Ebay Score...

[Lonnie Utah]

I am a fairly active person (Fly fish, Mountain/Road Bike, Snow skiing). As most of you know, my GF bought me a A900, which I love. However, I am a bit reluctant to put a body of that quality in a back pack where crashing or immersion in water is a real possibility. So I started looking for a "knock around" body/lens. Part of the A900 deal that she got was the much maligned Sony 18-250 3.5/5.6, which I have found to be OK, but not really worthy of the 900.

So being the fugal shopper that I am, I started cruising e-bay, (flea-bay?) looking for a sony body that I could throw in my backpack/ski parka and not worry too much about it.

Well, after a few weeks of looking, I found a deal on a A200 with a vertical grip, and a sigma Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DG DF (with skylight filter). Seven day auction, $400 opening price. I added it to my watch list. With 5 mins to go, zero bids. This was the deal. With 30 seconds to go, I made my bid, and picked up the package for $425. I got everything yesterday, and the whole setup is mint. I think I scored a really good deal. I think the lens alone is worth close to what I paid. That was what really appealed to me, the lens. The body was just gravy.

I am planning on using the 24-70 to shoot full frame on the A900. The limited number of test shots in I got last night were encouraging. Same thing with the A200. While it's not the machine that the 900 is, it is not intended to be.

So, question to the collective. Did I do as well as I think I think did? I am pretty happy right now.

L

[David Kilpatrick]

The Sony 18-250mm was best in its class until the Sigma 18-250mm appeared with 50% extra weight and size, and higher cost.

It would team up perfectly with an A200 or A700 - those would be the only two alternative bodies I would suggest to go with the A900. So getting an A200 is a good decision. It's probably the best match to the 18-250mm of any body, for hiking.

And the 24-70mm Sigma is ideal for the A900 - so you seem to have found a 'fit' straight off.

David

[Lonnie Utah]

And the 24-70mm Sigma is ideal for the A900 - so you seem to have found a 'fit' straight off.

Yup. I think the final lens in the kit is going to be a 70-200 2.8 Sigma or Sony G. Still thinking about it. Teamed with a 2x coverter, and my existing lenses, will give me the ability to cover 99.99% of my anticipated needs. Anything else would just be for showing off...

Edit: I already owned the Sony CZ 16-35 F2.8...

[destrianlives]

That's exactly the combination I have and its frickin' GREAT! Good score! The 24-70mm F2.8 is a great lens on the A900. Its sharper on the A700 because the edges are somewhat lost due to the crop factor but wow will you be pleased to have a return to wide angle! Here's two image created with the A900 and the 24-70 sigma

Check out my blog for how I created these (includes a lighting diagram and gearlist) hiccup! http://www.davidgriffinphotography.com/blog

[Dr. Harout]

wow, great shots, beautiful lighting