New Sony Lenses

[ECam]

Does anyone get the feeling that the new Sony "kit" lenses will be of similar quality as the present 18-70mm kit lens Sony sells with its Alpha cameras? If the prices listed for the new lenses are any indication, they will probably be of the same quality. I have also read that the new bodies can not bought separately, but must be purchased with one of the new kit lenses. Is this true? I certainly hope not.

[Javelin]

Theres not kits without lenses anywhere. they are all on the web sites for pre order now. there was a test between the new 18-55 and the old 18-70 kit lens that favoured the new one by a wide margin at the wide end. I think we can assume it's a better lens than the old one just because it exists. also if you like built in focus motors on the lenses then your all set.

[KevinBarrett]

It is true that the new camera bodies will be sold only with kit lenses, but do not worry. As Javelin points out, there have already been tests that show the new 18-55 is far superior to the old 18-70 kit.

http://artaphot.ch/index.php?option=com ... &Itemid=43

[bfitzgerald]

Well they will probably be better. Though we must remember, there are good and bad 18-70's about, and 2 sony ones I had were utterly inferior to the KM one.
Esp notable tele end how poor they were.

The big worry is this new SAM thing, it might not be very fast, might not be that quiet..could be a waste of time.

[Javelin]

Well these lenses sure strike me as disposable. even in the Polish review on the 50/1.8 they say that things deteriorate on plastic lenses after a lot of use.. Part of the reason I hope all the better bodies keep their focus motors and Sony continues to make lenses with the screw drive. but that runs against common sense from a certain stanpoint.

[bfitzgerald]

Nothing wrong with plastic as such, the film 7 warmed me up to that concept
Back to lenses, well we are a long time away from the oldie Minolta metal AF lenses, and those days are gone for good. I have no problem with plastic, for a kit lens. Though I think at the suggested price for this/these lenses (primes), they could have/should have beefed the build up a bit, and done a metal mount on them.

Kit lenses, I think are acceptable plastic mounts..not sure anything else should be though. You get the feeling from the review, the plastics used are not so good, there is good quality and hmm quality plastic!

[bfitzgerald]

As they say you get what you pay for,

Well not exactly. NIkon 50mm f1.8 metal mount average uk price just over £100, I don't expect the 50mm DT to be priced as low.
Pay 50% more and get erm, a plastic mount

[ECam]

Thank you Kevin Barrett for posting the link to the test comparison of the old Sony 18-70mm kit lens and the new 18-55mm kit lens that comes with the new Alpha bodies. Of course, this test is far from being definitive, as well you know, but it gives a good indication that the new 18-55mm kit lens is of significantly better quality than the old 18-70mm kit lens. It seems to make it more attractive to buy an A380 with the 18-55mm kit lens than to get an A350 and a Tamron AF 17-50mm (or other after market lens) to get some decent glass for the 14.2MP sensor.

[KevinBarrett]

Actually, ECam, I would recommend the a350 right now, ASAP, as would most of the people here, despite the difference in kit lenses. The ultimate a350 bundle with vertical grip, 18-70, 55-200, and a few other goodies is still cheaper than the upcoming a380's basic kit, and offers more controls and functionality with the same sensor. As for the Tamron 17-50/2.8, it is a top-quality lens for anybody with an APS-C camera.