Minolta 50mm f1.4 or f1.7

[laydros]

I don't expect the Minoltas to drop much. Too many people worry about going full frame. If you are buying a sub-$200 lens when a $300 version is available you probably aren't going to full frame any time soon. Still people think it is important. Also the Minolta 1.7 and 1.4 are proven "excellent" lenses. The new Sony is (apparently) a new design and people won't think of it as a proven good lens. It will be a good lens, but people will buy one for $150 after having the MinO 1.7 and expect it to be better, and get on forums and complain. And people will start hunting eBay for the old ones again.

The prices on the 1.7s are purely hype. Same problem on Canon, the older metal designed Mk I 50/1.8 sells for as much as $200. It is built a little better, but it is the same optics as the Mk II, which sells brand new with warranty for $90.

I'm with Don on this... if there is a modern version with similar quality for a similar price, go for it. Warranty and newer coatings are worth it.

[saf]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys - much appreciated

I didn't realise that there was a Sony 50mm f/1.8. I was looking at the Sony f/1.4 version.

Having a look at the Sony US website the f/1.4 retails at $369 US & the f/1.8 at $149 US.

The f/1.4 is full frame whilst the f/1.8 is a DT. Unless I can get the Minolta version for a bargain I think may stick with the Sony version. I kind of worry about buying used items without testing them.

[laydros]

Lenses tend to work well used, but unless you are planning to go FF in the very near future, I think the Sony 1.8 is the winner.

[dr4gon]

Lenses tend to work well used, but unless you are planning to go FF in the very near future, I think the Sony 1.8 is the winner.

Even still, it's only $150.

[Elisha]

Some one got a great deal on my f/1.4!

I'm just saying ...

yeah Don left the truck door open and i stole it!

[laydros]

yeah Don left the truck door open and i stole it!

Very nice. I'm jealous.

[saf]

yes I think the 1.8 is quite reasonably priced although if I did go FF in the future it would be great to be able to use existing lenses. I'll have a think about - thanks guys

[dr4gon]

You could still technically use it and the a900 would take pictures like an A700 (Cropped), but at that point might as well replace it with a "normal lens" (FF 50mm).

[saf]

Here are some sample pics of the 50mm 1.8. There are even some taken on the a900

http://www.lenstip.com/1714-news-Son...ple_shots.html

[seanhoxx]

I have the Minolta 1.7 with a cpl and uv filter and a neat little neoprene bag, mint like cond. Approx. $130.00 including shipping. It is a true 'classic' lens, works very nice, and even to my untrained eye the colors are somehow 'different' from all my other glass, and I mean in a GOOD way LOL.