Calling all Sony Alpha users! (Part 3)

[chrism_scotland]

What sort prices do those wide angle lenses go for new and second hand? Wouldnt mind picking one up at some point.

Most of them are around the £350-£450 mark, and second hand probably between £200 and £300 depending on condition and how new it is, I paid £260 for my Sigma 10-20.

The only exception is the Sigma 12-24 which is around £600 new and as of yet not seen a lot of them used.

 

[chrism_scotland]

I've been looking into buying the Sony F42AM flash but I've been offered a as new in box Sony F56AM Flashgun now I know that the 56 has been replaced now by the F58 but I always thought the F56 was better than the F42.
But I've been reading that if I bought an F58 in the future it wouldn't work properly wirelessly with the F56, is this true? and that I may be better off with the F42AM just now.
My main concern is that by the time I were to pay delivery and possible customers (the seller is in Sweden) it could be close to £250 for a flash now I know that over the F42AM it may be worth it but, if I really wanted a flash would I be better just saving up for the F58AM? Is it that much better? as I have heard some issues with its weight and a possible dodgy based?

 

[Slimbert]

I got a Sony HVL-F36AM and it's a massive improvement over the built in flash. I've never needed a swivel head, so don't miss that feature. I think the 56 or 58 might be wasted on me.

Could the money you'd save buying the 42 instead of the 56 or 58 be better spent elsewhere? £300 for a top of the range flash is a lot of dough for something you might not need or use to it's full potential.

I guess it depends if you'll ever need that much power/range from a flash. For the odd bit of fill flash, or the odd occasion I take pictures at a party etc, the 36 is plenty for me!

 

[chrism_scotland]

I got a Sony HVL-F36AM and it's a massive improvement over the built in flash. I've never needed a swivel head, so don't miss that feature. I think the 56 or 58 might be wasted on me.

Could the money you'd save buying the 42 instead of the 56 or 58 be better spent elsewhere? £300 for a top of the range flash is a lot of dough for something you might not need or use to it's full potential.

I guess it depends if you'll ever need that much power/range from a flash. For the odd bit of fill flash, or the odd occasion I take pictures at a party etc, the 36 is plenty for me!

I would prefer to have some flexibility in a flash so the lack of manual control would rule that out for me, I have been swithering over a Sigma EF-530 but now I have the A700 I feel it would be better to have a Sony Gun.

I too worry that an F58 would be wasted on me, but the price difference between the F42 and the F56 I've been offered is fairly small which has made me think, I think I could justify that cost to myself but not the extra £150 on the F58 although I have seen a grey import F58 for £270.

I would like to experiment with flash and lighting so I'd like to get a flashgun that gives me room to develop,

 

[Slimbert]

I think I could justify that cost to myself but not the extra £150 on the F58

There's your answer!!

If money was no object I'd have a 58 just for the hell of it, but it would be wasted on me. I've found that the lack of some manual controls on the 36, has forced me away from some of the dreaded "auto" settings, which can only be a good thing!!

I can only guess what the difference in quality is between the 36, 46 , 56, and 58 because I've never used any of them apart from my 36. I do know that the difference between the built in flash and my 36 is massive, and I think which ever one you end up with, it will make a huge difference to your photos!

 

[chrism_scotland]

Cheers mate, I've been offered a F36 in a swap deal so I may try that, although I may buy the F56 too and then decide which one to keep, I am sorely tempted by the F58 but I think its just beyond me right now,
Does the F56 have a swivel head?

 

[springtide]

Does the F56 have a swivel head?

yes

 

[Slimbert]

Does the F56 have a swivel head?

I think they all do except the 36, but like I said before, I've never once thought "I wish I had a swivel head flash", but that's just me. I know for other people, a swivel head is a must!

I think your plan is a good one. Get both, see which one you want to keep (maybe both cos I think they wireless sync) and sell the other!

With second hand equipment, as long as you buy at a good price, you rarely lose much money and can sometimes make a few quid!

 

[chrism_scotland]

Yeah its nice now I'm not a student ti have the cash/credit to be able to "try" used items and see what I think although the problem is not selling them again lol.

 

[Zebedee101]

I would prefer to have some flexibility in a flash so the lack of manual control would rule that out for me, I have been swithering over a Sigma EF-530 but now I have the A700 I feel it would be better to have a Sony Gun.

I too worry that an F58 would be wasted on me, but the price difference between the F42 and the F56 I've been offered is fairly small which has made me think, I think I could justify that cost to myself but not the extra £150 on the F58 although I have seen a grey import F58 for £270.

I would like to experiment with flash and lighting so I'd like to get a flashgun that gives me room to develop,

I was talking to the rep on the sony stand at the New York photography exhibition last year just after they released the 58 and the A900. I hadn't long had the 56 at that stage (bought for my A100) and asked about the advantages of the 58 on either the A100 or A700 (which my dad had just bought) from memory he told me that I would not notice any difference unless I bought an A900 as there were some features and compatibility on the 58 flash that were specific to the A900. I never compared the two flashes on paper because of that (and I was still in awe of the A900 and working out if the divorce the wife threatened if I can back with any substancial purchases would be worth it!). I do make use of the swivel head. I'm still waiting for news of the A800 as I dont want to commit to the A700 as I'm sure it will be imminent, or I may just win the lottery and get an A900.

 

[heidfirst]

I've been looking into buying the Sony F42AM flash but I've been offered a as new in box Sony F56AM Flashgun now I know that the 56 has been replaced now by the F58 but I always thought the F56 was better than the F42.
But I've been reading that if I bought an F58 in the future it wouldn't work properly wirelessly with the F56, is this true? and that I may be better off with the F42AM just now.

afaik it will work but if you start wanting to use ratios & groups etc. with a 58AM the 42AM would be the better choice.

 

[chrism_scotland]

afaik it will work but if you start wanting to use ratios & groups etc. with a 58AM the 42AM would be the better choice.

Cheers Scott, will need to have a think, I can't see myself needing to use ratio, groups I would like to play with though.

 

[Slimbert]

56 for sale here chris: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=141467

 

[chrism_scotland]

56 for sale here chris: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=141467

Thanks Slimbert, I think I'd rather buy an undamaged one to be honest, I've found somewhere selling grey import F58's for £280 approx which seems reasonable compared to the UK prices.

 

[heidfirst]

just watch out that you aren't liable for VAT etc. ...
That will soon close the gap to the ~£340-350 of a genuine UK one.

 

[chrism_scotland]

just watch out that you aren't liable for VAT etc. ...
That will soon close the gap to the ~£340-350 of a genuine UK one.

Well I passed on the F58, it was actually shipped from Swansea so I would have been ok for VAT, etc but couldn't really justify it, sourced a Sony F56AM from a guy on Dyxum so thats coming from Sweden this week

 

[ShawWellPete]

Hi guys,

In case any of you are interested I have a few Sony/Minolta bits for sale here.

Cheers

Pete

 

[PDub]

What have people replace their kit lens with or what general purpose lens are you all using?

 

[Marc]

What have people replace their kit lens with or what general purpose lens are you all using?

I originally replaced mine with the Tamron 18-250 but eventually moved to a Sigma 24-70.

 

[chrism_scotland]

The Tamron 17-50 or Sigma 17-70 are popular choices.

 

[Slimbert]

What have people replace their kit lens with or what general purpose lens are you all using?

Nothing yet! I've only got a 55-200mm lens at the moment, I'm still waiting for something wider to come along at the right price..........!!

 

[chrism_scotland]

I know the Sigma 70-300 is a no go on the A700 due to the stripping gears but are any of the other large Sigma zooms ok on the A700, 100-300, 120-400?
Someone also suggested the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 but I was wondering what other Sony users use for Motorsport.

 

[Marc]

I know the Sigma 70-300 is a no go on the A700 due to the stripping gears but are any of the other large Sigma zooms ok on the A700, 100-300, 120-400?
Someone also suggested the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 but I was wondering what other Sony users use for Motorsport.

To be honest, the stripping gears problem has come up on various Sigma lenses, It happened to me with the 105mm macro and the 24-70. That said, the A700 has the facility to set the AF to slow which will prevent the stripping and I don't even notice the difference on mine.

 

[chrism_scotland]

To be honest, the stripping gears problem has come up on various Sigma lenses, It happened to me with the 105mm macro and the 24-70. That said, the A700 has the facility to set the AF to slow which will prevent the stripping and I don't even notice the difference on mine.

Cheers Fabs, I've seen even people who set the AF to slow have problems with the Sigma 70-300 APO was just a bit concerned about spending a fortune on a lens for it to very quickly break, I would expect the dearer lenses to be better but I know thats not always the case.

Want a decent lens for some motorsport shots and the Sigma lenses look really good quality and value but I do have some concern over QC.

 

[Marc]

Cheers Fabs, I've seen even people who set the AF to slow have problems with the Sigma 70-300 APO was just a bit concerned about spending a fortune on a lens for it to very quickly break, I would expect the dearer lenses to be better but I know thats not always the case.

Want a decent lens for some motorsport shots and the Sigma lenses look really good quality and value but I do have some concern over QC.

I think the QC issue with Sigma has been overplayed to be fair. I have 4 Sigma lenses and, apart from the gear stripping issue (which sigma resolved when repairing) I have nothing but praise for them.

 

[chrism_scotland]

I'll be honest the 10-20 that I have seem a solid piece of kit from Sigma so that has allayed my fears a little but I know some people said that focusing on a 10-20 is nothing like as intense as on a 70-300, that was why I still have some fears about spending £400+ on a Sigma lens for motorsport but would like to see what other Sony or Minolta lenses people use for motorsport.

 

[Marc]

Well I have a Sigma 50-500 and the AF is extremely intense on that. Had it for 18 months, taken 20,000+ shots with it and no problems with it.

 

[springtide]

I know the Sigma 70-300 is a no go on the A700 due to the stripping gears but are any of the other large Sigma zooms ok on the A700, 100-300, 120-400?
Someone also suggested the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 but I was wondering what other Sony users use for Motorsport.

I would suggest taking a look on Flickr at some places you'll likely to visit and check the EXIF data to what is the standard length and shutter speeds (and also aperture).

I would say the 70-300G is a lovely lens and sharp wide open (well mine is!), but wide open is only f5.6 which might be an issue depending on light.
The Sigma 100-300/4 gets good reviews and so does the Sony 70-400G.

I have been tempted to swap my 70-300G for a 70-400G, but think with the size and weight of the 70300G being small enough to take to the park with the kids, I think a larger longer lens is an addition rather than a replacement.

Once you look at these larger and faster lenses, it all starts getting expensive, and I would say, you need to know what you need rather than ask what you need, otherwise you might make a few costly purchases that are not exactly meeting your requirements.

What zoom do you have at the moment? And when you had your beercan, did you find this a little short? did you find that you were struggling to get a decent shutter speed and needed faster glass?

 

[PDub]

The Tamron 17-50 or Sigma 17-70 are popular choices.

I've been looking at the tamron 17-50 fixed 2.8, they both seem to have really good reviews on dyxum


Im dying to try my cheapo 70-210 minolta for track days, ill get some shots at Bruntingthorpe in two weeks time but thats just 1/4 mile days.

 

[Slimbert]

but thats just 1/4 mile days.

I'd think that would be a really good place to start as the movement of the cars should be more predictable i.e. straight lines, but you'd still be able to practice with panning. Could even be harder than normal track racing?!

I live a short drive from snetterton but have never once been. I love motorsport so I should get my backside down there sometime this summer.........

 

[chrism_scotland]

I would suggest taking a look on Flickr at some places you'll likely to visit and check the EXIF data to what is the standard length and shutter speeds (and also aperture).

I would say the 70-300G is a lovely lens and sharp wide open (well mine is!), but wide open is only f5.6 which might be an issue depending on light.
The Sigma 100-300/4 gets good reviews and so does the Sony 70-400G.

I have been tempted to swap my 70-300G for a 70-400G, but think with the size and weight of the 70300G being small enough to take to the park with the kids, I think a larger longer lens is an addition rather than a replacement.

Once you look at these larger and faster lenses, it all starts getting expensive, and I would say, you need to know what you need rather than ask what you need, otherwise you might make a few costly purchases that are not exactly meeting your requirements.

What zoom do you have at the moment? And when you had your beercan, did you find this a little short? did you find that you were struggling to get a decent shutter speed and needed faster glass?

I did find my Beercan to be a little short and I never used it for Motorsport but I can imagine it would possible be too short, that said other people have said they use a 70-200 with no problem and I can imagine that at most UK Race circuits aside from Silverstone 200mm would be fine.

Ideally I would like to try and get the best I can afford, some people have mentioned using something like a 300mm prime rather than a zoom, does anyone here shoot motorsport with a prime?

 

[springtide]

I did find my Beercan to be a little short and I never used it for Motorsport but I can imagine it would possible be too short, that said other people have said they use a 70-200 with no problem and I can imagine that at most UK Race circuits aside from Silverstone 200mm would be fine.

Ideally I would like to try and get the best I can afford, some people have mentioned using something like a 300mm prime rather than a zoom, does anyone here shoot motorsport with a prime?

Primes are generally better than zooms for IQ, but are less flexible.

What lens are you currently using for Motorsport and what are the limitations?
I know you sold your beercan because it wasn't getting much use, so what were you using in place of the beercan for motorsport?

 

[chrism_scotland]

Primes are generally better than zooms for IQ, but are less flexible.

What lens are you currently using for Motorsport and what are the limitations?
I know you sold your beercan because it wasn't getting much use, so what were you using in place of the beercan for motorsport?

Well I tried the Tamron 55-200 but its not great and I've just sold it, due to the usually awful Scottish Weather I think I may be benefit with something thats a little better in low light, the range was alright but I'd rather buy something a bit longer and avoid a teleconverter if possible.

 

[PAS]

been using a sigma 70-200 for motocross, without any problems. very rarely even use it at 200mm. although have a 1.4x converter just incase!
F4 is more than enough for most days.

 

[chrism_scotland]

been using a sigma 70-200 for motocross, without any problems. very rarely even use it at 200mm. although have a 1.4x converter just incase!
F4 is more than enough for most days.

Cheers mate, can anyone suggest a decent 70-200?
I've seen the Sigma and Tamron 70-200 f2.8 has anyone used either of these?

 

[PAS]

Cheers mate, can anyone suggest a decent 70-200?
I've seen the Sigma and Tamron 70-200 f2.8 has anyone used either of these?

the sigma has the faster AF speed, and works great on the a700, balanced perfectly with a grip. the sony is the one to go for if you have the money, but the sigma is fine, check through my motocross pics. or check my site www.paspixx.com, all are taking with the sigma 70-200 and a200 or a700.

 

[chrism_scotland]

the sigma has the faster AF speed, and works great on the a700, balanced perfectly with a grip. the sony is the one to go for if you have the money, but the sigma is fine, check through my motocross pics. or check my site www.paspixx.com, all are taking with the sigma 70-200 and a200 or a700.

Thanks mate I will take a look I think the Sigma is my preferred option to be honest due to the cost of it but I will take a look at your shots!

 

[puddleduck]

Hey folks

I'm looking for a Tamron Adaptall 2 attachment for KM / Sony. I assume "MD" mount is going to be no good for my A900...

Anyone know a source of Adaptall 2 attachments for Sony digital cameras?

-Andy

 

[Slimbert]

Hey folks

I'm looking for a Tamron Adaptall 2 attachment for KM / Sony. I assume "MD" mount is going to be no good for my A900...

Anyone know a source of Adaptall 2 attachments for Sony digital cameras?

-Andy

Not sure what you mean, but you can get an adaptor so MD lenses will fit onto an Alpha mount. Just obviously no AF!!

There's some great MD glass around for peanuts! And it will all be full frame!!

 

[springtide]

Hey folks

I'm looking for a Tamron Adaptall 2 attachment for KM / Sony. I assume "MD" mount is going to be no good for my A900...

Anyone know a source of Adaptall 2 attachments for Sony digital cameras?

-Andy

You can get 'Adaptall 2' from Ebay. Probably best place to ask is on Dyxum, but I did a search for 'Adaptall 2 Sony' and a few items came up.
Not used any myself so can't really comment on how good they work. Always seemed a bit of a black art this MF thingy, although I will put up with MF when I eventually get around to buying the Sony (or KM) 135 STF.

Not sure about MD adapters, think you can get them but not sure.

M42 adapters are also popular, some of which have been chipped to allow focus confirmation.

I would read over on Dyxum before buying as I think there were some discussions in relation to adapters and the a900.
http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/lens-talk-area_forum1.html

BTW, did you manage to pick up that lens I pointed out?