Which 50mm lens?

[Tony Meredith]

The sigma 24mm f1.8, and the sigma 30mm f1.4 are both about the same price as the sigma 50mm f1.4. I don't think 50mm is too long for the style i have in mind. In fact i would be hesitant to use a lens of less than 50mm equiv. on FF. Most people seem to be happy with the minolta 50 f1.7, so i will keep looking for one of these, and use my tamron in the mean time.

[InTheSky]

I just received a 50mm F/1.7 yesterday to give me a chance to play with it on the A900. For a long time I had not played with this lens because of my sony 50 1.4.

For what I have seen this morning, the lens is better than I though. And I have got it on ebay for 85$ two weeks ago.

The other alternative, is to convert a old MD lens with the back design allowing it. But you will have to focus manually. On my side I have the 50mm 1.2 and 58mm 1.2 who are really really good on the A900. Both need really a small amount of time to modify (drill 4 holes on the correct place on a standard AF confirm focus M42 for 60$ programmed at F/1.1).

I will probably post some picture of the 50mm F/1.7. For me this lens will stay for ever a very good buy for any Alpha mount user. (And better for full frame user). In the price range for the quality, this is a no brainer for investment.

Regards,

Frank

[InTheSky]

http://www.pbase.com/nadeauf/minolta50mm17_a900

some picture there taken yesterday with the 50mm F/1.7 on the A900. Compressed at 75 % from RAW in JPEG on lightroom.

[David Kilpatrick]

It doesn't look bad wide open. A good sample of the lens!

David

[InTheSky]

It doesn't look bad wide open. A good sample of the lens!

David

I have the same impression, for having played with some other before with the 7D. I need to look if by chance I have an another one somewhere in my house .

But for now. base on this one, I can say that I recommend it for any Full frame user.

[berlin steve]

I have 3 Minolta 50mm 1.7 lenses and here is why.

1st lens- had to have one as everyone raves about them. Bought one on Ebay and was very happy with it. Clean, focus good. It was missing back plastic cover, so the seller "threw in" an old 7000 camera as cover, and the Minolta lens cap was missing, and he had another branded lens cap. Nonetheless a very nice lens.

2nd lens was bought as part of pack including Minolta 135mm f2.8. This is a great lens, and the 50mm is as good as first.

3rd lens was sold very cheap on Ebay because the seller of a 5000 couldn't spell "Minlota" ;o) and he forgot to say there was a 50mm attached. His "Minlota" with lens which I e-mailed him and he confirmed it was a 50mm went for around 40% less than normal. I couldn't resist the bargain and bought the 3rd.

Now I need to sell 2 of the 3 to help finance the 135mm and they'll be on Ebay soon, along with some camera bodies I have picked up along the way.

I'm sure there are many people who have a collection of this lens for the very same reason. If I ever see an extra 50mm or beercan, I will probably snap it up again simply to resell to finance my addiction of trying to improve my own collection of classic but good lenses.

[artington]

The Minolta 50/3.5 macro is brilliant - sharp as a tack (not necessaril an advantage for a portrait lens though)