re: sugestions for a wide angle lens for the Sony A100

[dxpaap]

Does anyone have a suggestion for an OK quality, low priced wide angle lens for the Sony A100.

thanks

dave

 

[tfinch2]

The kit lens?

 

[AmigaMan]

did you want a prime lens or a zoom lens? I've been thinking about this Sigma that's a 24-70 f2.8 for $429. I've already got a 28 and 50 prime, so I feel I'm good in that department.

 

[AndrewR]

The only low cost wide angle you're likely to find is the kit lens, though of course your definition of "low cost" is critical to finding a lens. The best option for not too much money at current prices is the Konica-Minolta 17-35mm (D) which runs around $250 last time I looked for auctions. It's a very good lens for the money, and I've been pleased with my purchase.

The Minolta 28mm f/2.8, which isn't really wide angle on the A100, is a fair prime candidate for under $100 at auctions. You could also look for the Minolta 24-50mm f/4 which is an older metal-body lens but is supposed to be pretty good at also under $100, but it's harder to find.

Other options are probably out of your low end range: KM/Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5, Sigma 18-50 f/2.8.

Here are two I've never seen before: Tokina and Tamron 19-35 f/3.5-4.5 which run under $200 (Tokina is about $150, Tamron closer to $200). Check dyxum.com for the full range of lenses that are available, and you can read some user reviews of all these lenses.

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: AndrewR
The only low cost wide angle you're likely to find is the kit lens, though of course your definition of "low cost" is critical to finding a lens. The best option for not too much money at current prices is the Konica-Minolta 17-35mm (D) which runs around $250 last time I looked for auctions. It's a very good lens for the money, and I've been pleased with my purchase.

The Minolta 28mm f/2.8, which isn't really wide angle on the A100, is a fair prime candidate for under $100 at auctions. You could also look for the Minolta 24-50mm f/4 which is an older metal-body lens but is supposed to be pretty good at also under $100, but it's harder to find.

Other options are probably out of your low end range: KM/Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5, Sigma 18-50 f/2.8.

Here are two I've never seen before: Tokina and Tamron 19-35 f/3.5-4.5 which run under $200 (Tokina is about $150, Tamron closer to $200). Check dyxum.com for the full range of lenses that are available, and you can read some user reviews of all these lenses.

Tokina 19-35mm is the original plastic fantastic lens.

 

[AmigaMan]

if it's the kit lens you want, you might be able to find someone who's upgraded to a better lens who wants to get rid of their kit lens. I'll probably do that at some point when I upgrade to that Sigma I posted, but unfortunately it will be a couple months before I do that.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

can you get the sigma 10-20mm lens for the sony? i know they make canon and nikon fits, and i think its a proper digital lens so you dont need to worry about the crop factor

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
can you get the sigma 10-20mm lens for the sony? i know they make canon and nikon fits, and i think its a proper digital lens so you dont need to worry about the crop factor

yup

also mounts on regular 35 mm cameras. i had some fun with mine on a rebel 2000.

 

[dxpaap]

yup, got some good idea's to look into - thanks.

"low price" is relative to ones pocket book, but I knew that posing the question that I'd get a good ball park on what to expect (and how much to save for

thanks

dave

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
if it's the kit lens you want, you might be able to find someone who's upgraded to a better lens who wants to get rid of their kit lens. I'll probably do that at some point when I upgrade to that Sigma I posted, but unfortunately it will be a couple months before I do that.

Crop factor is always a concern because all lenses are given in 35mm terms for consistency. So, that lens is 15-30mm on a 1.5x.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
if it's the kit lens you want, you might be able to find someone who's upgraded to a better lens who wants to get rid of their kit lens. I'll probably do that at some point when I upgrade to that Sigma I posted, but unfortunately it will be a couple months before I do that.

Crop factor is always a concern because all lenses are given in 35mm terms for consistency. So, that lens is 15-30mm on a 1.5x.

different sigma. he posted this one

it wouldn't be bad as a standard lens, but it starts out at 36 on 1.5x bodies. that's not quite as wide as many people like. i will note that most 3x digicams start at ~36, so 36 to 105 isn't an uncommon range to be sure.

seems to review well, though

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
if it's the kit lens you want, you might be able to find someone who's upgraded to a better lens who wants to get rid of their kit lens. I'll probably do that at some point when I upgrade to that Sigma I posted, but unfortunately it will be a couple months before I do that.

Crop factor is always a concern because all lenses are given in 35mm terms for consistency. So, that lens is 15-30mm on a 1.5x.

different sigma. he posted this one

it wouldn't be bad as a standard lens, but it starts out at 36 on 1.5x bodies. that's not quite as wide as many people like. i will note that most 3x digicams start at ~36, so 36 to 105 isn't an uncommon range to be sure.

seems to review well, though

24mm (36) would be fine, I'd think. It's nice to have the 17-35mm range of my KM lens, but frankly, I don't use it that much. I really like the 28-75, but it would be exceptionally nice with an extra 4mm on the wide angle.

Zeiss is coming out with a 24-70mm f/2.8, possibly to be announced next month, but I imagine the price is going to be astronomical. I've seen speculation of $1200+.

 

[AmigaMan]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
if it's the kit lens you want, you might be able to find someone who's upgraded to a better lens who wants to get rid of their kit lens. I'll probably do that at some point when I upgrade to that Sigma I posted, but unfortunately it will be a couple months before I do that.

Crop factor is always a concern because all lenses are given in 35mm terms for consistency. So, that lens is 15-30mm on a 1.5x.

different sigma. he posted this one

it wouldn't be bad as a standard lens, but it starts out at 36 on 1.5x bodies. that's not quite as wide as many people like. i will note that most 3x digicams start at ~36, so 36 to 105 isn't an uncommon range to be sure.

seems to review well, though

yeah, the 36mm (non)wide angle kinda sucks, but it's the f2.8 that makes me want it. I rarely need the extra wide angle, although inside houses with small rooms make it worthwhile to have. Wish someone would come out with a 17-105 f1.8 for under $500. I'd never take it off.

 

[GrJohnso]

Options, zoom or prime? Bang for buck, if you don't need superwide, the Kit 18mm+ zoom is "ok" and can be found for as little as $50 on eBay..

Keep your eyes open for the KM 17-35 2.8-4 Zoom, as it's a great full frame lens and can be had around $200 if you are lucky.. I scored one without hood two months ago for $160...

Otherwise, if you don't need something super-wide a quick fast option is the old Minolta 28mm 2.8f.. Cheap ($50-$75), small, and easily found..

The Tamron 17-50mm has had good reviews, and Sigma did release a new lens in a similar size that has gotten better reviews than their previous efforts in this range for the A-mount...

Anyway, check dyxum.com under lenses for great info, reviews, prices, samples, etc... Best single lens resource for all things Minolta and now Sony Alpha...

Also check KEH.com for used lenses once you figure out what you want. Their prices are 'okay' for most lenses, and give you an idea what you should be paying..

- Greg