SONY DSLR user ... reveal thyself!

[DonSchap]

The number of SONY users has been on the increase ... and that is a good thing in the way of support and sharing the fun you are having with your camera.

Attached to this is a poll for the next six months ... where you can add your particular camera(s) and then introduce yourself to the rest of the forum or the first time (or the umpteenth time).

Perhaps you could take a moment, in this thread, and explain:


Why you are using a SONY versus another brand,
Add what you are planning to add to your camera (in the near future)
What you would like to get from your participation in the forum
Maybe provide the best reason you plan on continuing with your SONY.
Where you are located


Thank you for participating and have a say!

[seanhoxx]

Wonders if Don is conducting a research program? LOL O.K> so here we go:
My name is Sean, Hoxx is short for my last name. Why Sony? well I did my research and was familier with the 'legendary' Minolta line, the phrase true Minolta color, etc. I also in the past had Sony stereo equipment, and about the time I was starting to look into going DSLR the adds for the A700 started popping up. As a bit of and aside I came across this site and spent weeks reading and lurking, then started asking questions, I took the plunge and went right to the A700 as my first ever D/SLR.
As far as planning to add? well lots and lots of things, but likely a nice solid monopod with a grip ball pistol grip release head. And a external flash, the 42 is more reasonable, but the 58 would be all the flash I think i could ever want or need.
What would I like to get? well someone was saying something about free beer but thats hasn't worked out yet. So I guess a solid base of photography education, 'so far so good" Maybe a sense of belonging? a web community / friendship thing?
Reason to continue? I have to much time, money etc. invested in Sony to switch platforms, everything I have learned about photography other then point and snap has been with and on Sony gearAnd then of course the whole damn in body vs. in lens IS debate, well in body may not be as 'good' yet, it does make every lens IS and makes the glass 'cheaper' please lets not rehash the pros and cons of this again.
Where am I? on a small planet far far away...no wait thats something else.
I am in a small town in North central Ohio called Millersburg, it is in Holmes County, come visit us sometime!

[laydros]

I really use my A300 99% of the time, but in the process of picking up lenses I got a Maxxum 5000, which actually takes great pictures. I also picked up a Minolta Hi-Matic AF, which takes horrible pictures, and a Hi-Matic 9, which is a spectacular camera, but seems to have a broken shutter. I may have it repaired sometime soon. Look at info on the 9 at this link. (http://www.growlery.com/minolta_hi-matic_9/)

I am Jason Hamilton, and I'm currently finishing up school at North Carolina State, and a full-time co-op at IBM, where I am a sys admin for the DataPower development team in Raleigh. I'm majoring in agricultural business management and minoring in computer science.

I live in Raleigh with my beautiful wife and our daughter, who was born 2008/12/29.

I have played guitar most of my life, but I have always been interested in visual arts as well. While taking some drawing and painting classes in high school, I was always more interested in taking photography, but at the time didn't have the money to get into it. So when we had the new baby coming, I finally talked my wife into it. I debated mostly between a Canon XSi and Sony A300, both had their strong points, and ended up getting the A300 because it was the first to really go on sale. In the end I'm really glad I ended up with the Sony instead of the XS/XSi or the D40/D60 because my hands are too big for the others. As I have recently been discussing, I am willing to look at the other brands for a step up camera, but I think for a number of reasons, Sony has the best entry level cameras. As I use the above mentioned film camera, I remember how important the in-body image stabilization is.

Next purchase might be moving to a semi-pro camera, but considering my wife's reaction will probably be either a f/2.8 wide prime, or a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. I need something fast besides my 50mm.

One of my favorite purchases so far, which was a very recent one, was a 3rd party battery grip. As I mentioned above I have big hands, and the camera feels much more natural and solid with the grip.

[DonSchap]

Yes, I, too, am an admitted SONY DSLR user.

It all started ...

... and I bought the A700, with which I have been delighted.

Thanks for listening. I did not want to run on too long.

[dbatapbr]

Hi, I am new to the forum. My name is David Briley. I had a KM D7 that recently died. I was tetering on whether to move to another system or remain where I am. There is even a camera store that I visit that handed me a D700 with a fine prime lens and let me walk outside (unguarded) to take some photos with. It is a really nice camera, it was hard not to get in the car. I was still tetering because there were things that I was not pleased with about the sonys. Then I read the threads about the updates to the A700, went to the Sony Style store shot it and bought it.

When the wallet gets resusitated, next will be better lenses.

I am looking for honest critiques and opinions concerning photography and my photos. I feel it is necessary for growth.

I am hoping that later they will work more on the A900 or its successor to move up.

I am in a small area in Central Florida, I am a range control officer at an air force bombing range. We have 106,000 acres of natural acerage here. I also have a deal with our biological scientist. He knows the plants, I have the camera, he gets a copy for work, I keep the rights. So expect alot of plant photos later.

[Elisha]

the D700 is badass. too bad it costs double of the A700.

i'm a Sony hater but i loved Minolta so since the DSLRs are not 100% Sony technology, i decided to get the a200 initially then the a300.

would love to get more lenses especially the 50mm F1.4 and 135mm STF. not very decided on a wide angle option yet.

[DonSchap]

Any other SONY DSLR camera owners out there? Come on guys ... consider this a round up and let's see what we can do as a group, eh?

[Rooz]

i think you should start a new poll.

[dbatapbr]

I think we should get a concensus on whether we should take another poll. I know the wide angles are harder to decide. There are times when it would come in handy, but how wide do I want to go, I am pretty sure I don't want to get into fisheye. I do want the 50mm and when taking bird or animal photos, is there ever really enough mm's? I always end up saying, if I only had ___mm .

[DonSchap]

One of the issues I have found is the atmospheric degradation, when using hugely long telephotos over astounding distances. The air actually becomes a consideration, much like it is with a long distance sniper shot. It distorts the image through heat, humidity and wind.

A good comparison is when looking at the shuttle shots, when they launch. The long distance telephoto looks great when filtered, but in raw it is quite different.

Yeah, if I only had that blanking' ____ mm lens.

[millz]

a350 and why sony. ive always owned sony stuff and have been happy. liked the steadyshot built in the camera. only regret when i was on here early asking what to buy i wish someone would have said just start with the a700.

[SONYNUT]

First minolta srt 101 from shaffer camera hollywood 1973
then an x-gm
then a x-700
stuck with the x-700 for a long time..auto focus was not a big deal for me

then when digital opened up..started with a minolta d5
weeks later sony came out with the a100 so i sold my 5d for what i paid,and got the a100.
Then the a700
and now the a900.

This will/should be my last...lol

[Tom F]

I got a Minolta DiMAGE A1 when they first came out. It has the built in anti shake that I loved. When sensor went bad and it was being repaired under warranty I picked up a Konica Minolta 5D mainly for the built in anti shake. After having the 5D for a few years I decided to upgrade. The logical choice to me has a Sony Alpha so I bought an a350. After a few months I was feeling like the 350 wasn't that much of an upgrade over the 5D. Then I got an a700 and gave the a350 to my wife for her to use.

[dbatapbr]

I looked long and hard at all the options. First for most of my photos I only need one thing. My glasses, so I can see the focus because I do mostly manual focusing. I want accurate auto focus but they are perfect. Especially on the flowers, you can't count on the camera to know exactly what you are looking at.The Mandrill shot in the PotD was manual focus.

[DonSchap]

I looked long and hard at all the options. First for most of my photos I only need one thing. My glasses, so I can see the focus because I do mostly manual focusing. I want accurate auto focus but they are perfect. Especially on the flowers, you can't count on the camera to know exactly what you are looking at.The Mandrill shot in the PotD was manual focus.


You need to buy a eyepiece corrector (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644548861) (<- click here for link) with added diopter, if the camera cannot adjust adequately (+2 or -2) with it's own adjustment (see red arrow below).

44732

These correctors snap right into the viewfinder, to alleviate the need for your glasses. The only other issue with that is that any OTHER user (than the owner) will not be able to make regular use of the camera in manual focus, unless they remove it (easy enough, but also easy to misplace (keep it safe). I know I had a second one around here, someplace ... arrgh). It truly becomes YOUR camera.

[DonSchap]

a350 and why sony. ive always owned sony stuff and have been happy. liked the steadyshot built in the camera. only regret when i was on here early asking what to buy i wish someone would have said just start with the a700.

'Millz' ... I seem to remember a "budget" ... but, I could be wrong. Lord knows, it would not be the first time. In my own defense, though, more often than not, I have tried to steer people away from the introductory cameras when I could. In fact, as my ol' buddy 'Rooz' will attest, I took a lot of heat when I stepped up and suggested that all SERIOUS photographers START with the the A700. No matter what camera system they were contemplating!

In fact ... here's "the beating" I took for just being frank, honest and to the point ... from a terrific bunch of ...


THE THREAD OF THREADS (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35779) (<- click here for some more from)

Gotta love it! :rolleyes:

Once again (it's in there) ... go get your α700 and be happy!

[Burnside]

* Why you are using a SONY versus another brand,
At the point where I could not hold back from jumping from point & shoot to DSLR, the a100 was affordable and I liked the in-camera image stabilization feature.

* Add what you are planning to add to your camera (in the near future)
Tripod & remote shutter release
A nice wide angle - a 10-20mm would give me a total range of 10-200 across two lenses.

* What you would like to get from your participation in the forum

Informed opinions. I've lurked for a few days and I've found them, so it's time to give back, if I can. I've been taking photos for over 40 years using everything from a Minox to a Zone VI 4x5. But, oh man - ain't digital wonderful?!?!?

* Maybe provide the best reason you plan on continuing with your SONY.

Satisfied user for about 3 years.

* Where you are located

Beautiful Harveys Lake, PA - usually about 6" from something on the ground - gotta live that tilting live view!

[DonSchap]

Mike - I'm not certain how well that Quantaray 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 is workin' for you, but if you like using that wide of a focal range and enjoy the convenience, you just might want to do a comparison series against a TAMRON or SONY 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3, just to see if that new piece of glass could improve your overall results. From what I have found, it is a terrific improvement over the older 18-200s ... and many others will agree.

Many will say, the progressive thing to do is bust up the range, and tackle it in several pieces, but it is hard to argue against a lens you do not have to constantly change.

Again, a good side-by-side series will reveal all you need to know about that minor upgrade and improvement in image quality.

How about posting some of your efforts on the SONY POTD (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42088) thread. People are turning in all sorts of wonderful things they've enjoyed imaging.

Again, welcome to the SONY DSLR forum ... it's a fun bunch and seems to be growing nicely.

[Tom F]

As far as the where wouldn't be nice if everyone would add it to their profile so it would show in the upper right hand corner of their posts.

[seanhoxx]

Welcome new people, post away and jump in! Good idea Tom, depending where in Indiana Don and I could sneek in on ya from both sides LOL.

[Tom F]

Tom, depending where in Indiana Don and I could sneek in on ya from both sides LOL.

Do you know where Muncie is?

[DonSchap]

Well ... 22 SONY Cameras ... we should have some solid contribution levels with that kind of stated representation. As Dr4gon would most likely say, "Post 'em on POTD!"

:D

[dr4gon]

Yeah, put em up. I (we) would all like to see your best shots (~1/day)

[seanhoxx]

What if I don't have good shots! are mediocore ones o.k. LOL

[DonSchap]

Well ... when I checked the title ... it said "SONY DSLR Photograph of the Day" and didn't qualify it. I think you are safe ...except from 'Rooz' ... our favorite Nikonian has got his magnifying glass and scalpel at the ready

[seanhoxx]

lol I don't mind the C&C and don't even mind getting cut up or down. See I KNOW I still take bad shots, someday I want to become a photographer instead of a picture taker, but so fer it makes me happy, and I'm having fun. Just don't tell me my images make you want to hurl, and you wouldn't let your dogs eat it afterwards LOL.

[DonSchap]

I would hope we could be a little better to one another than that. But it is an Obama-nation. You never know what you are going to get. Just wait a day, it'll change ... AGAIN! Just ask Wall Street. :(

[Peekayoh]

Well ... 22 SONY Cameras ... we should have some solid contribution levels with that kind of stated representation. As Dr4gon would most likely say, "Post 'em on POTD!":D

I agree, get posting, we won't bite you (might give you a bit of a nip). POTD is about sharing your better pics with other keen users of the Sony System and perhaps being inspired by other posts.


What if I don't have good shots! are mediocore ones o.k. LOL

I know this is "tongue in cheek", Sean, but I think it depends, to an extent, upon your level of experience and perception. The fact that you recognise a shot as mediocre means you don't post it unless you're not sure why it's mediocre. In which case you may get feedback to point you in the right direction. An experienced user may suffer harsher criticism than a "newbie".

I think an important part of POTD is that the more experienced offer help and advice to other members. I should say that any constructive criticism is always well intentioned and not meant as a put down, after all, we all need to learn somehow and I'm not too proud to admit that I'm still learning; digital is a whole new world for me. I wish this sort of discussion forum had been available when I started, it would have saved me an awful lot of money learning the hard way.

[seanhoxx]

Your right on the money Peter, yes most of that was tongue in cheek, but also based on fact, Lots of stuff I post is just for the fun of it, to put it up, for that I mostly start a new thread. In POTD and threads where posting a image is a response to the thread i want need and hope to get C&C and suggestions, advice, comments, and even seeing what others can do by playing around with a image, and this applies to mine and to others. by looking reading watching and following up I feel I have learned a huge amount of photo knowledge from here. Now I need to continue on and try and apply that knowledge, practice practice, and then some more. And I think everyone has something they can share or teach here with the others.

[DonSchap]

We could think of this as an "intercontinental photo club" and just enjoy sharing what we can, when we can. The SONY DSLR forum is growing substantially and I feel pretty confident that the "good will" we all seem to express in mutual support is contagious.

Personally, I want to say "Thank you all for participating ... and making this a lot more substantial."

By analyzing and reassessing the tools of this process, I have truly enjoyed using my camera a "grunch" more. Even 'Rooz' has made me realize that I need to pay more attention to my enthusiasm and not let blind me that there are some sensitive blokes on this board.

But, then again, SONY DSLRs are our focus, so to speak! Whatever we can do to make them work better, more efficiently and with less effort ... that can be a good thing. The idea is getting out product that has good composition, clearly depicted and ... punch! To that end ... we give it our best shot. So say we all!

[seanhoxx]

LOL I get the reference Don

[DonSchap]

Honestly, for the most part, it has been a real pleasure shooting with the SONY system. I find myself relatively safe when I swing up the ol' rig and take the shot ... it looks relatively stable (if I am not too overly aggressive), well focused and offers excellent color (provided I do not use the "kit" lens.)

The best part is having a "stabilized" TAMRON SP AF 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD shot. That just wasn't possible with my last DSLR brand (name withheld to avoid ticking off the neighbors). Long lenses are a real pain at 1/250 sec or slower, and not having stability for it. It almost demands a tripod for a proper shot, handheld. I fought tooth and nail before the SONY Super SteadyShot to get one. Now ... I can! Even the SONY/Minolta Autofocus 500mm f/8 Reflex, as light as it is, can survive and provide excellent results at the slower speeds.

I hope everyone else is enjoying SSS with their SONY DSLR. It may one of the best parts of owning one. ;)

[S3000]

Hi guys, I am new here too.

I am in Holland and it`s not easy making good pictures here. It`s most of the time gray and raining. We only got one season and it starts 1st January and ends 31rd December. I used to live in South Africa and I go there a lot on holliday and thats where I can make nice wild life photos

Why Sony? If you open my front door then everything is Sony. Flat screen, surround, blue ray and a lot more. I like the SSS that`s why I got Sony and decided on the A300 because its about the same as the A350`only a lot cheaper.

Apart from my gear (below) I got a wireless remote and a cheap tripot but it`s doing it`s job. The remote is very nice and a must.

I am new with DSLR so there is a lot that I can learn here.

Future gear will be a good flash and a good allround lens with macro so I can leave the kit lens at home. A700 will be on my wish list too after I win the jackpot. For now I am happy with my A300

[DWessel]

Here we go Don and all of the other Sony users:

The "D" in my login name is for Darin. My passion is photographing old courthouses and interesting architecture. Not always possible to get inside courthouses with a camera, and when you can it's not always possible or practical to set up a tripod. I had been using a Fujifilm Finepix S5200 5.1mp fixed lens camera. It generally took good quality pictures, but when it came to indoor shots ... blur blur blur ... or really soft images and a lot of noise. So, I wanted to move up to a digital SLR and specifically a full frame because I was tired of crop and trying to judge the image I was snapping with what I could ultimately print. And, since I had no lenses, I had no brand loyalty. So ...

Why you are using a SONY versus another brand:

I need image stabilization for a lot of the photos I take. I liked the image stabilization in the camera body and the flexibility it provides to buy non-IS lenses. I liked the idea of potentially picking up some of the Konica-Minolta lenses which my aunt (who worked in photo processing for about 20 years) raved about.

Add what you are planning to add to your camera (in the near future):

My first lens was the Tamron SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 macro. I just got the Sony 50mm f1.4. I was looking at the Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro to give me the option of macro images but opted for the f1.4 for more speed.

In the upcoming months, I'll be adding flash, battery grip and probably a lens in the wide-angle range and a 500mm+ reflex for the long distance shots.

What you would like to get from your participation in the forum:

I like the feed back on issues and quirks people are experiencing with Sony camera functions and lens choices. It's also great to see other people's photography and get new ideas on different ways to capture images.

Maybe provide the best reason you plan on continuing with your SONY.

I'm continuing to learn all the various functions the A900 offers. I'm continually amazed.

Where you are located:

Pasadena, CA.

And, I hope we continue to get more participation from Sony owners.

[DonSchap]

Darin,

Judging from a few of your comments, I would say looking into a TAMRON SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) might be worthwhile. Not only is it sharp and relatively bright, for a Zoom lens, but it will not cost a lot. About $369 from B&H. It will offer a lot of flexibility for interior shots, that the fixed focal length 50mm f/1.4 is limited with.

Since you already own the 70-200mm f/2.8, the 28-75mm f/2.8 also marries right up to it, nicely. A "matched set", to be sure. (Having and routinely using both, myself ;)) In fact, today, I am "three-lensing" my sling-bag and taking both the f/2.8s, the CZ 135mm f/1.8 and the HVL-F56AM flash to the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby District Finals. Maybe I can get some decent split-time shots, at the Finish Line.

[overbyc1]

Newbie here folks,

Just picked up an A350, after my trusty Canon PowerShot A80 bit the dust after nearly 6 years and 6 thousand photos, my wife and I decided that we should be taking better shots of our children. I've wanted to go DSLR for some time now, but now, forced by necessity, I had to go ahead with the purchase.

So I picked up:

Sony A350K, with 18-70 Kit Lens... ok so I know I will need to replace this.
SanDisk Extreme III - 8 GB Compact Flash
Ape Case - ACPRO1000 - DSLR bag.
and a Tiffen 55mm UV filter. (Not really sure why I need this yet, but it seems as if nearly everyone has one, and it was only 6 bucks.)

The case, card and filter should be here Monday.

We decided on the Sony due to the articulating screen with live view. The old canon had the fully movable LCD and it was one of our priorities when selecting a new brand. I almost waited for the Olympus E-620, but with an upcoming family vacation, I had to bite the bullet. Funny thing is, I've taken 200 photos this week, and only used the live view like 10 times.

So I need to learn the ropes really quickly, we leave in a week. We will be going to an Atlanta Braves night game, and the Atlanta aquarium. I was at the aquarium 2 years ago and the pics were dismal. Anyone have any good sites with a good run down, on all the settings this camera has? It already takes pics 5 times better than my old canon in auto mode, and I know it can do more.

I'm not in a position to get a better lens just yet, but know I will need one in the future.

Well, hello. I’m sure I will soon irritate you all with questions. Thanks for a great resource for the new guy.

Andy

[Elisha]

not sure how dark the aquarium would be, but don't expect miracle photos since the kit lens is not the brightest one out there. it does however have a very quick AF.
set the camera to ISO800 and go from there.

[DonSchap]

Welcome 'overbyc1' ... hope we can help you out.

Shots through aquarium glass are ... hmmm, what's the word I want here ... oh yeah ... difficult.

Why? Fingerprints, handptrints and filth! Kids love to touch and pound on the glass ... trying to coax the fish to come closer ... and make "fish eyes" at them. Remember, the most important accessory you can have is a wet rag and some glass cleaner. Do not use the flash ... reflection is terrible and you will probably scare the crap out of the fish. If you had a wireless or offset flash, you might stand a chance, but still, for the most part, forget it. You have what light they provide. Your eyes will automagically adjust ... your camera will not.

Why are fingerprints a problem? Because, the camera will autofocus on them, due to the backlighting that makes them show up to the camera. You can manually focus on the fish, but the last time I checked, fish were in one place ... NOW ... and another place ... NOW! They move and your manual tracking will be difficult. Autofocus may offer a fighting chance, but it will still be difficult in this diminished lighting scenario you have chosen.

You must use "predictive focus" which is basically assume the fish is going to be swimming near something in the tank. Pre-Focus on that "something", switch to MF and then just wait for mister fish to swim by it. When he does ... press the shutter release and you should have the shot.

This is something you can quickly practice at home.

Set your α350's to Manual Mode (M)
Set the White Balance (WB) to Tungsten -2.
Set the ISO = 800
Set the Aperture as wide as your lens will allow.
Place an object in the room, dim the room lights (no daylight) to one or two incandescent bulbs (about 60W each). and focus on it.
Switch to Manual Focus (MF)
Then have your photographic assistant, "lil' Johnnie", walk or run by it.
Just as he gets close enough to your pre-focus point, press the shutter release. (If he walks, your shutter speed with need to be 1/125th sec. If he runs ... 1/500th sec.)


What this will show you is the problem with low light and moving objects.

Let us know how this works for ya ... real soon. ;)

[overbyc1]

Wow,

Thanks for the advice, I'll be doing some testing tomorrow night, just as you have outlined. I'm a tad bit scared of the manual mode, but I suppose there is no time to learn like the present. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again.

[DonSchap]

Manual is control over your camera. Embrace the change ... because it is precisely that that gives you "the power" to make this capture. ;)

[seanhoxx]

Hi all the new folks i havent said hi to yet, and welcom, spending a lazy afternoon here catching up on my reading. Dwessel welcome, I work in a courthouse built in the 1850's if your ever in Ohio I can hook you up! When you say your thinking about getting a 500mm reflex for the long shots are you talking about the fixed 500mm f/8 ? it sounds like a cool lens, Don I think has one, but it depends what kind of long shots your wanting that lens produces really cool, or notorious 'doughnut hole' bokeah You may want to compare with the Tamron 200-500mm for your needs wants and desires of shooting?

[DWessel]

Hi all the new folks i havent said hi to yet, and welcom, spending a lazy afternoon here catching up on my reading. Dwessel welcome, I work in a courthouse built in the 1850's if your ever in Ohio I can hook you up! When you say your thinking about getting a 500mm reflex for the long shots are you talking about the fixed 500mm f/8 ? it sounds like a cool lens, Don I think has one, but it depends what kind of long shots your wanting that lens produces really cool, or notorious 'doughnut hole' bokeah You may want to compare with the Tamron 200-500mm for your needs wants and desires of shooting?

Seanhoxx:

Thanks for the offer. Yeah, I'm thinking about the fixed 500mm f/8. But might go for a 200-500mm for the versatility. I like to capture the details - usually at the top of roofs and high vaulted ceilings. Like this photo of the Riverside County Superior Courthouse.

[DonSchap]

My 500mm f/8 Reflex lens is not a Minolta/SONY model ... it is Vivitar MF model and there is no way it is even close to the TAMRON SP AF 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD. The TAMRON is one of the understated lenses of its kind and on a SONY DSLR, it is exceptionally well-suited and sharp, as the camera body provides stabilization for this long lens, when handheld. Considering the costs of the two lens are within $50 of each other ... the TAMRON is the obvious choice, unless you need really exceptionally lightweight ... then you would compromise with the SONY/Minolta AF 500mm f/8 Reflex.

Being stuck at a constant 500mm though ... that's a little tough, as we're not talking about taking a couple steps back, "to get it all in", but more like a couple hundred. LOL ;) The 200-500 can be adjusted and you get a very sharp, brighter image. How do you quantify that? I know ... shoot through it and find out for yourself. :D

[DWessel]

You've got me convinced. Two Tamrons on both sides of my 70-200mm f/2.8 ... that's quite a range with lots of options in between. :)

[DonSchap]

Looks like we're going to have to redo this poll ... the numbers have really taken a turn.

[dr4gon]

A300 = -2 people (Elisha and Laydros)
A700 = +1 (Elisha)

[mish13]

Hi my name is Michelle and I live on the Gold Coast in sunny Queensland Australia.
I am so glad I found this web sight, I have spent the last couple of weeks reading all the great information.
I chose the Sony because a friend has an A350 and I liked his photos. but before I brought it the camera store told me I can take home up to three cameras for a week each before I decide. I tried a Canon and a Pentax, sorry I cant remember which models.
I liked the feel of the Sony plus the flip screen is great for me because I have a bad back, so no bending down.
I am a total novice and have lots to learn.
My SonyA350 is my first DSLR and I am getting really frustrated.I have done two six week camera courses at the local tafe. I take lots of photos but still am not happy with the shots I take. I know its me and not the camera (I hope) I try to not put it in Auto but I end up with lots of bad photos. The colour is poor or the photo is blurry. I thought I would get great photos with the Carl Zeiss lenses but they are no better then the kit lenses
One thing I don't understand is how do I know what aperture I can use for each lenses?
As I said I am a total novice so excuse me if my questions are silly, thanks:rolleyes:.

[DonSchap]

Mish13 ...

let's move this to a different thread posting and we shall go from there. I will start it, in the SONY DSLR Forum as "Aperture is worth a thousand bulbs"

Hope we can help you get this figured out. Ryan ('Dr4gon') is a darn good resource for the A300/A350 internals. He may just join in for particulars on those. Generally, the lenses are very similar to one another.

[Rooz]

Hi my name is Michelle and I live on the Gold Coast in sunny Queensland Australia.
I am so glad I found this web sight, I have spent the last couple of weeks reading all the great information.
I chose the Sony because a friend has an A350 and I liked his photos. but before I brought it the camera store told me I can take home up to three cameras for a week each before I decide. I tried a Canon and a Pentax, sorry I cant remember which models.
I liked the feel of the Sony plus the flip screen is great for me because I have a bad back, so no bending down.
I am a total novice and have lots to learn.
My SonyA350 is my first DSLR and I am getting really frustrated.I have done two six week camera courses at the local tafe. I take lots of photos but still am not happy with the shots I take. I know its me and not the camera (I hope) I try to not put it in Auto but I end up with lots of bad photos. The colour is poor or the photo is blurry. I thought I would get great photos with the Carl Zeiss lenses but they are no better then the kit lenses
One thing I don't understand is how do I know what aperture I can use for each lenses?
As I said I am a total novice so excuse me if my questions are silly, thanks:rolleyes:.

great to see another aussie here, even if you do shoot with a sony. ;) i'd be a bit worried about having done a 6 week course but not understanding aperture yet !! :eek: do yourself a HUGE favour and pick up "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. its superb.

btw: zeiss glass is very good and nothing like the crap kit lens, so your "faulty" photos are far more likely to be technique rather than equipment. post a few up and see where that leads you.

[dr4gon]

Hi my name is Michelle and I live on the Gold Coast in sunny Queensland Australia.
I am so glad I found this web sight, I have spent the last couple of weeks reading all the great information.
I chose the Sony because a friend has an A350 and I liked his photos. but before I brought it the camera store told me I can take home up to three cameras for a week each before I decide. I tried a Canon and a Pentax, sorry I cant remember which models.
I liked the feel of the Sony plus the flip screen is great for me because I have a bad back, so no bending down.
I am a total novice and have lots to learn.
My SonyA350 is my first DSLR and I am getting really frustrated.I have done two six week camera courses at the local tafe. I take lots of photos but still am not happy with the shots I take. I know its me and not the camera (I hope) I try to not put it in Auto but I end up with lots of bad photos. The colour is poor or the photo is blurry. I thought I would get great photos with the Carl Zeiss lenses but they are no better then the kit lenses
One thing I don't understand is how do I know what aperture I can use for each lenses?
As I said I am a total novice so excuse me if my questions are silly, thanks:rolleyes:.

Welcome, what lens are you using? The 16-80mm Carl Zeiss?

In addition to understanding exposure, a more basic level book I started out with were these two, volume 3 is on the way this year.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242055116&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-2/dp/0321524764/ref=pd_sim_b_1

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-3/dp/0321617657/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242055135&sr=1-1

It's a no-nonsense kind of a book to help get you rolling. I have to admit one year ago, I was disappointed in my pictures and really second guessed my purchase. Just keep at it! The more you use it, the more you'll learn and come to enjoy it.

[nodpete]

I went to a Sony a100 because I had a Minolta Maxxum 70 and I could get into the DSLR field with the lenses I already had.
Planning to add: 30mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.4 or 100mm f/2.8 (not sure yet)
70-210mm f/4.0 "beercan"
Reason to continue: don't have to buy all new equipment and I like Sony.

Equipment: Sony a100
Minolta Maxxum 70 SLR
18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens
10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Sigma
28-90mm f/3.5-5.6 Quantaray
18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Sigma
70-300mm f4-5.6 Sigma DL

[dr4gon]

I went to a Sony a100 because I had a Minolta Maxxum 70 and I could get into the DSLR field with the lenses I already had.
Planning to add: 30mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.4 or 100mm f/2.8 (not sure yet)
70-210mm f/4.0 "beercan"
Reason to continue: don't have to buy all new equipment and I like Sony.

Equipment: Sony a100
Minolta Maxxum 70 SLR
18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens
10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Sigma
28-90mm f/3.5-5.6 Quantaray
18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Sigma
70-300mm f4-5.6 Sigma DL

Welcome.

Out of those lenses, they have vastly different uses (well the 100mm compared with the other two mainly). Do you want to shoot macros or have a walk around prime lens suitable for anything else including low light, portraits, reducing DOF, etc....?

[mish13]

Thank you Don I will take a look at the other thread now.

Mish13 ...

let's move this to a different thread posting and we shall go from there. I will start it, in the SONY DSLR Forum as "Aperture is worth a thousand bulbs"

Hope we can help you get this figured out. Ryan ('Dr4gon') is a darn good resource for the A300/A350 internals. He may just join in for particulars on those. Generally, the lenses are very similar to one another.


great to see another aussie here, even if you do shoot with a sony. ;) i'd be a bit worried about having done a 6 week course but not understanding aperture yet !! :eek: do yourself a HUGE favour and pick up "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. its superb.

btw: zeiss glass is very good and nothing like the crap kit lens, so your "faulty" photos are far more likely to be technique rather than equipment. post a few up and see where that leads you.


Welcome, what lens are you using? The 16-80mm Carl Zeiss? Yes this is my everyday lens
I will see if I can get those books here if not I will order them from Amazon, thanks for the help
Michelle

In addition to understanding exposure, a more basic level book I started out with were these two, volume 3 is on the way this year.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242055116&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-2/dp/0321524764/ref=pd_sim_b_1

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-3/dp/0321617657/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242055135&sr=1-1

It's a no-nonsense kind of a book to help get you rolling. I have to admit one year ago, I was disappointed in my pictures and really second guessed my purchase. Just keep at it! The more you use it, the more you'll learn and come to enjoy it.

[DonSchap]

I went to a Sony a100 because I had a Minolta Maxxum 70 and I could get into the DSLR field with the lenses I already had.
Planning to add: 30mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.4 or 100mm f/2.8 (not sure yet)
70-210mm f/4.0 "beercan"
Reason to continue: don't have to buy all new equipment and I like Sony.

Equipment: Sony a100
Minolta Maxxum 70 SLR
18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens
10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Sigma
28-90mm f/3.5-5.6 Quantaray
18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Sigma
70-300mm f4-5.6 Sigma DL

'Nodpete' ... I would be very tentative with that SIGMA 70-300mm on the A100. It may have its focus gears for lunch. :eek: One of our other members, Frank, lost his Quantaray (made by SIGMA) 70-300 as it got smoked and stripped by the high-torque gearing of the camera body. He can still Manually Focus that bad boy, but autofocus is a goner.

Good luck with your gear and we look forward to you posting some work on the "SONY POTD" of this forum.

[nodpete]

dr4gon-I'm looking for a "walk around" with some macro & for low-light shooting. Price will also have a part in choosing. Both the 28-90 and the 70-300 have macro so I some ability for it. I know it's not true macro but--

Don-I bought the 70-300 for the Max 70 but have used it a lot on the a100. Probably a couple of thousand shots. I've not had a problem with it, but I do a lot of manual focusing so that may have helped. I heard that it was more of a problem on the a200 & 350 as far as stripping. Have you heard anything to that effect?

check some of my shots @

www.picasa.web.google.com/nodpete

Thanks for the responses !

[DonSchap]

'nodpete' ... I am simply saying that Frank's A100 did it in. There are other SONY/Minolta DSLR boards reporting similar issues with the Sigma/Quantaray 70-300. Just something to keep in mind ... should there be a loud whirring sound ... and no focus.

[dr4gon]

I'm no fan of sigma, but one of my friend's has the Sigma 30mm F/1.4 on his Canon and he can get really close to things making some macro shots. It's worth a consideration. Here's his flickr with some examples

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42504877@N00/tags/sigma30mmf14exdchsm/

Another lens you may consider for walking around and low light is a 50mm F/2.8 macro. I think for walking around, 100mm is way too long.

[Elisha]

if you are gonna buy a Sigma lens, just make sure it is a higher end ones. the non EX ones tend to not favour the Sony AF motor.
i've only heard of one Sigma EX lens dying on a Sony so far. the rest have been the lower end variety!

[SeaChelle]

Greetings!
I am very new here and to photography, but I am spending all my spare time reading forums and books to learn. I am leaving on a trip to Banff, Alberta this weekend and want to purchase another lens for my a100. I'd like to be able to spend some time researching before I made the purchase, but I really want to have it before this trip, so here I am asking for some advice. I have the kit lens and the Sony 70-300 right now and was planning on getting the Sony 100mm macro lens, but now thanks to all the posts I've read, I've realized that I probably should replace the kit lens before I get anything else. The Tamron 17-50 sounds like its the best bet from the posts I've read, but I'd like to maybe get some advice to see if thats what fits me the best. I love shallow dof and bright colorful photos and I shoot mostly people, equines and landscapes. I am pretty fascinated by the macro photo and would love to do more, but I suppose its not as important in the long run. Would the 17-50 still be what I should pick up, or is there something else that I might utilize more? Also, any minor accessories that would help my photos for Banff? Polarizing filter, etc? Thanks for any advice, and I look forward to learning from all of you.
Rachelle

[DonSchap]

Rachelle,

A lot depends on how much you plan on carrying the camera and what you want out of it. A serious consideration would be the TAMRON AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) lens, since you are out and about. It is what is termed a one-lens-solution and pretty good replacement and expansion on the "kit" lens (which should probably be destroyed). It is best in the outdoor environment, but if you add a decent flash (SONY HVL-F36AM, 42AM, 56AM, or 58AM) to your system, it can be successfully used, throughout its focal length, indoors, also.

Personally, it is on my A100 24/7, as the "grab&go" solution. It weighs only 15.2 oz and fits nicely into the SONY case.

46130

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r289/donschap/camera%20stuff/18-250--A100.jpg

Now, this lens is not the TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF), of course ... which offers a wider base aperture and but limits the focal length substantially. Again, this is determined what kind of use you will make of it.

I would consider 18-250, if at all possible, as a "traveling solution" ... as you probably will not have to change it off and on while you are on your trip ... and can leave the rest of your glass at home. There is probably nothing worse than having to cater to a bag of "extra lenses", if you are not on a shooting holiday!

If you need low-light, pick up a Minolta 50mm f/1.7 lens, also, if possible. It weighs about 8 oz and can easily fit in a purse.

[SeaChelle]

Thanks for the reply, Don!
I see what you mean about the 18-250, but I wont mind carrying two lenses on this trip, and I really want to have the best lens for use after the trip also. I will already be bringing the 70-300, just to be stealthy around the wildlife. If the 17-50 is the better overall replacement lens, it sounds like I might be better off with that one. It is all very overwhelming to a beginner :)

[DonSchap]

Either one would be a fine decision, but if you are ready to lug two lenses, then the 17-50mmm f/2.8 is a good choice.

For me, the 17-50 f/2.8 is my "indoor" lens of choice. It is naturally wider and indoors, that simply cannot be overrated. Point being, you probably will not use you 70-300mm f/4-5.6 indoors. It's M.F.D. (minimum focus distance) is 5-feet and its base aperture is kind of "dark".

Outdoors, though, I opt for the TAMRON SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO, to meet up "tightly" with the 70-xxx mm telephoto. If I "run out of glass" with one lens, the other picks right on up where it left off, pretty seamlessly.

Please read the first "sticky" posting in the SONY DSLR forum, if you have not already. It also covers lens choices. :) Decisions, decisions :confused:

I tend to believe that we are pretty conventional around here. Good luck with that new glass! :D

[iamgeniusrnti]

Sony A300:


Why you are using a SONY versus another brand
--I started with the D-60 and took it back after one day. Wife does a lot of shots where she can't look thru the view finder but with live view you can angle the LCD and take shots without laying on the ground.

Add what you are planning to add to your camera (in the near future)
--Probably faster glass but definitely a wide angle lens.

What you would like to get from your participation in the forum
--Advise on how to improve shooting based on predetermind circumstances.

Maybe provide the best reason you plan on continuing with your SONY.
--It is flexible enough for quick point and shoots but powerful enough for experimentation.

Where you are located
--Andrews AFB, MD