Comparing ALPHA to 20D/30D/Xti

[DonSchap]

You do not necessarily need to use SONY lenses to get superior looking shots. TAmROn, Sigma and Tokina have made lenses for the Minolta-mount for years on end... and they work just fine on the SONY A100.

That certainly is some good glass. You will really unnecessarily overspend, using the OEM glass first. I, personally, would only spend my money on glass that I simply could not get any other way.

[RichNY]

AND, to give you an idea. My hands are big enough to grip a basketball.

Inflated?

[krzkrzkrz]

Inflated?

Shhh, dont spoil the moment of truth

[zoomdaddy]

Just bought the A100, looked at the xti, I like it as well but the deciding factor was the camera IS not lens based. As far as the high iso issue I think that is overstated.. (as stated how often do you shoot above 400 or 800) I have not seen any dslr in above 800 iso range that I would say is great.. So far this is a great camera..

Kevin

[RichNY]

Just bought the A100, looked at the xti, I like it as well but the deciding factor was the camera IS not lens based. As far as the high iso issue I think that is overstated.. (as stated how often do you shoot above 400 or 800) I have not seen any dslr in above 800 iso range that I would say is great.. So far this is a great camera..

Kevin

Kevin, the high ISO issue is not overstated by any means- you may just be in a situation where your subjects and environment don't require it.

Every Sunday I shoot my nephew playing indoor roller hockey at a local skating rink. Because of the black ceiling and poor overhead lighting I need to shoot exclusively at ISO 1600 with f/2.8 on my 70-200. I would not be capture useable pictures if I were shooting with the Sony.

Now outdoors on a pleasant day I've got no doubt that it will capture some beautiful images and might leave you with the impression that high ISO is something more likely to be encountered on a forum than in real life.

[DonSchap]

To be honest, I don't know of many SONY mount telephoto lenses capable of f/2.8... so it's no problem, right? LOL There are really only two, at this time.

The suggested retail price of the SAL-70200G - 70-200mm f/2.8 G-Series is roughly $2400. It was just released, if you can find one. The Minolta-version is around $1750 and more than likely, identical!!!



If you want a review (yes, a real review on this offering... go --> HERE!)

Although this really is some great glass, I suggest that SONY would do far better to offer it at Canon's price for their EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM (non-IS), at around $1200... not $1750! Which just happens to be the street price of the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM!

And for that 300mm taste you may have, the 300mm f/2.8 just started talking pre-orders... who knows where this one is coming in at? Pre-orders... that's a laugh, the lens was already in production. Must be having issues restamping the cardboard boxes. It's Minolta stamped version was at $4,500.



HERE <-- is a review of this one

Obviously, SONY is shooting for some deep pockets with this collection of old (2004), relabeled glass. You can get the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM at B&H for $3900

Personally speaking, I do believe some price adjusting is in order... here and now. Just what will the market bear? Obviously, Konica-Minolta was desperately trying to make up some ground before the end... but at 30% mark-up over Canon's inflated prices??? It's no wonder why they went belly up! I suspect SONY may try to squeeze the same price out of the lenses, but that truly would be a mistake. There will be a lot of IDLE and expensive glass sitting around, as the third-party lens manufacturers have an opportunity to score BIG!