Minolta/sony 50 mm 1.7 af

[Jujitsu1]

I've been thinking of getting a 50mm lens for my sony. I came across this one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170502493988&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT What I'd like to know is would this blur the background nice and easy. I'm gonna be a guest at a wedding next month and thought if it was then I may be able to get some nice shots of the B&G.

 

[onomatopoeia]

I've owned a couple at different times in the past. You will get a pleasing defocused effect with the aperture wide open with that lens. You should also find it useably sharp at f/1.7 and very sharp from f/2.8 on. Plus, like most of old the Minolta lenses the colours it produces are lovely (obviously not such an issue on digital with the pp options available).

edit - if you modify the title to include "Minolta" people with Sony and/or Minolta cameras might be more likely to look at this topic and comment

 

[Jujitsu1]

Thank you for the comment and I've edited it now to inclued the word Minolta

 

[rob_t]

I bought the Minolta 50/1.7 a couple of weeks for the exact same reason. Having had a little play with it the results are very pleasing! Useable at f1.7 and very sharp from 2.8. It's the first prime lens I've bought and it takes a little getting used to, using your feet rather than the zoom

Quick pic taken with it at f2.2

 

[heyho]

They are a great lens, but do seem still to fetch a good price on the bay, typically around £80.

I think the price has dropped a fraction since the release of the Sony 50mm 1.8, which would also be an option. Supposedly sharper wide open than the Minolta, and has the SAM focus motor, although the one I tried didn't appear to AF as fast as I'd expected it to.

Obviously, the Minolta is also usable on full frame.

 

[Jujitsu1]

Very good. I think I'll get round to buying one pay day then.

 

[ki_user]

Cracking little lens. you are quite welcome to give mine a go before you buy one if you want.

 

[Faldrax]

The 50 f1.7 is a great little lens - it was the first 'extra' lens I got after starting with an A200 kit.

Like you I bought it for a wedding I was going to, and the ability to take shots inside the church without flash was great. Outside it gave great separation for portraits, and was super sharp.

It's small size and versatility mean it is rare that I take the camera but not the 50.