: VS1 (komine), Kiron Zoomlock... |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 57864 Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:36 pm Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
Tamron, Konica all good, Konica UC top _________________ -------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
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MaXXXic
Joined: 03 Jun 2015 Posts: 78 Location: Ukraine
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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MaXXXic wrote:
Look here at my short review of MC Vivitar 28-85/2.8-3.8 with some shots:
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=72463&sid=c45c1e8fe3f02ef46127d8fbd34836a2
I also have Vivitar 35-70/2.8-3.8, it's good too.
As I know, Vivitar Series 1 28-90 is better, but I haven't it yet.
Hope, you will make the right choise! |
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johjeff
Joined: 14 Aug 2013 Posts: 20
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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johjeff wrote:
marcusBMG wrote: |
Just been browsing the specs of the a3000. I have to say that the low res lcd and evf do not orient this camera to MF use.
Quote: |
While the image quality is excellent for such a cheap camera, the handling, operation and overall build aren't quite up to scratch, with the LCD screen and electronic viewfinderin particular proving to be of low-quality. |
Photography blog
Doesn't seem to have focus peaking. Not clear what magnification might be available on the lcd or evf to fine focus. Looks like a bridge camera with a swappable mount!
I do wonder how satisfied you will be trying MF on this camera, obviously I'm not familiar with it but for me the first thing I would look for in a mirrorless camera for MF use is the quality of the evf, then the lcd then features like magnification (ideally one button push like on my samsung NX20) and focus peaking. |
Marcus, the camera is basically a NEX 5 (I think) with a better sensor, and a DSLR'ish form factor. It uses Sony E-Mount lenses natively. It does have focus peeking and highlighting. I assigned that feature to a button on back. It has 2 zoom levels for checking focus. The EVF and LCD are not spectacular, but they get the job done with the focusing assist. I am attaching an image I shot this past Saturday with the Jenna Tessar 50mm f/2.8 (Exacta mount), if I can figure out how. The image is SOC, just resized to conserve bandwidth.
As I mentioned earlier, I also use a Tamron Adaptall 70-210mm with it, and a cheap Nikon 35mm DX lens (which has CRAPPY manual focus).
Hopefully that worked.
Thanks. _________________ ~ Jeff |
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johjeff
Joined: 14 Aug 2013 Posts: 20
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 11:38 pm Post subject: So I walked into my local camera store ... |
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johjeff wrote:
and found this:
This is the Minolta MD Zoom ROKKOR-X 35-70mm 1:3.5. Interestingly, the front element has 2 sets of threads - 1 for the hood, and 55mm ones for a filter. I ordered an MD to NEX adapter from Amazon, and it should be here September 11th. Looking forward to trying this lens out. I picked it up for a good price at Southeastern Camera in Raleigh, NC. It appears to be in very good condition. Hopefully it also delivers great pictures (not accounting for the photographer).
Thank you all for your help. I will probably still look at some of your other suggestions, as this one falls a little short on my criteria for an all around walking lens. _________________ ~ Jeff |
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Tedat
Joined: 08 Nov 2011 Posts: 800 Location: Berlin/Germany
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Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 5:42 am Post subject: Re: You guys are great! Any info on Minolta MAXXUM lenses? |
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Tedat wrote:
johjeff wrote: |
Does anyone have any experience with Minolta MAXXUM lenses like MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 Wide/Tele macro, and is it worth $60?
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Minolta AF 3.5-4.5/35-105 (but only the first generation!) and Minolta AF 4-4.5/28-135 are outstanding performers... better than 28-85 and worth every penny. _________________ Regards
Jan
flickr
Sony A7RM2
Contax T*: Distagon 4/18, Distagon 2/28, Distagon 1.4/35, PC-Distagon 2.8/35, Planar 1.4/50, Planar 1.4/85, Planar 2/100, Planar 2/135, S-Planar 2.8/60, Tessar 2.8/45, Mirotar 8/500, Vario Sonnar 3.4/35-70, Vario Sonnar 4.5-5.6/100-300
Carl Zeiss for Rollei QBM: F-Distagon 2.8/16 HFT, Distagon 2.8/25, Planar 1.4/50 HFT, Sonnar 2.8/85
Konica Hexanon AR: 2.8/21, 1.2/57
Other: Minolta F2.8 [T4.5] 135mm STF, Meopta Meostigmat 1.4/70, Tokina AT-X 2.5/90.. and lots of early M42 Yashinon, Rikenon and Mamiya lenses |
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miran
Joined: 01 Aug 2012 Posts: 1364 Location: Slovenia
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Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 6:34 am Post subject: Re: You guys are great! Any info on Minolta MAXXUM lenses? |
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miran wrote:
Tedat wrote: |
johjeff wrote: |
Does anyone have any experience with Minolta MAXXUM lenses like MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 Wide/Tele macro, and is it worth $60?
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Minolta AF 3.5-4.5/35-105 (but only the first generation!) and Minolta AF 4-4.5/28-135 are outstanding performers... better than 28-85 and worth every penny. |
+1
I have the 35-105 1st generation and it's a great lens. Problem is it has 1.5m MFD (plus a pseudo macro mode) and it doesn't do manual focusing very well. It's primarily an AF lens and this shows in the construction (very short throw of the focus ring and not very accurate). You need the LA-EA2 adapter for these lenses to be able to use auto focus (or LA-EA4) which is a bit on the expensive side. _________________ my flickr stream |
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buerokratiehasser
Joined: 12 Jun 2011 Posts: 470
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Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 8:30 am Post subject: |
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buerokratiehasser wrote:
A-mount lens database at dyxum.com
The M-AF 35-105N (plasticy) would be even lighter, didn't suggest that because OP wanted decent low light performance, should go for f2.8, if he really needs a midrange at all (55 to 80 "gap"? can't you like, move your behind a bit?)
35-105N, or the Sigma UC 28-70 HSAF, price $5 or $10 maybe
Or buy the 60-300 4-5.6 and sell the Tamron, case solved (spherochromatism though) |
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Tedat
Joined: 08 Nov 2011 Posts: 800 Location: Berlin/Germany
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Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 9:16 am Post subject: |
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Tedat wrote:
buerokratiehasser wrote: |
The M-AF 35-105N (plasticy) would be even lighter |
but isn't as good than the first version _________________ Regards
Jan
flickr
Sony A7RM2
Contax T*: Distagon 4/18, Distagon 2/28, Distagon 1.4/35, PC-Distagon 2.8/35, Planar 1.4/50, Planar 1.4/85, Planar 2/100, Planar 2/135, S-Planar 2.8/60, Tessar 2.8/45, Mirotar 8/500, Vario Sonnar 3.4/35-70, Vario Sonnar 4.5-5.6/100-300
Carl Zeiss for Rollei QBM: F-Distagon 2.8/16 HFT, Distagon 2.8/25, Planar 1.4/50 HFT, Sonnar 2.8/85
Konica Hexanon AR: 2.8/21, 1.2/57
Other: Minolta F2.8 [T4.5] 135mm STF, Meopta Meostigmat 1.4/70, Tokina AT-X 2.5/90.. and lots of early M42 Yashinon, Rikenon and Mamiya lenses |
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johjeff
Joined: 14 Aug 2013 Posts: 20
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Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 3:01 pm Post subject: |
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johjeff wrote:
Thanks for the tips, guys.
buerokratiehasser you are right, I can move my butt a little, which is what I have been doing for a while now. My main purpose in looking for a mid-range zoom is that I wanted a decent all around lens that had good range, so that I wouldn't have to change the lenses as often, and I could take just 1 multipurpose lens for family events, mini-vacations or daytrips.
I rather like the Tamron though. I did see some 28-200 lenses on ebay, which were interesting to me.
Have a great weekend! I think m MD-NEX adapter just showed up. _________________ ~ Jeff |
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marcusBMG
Joined: 07 Dec 2012 Posts: 1308 Location: Conwy N Wales
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 2:16 pm Post subject: |
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marcusBMG wrote:
Quote: |
Marcus, the camera is basically a NEX 5 (I think) with a better sensor, and a DSLR'ish form factor. It uses Sony E-Mount lenses natively. It does have focus peeking and highlighting. |
Sounds like it has good facility for MF in fact then. And nice pic with the tessar. _________________ pentax ME super (retired)
Pentax K3-ii; pentax K-S2; Samsung NX 20; Lumix G1 + adapters;
Adaptall collection (proliferating!) inc 200-500mm 31A, 300mm f2.8, 400mm f4.
Primes: takumar 55mm; smc 28mm, 50mm; kino/komine 28mm f2's, helios 58mm, Tamron Nestar 400mm, novoflex 400mm, Vivitar 135mm close focus, 105mm macro; Jupiter 11A; CZJ 135mm.
A classic zoom or two: VS1 (komine), Kiron Zoomlock... |
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dnas
Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 488 Location: Japan
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Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 2:01 pm Post subject: |
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dnas wrote:
One option....
If you get the Sony adapter, you can use the Minolta 24-85mm. Or the 28-105mm, using AF!!
Other than that, others to look for :
MD rokkor 24-50mm.
Another option, the Tamron 28-200mm Xr (if). I use it with an A7, AF or manual focus. Easier to go MF with Pentax, Nikon, Minolta mounts. |
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dan_
Joined: 05 Dec 2012 Posts: 1055 Location: Romania
Expire: 2016-12-19
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Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 4:51 pm Post subject: Re: You guys are great! Any info on Minolta MAXXUM lenses? |
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dan_ wrote:
Tedat wrote: |
Minolta AF 3.5-4.5/35-105 (but only the first generation!) and Minolta AF 4-4.5/28-135 are outstanding performers... better than 28-85 and worth every penny. |
I have them both and they indeed are both really good, deserving their reputation. I'm using them on a NEX-7 with a LA-EA4 adapter and they focus quite snappy and precise, sufficient even for a not-so-demanding sports event, like in this sample at
Traditional Tatar Fights (28-135 at 135/4.5):
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