So, for around a grand ...

[DonSchap]

Okay ... you have roughly (give or take) $1000 to $1500 and some decisions to make. One new toy ... and that's all!

Choosing from the following:

LENS: SIGMA 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye Lens

FLASH: Metz mecablitz 76

TELESCOPE: Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope w/ astrophotography accessories & optics

NEW SONY CAMERA BODY: A850 (A700 replacement)

Oh where oh where does the money go?

[dr4gon]

I think the A850, 24MP Mini-FF will be $2k, but if it's on the list, I'll take it!

[DonSchap]

Well, there is one other option I have neglected to mention. I was planning on selling my TAMRON SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 MACRO ... and if I do, that leaves a gap in that particular range in my PRIME lenses, which I guess I would obviously fill with the SONY CZ 85mm f/1.4, for not only a dynamite focus-speed improvement, but also the remarkable aperture capability.

I do see the 85mm f/1.4 as a far more useful lens than the creative looking 4.5mm f/2.8, so there is that.

[SONYNUT]

LENS: SIGMA 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye Lens

fisheye is one button away on most programs

FLASH: Metz mecablitz 76

light is light

TELESCOPE: Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope w/ astrophotography accessories & optics

ok if you live waaaaay out of town

NEW SONY CAMERA BODY: A850 (A700 replacement)

ding ding...or the a900

[DonSchap]

If the A900 drops under $2000 ... then that might be the winner ... but, that depends on this new camera body's leverage on the market.

The addition of a Full Frame camera certainly improves my range with the wide-angle PRIME glass I have.

@ SONYNUT: What is it you do not like about my A700 work?

BTW: The Metz mecablitz 76 would allow me to use the 200-500mm indoors!



LOL "Help! Help! You set my curtains on fire with that thing!"

I had better get a fire extinguisher, too, huh?

[seanhoxx]

i need a flash, so why not make it a big one! Metz for me.......85mm G at some point I bet, not real soon though, now where is my $1500.00? where do I sign up?

[DonSchap]

i need a flash, so why not make it a big one! Metz for me.

I'm with you on that decision, Sean. If I had no flash ... the Metz would be the standout choice. I might buy a SONY HVL-F42AM as my quick and dirty ... but when it comes to a performer, when things are a challenge ... WHAM! ... this is it. Break out the sunglasses. What ISO noise?

It is amazing how similar it is to the older Minolta AF4000 on the CG1000 hand grip. Same idea ... just a whole heck of a lot more punch!

Sony Alpha support

* ADI flash mode
* ADI remote mode (slave operation)

Some really nice specs on it ...

Flash features
Product name mecablitz 76 MZ-5 digital
Adapter system SCA 300 •
Adapter system SCA 3002 •
Type of adapter SCA 3002
Triggering via centre contact/ standardfoot •

Color temperature approx. 5600 K

Measuring angle for automatic flash mode: 25°

Guide numbers
GN with ISO 100 and 35 mm res. 50 mm 54
GN with ISO 100 and max. zoom 76

Standard flash features
Partial light output increments 25
Stroboscopic flash mode •
TTL flash mode (without preflash) •
Automatic flash mode •
F-stops in auto flash mode 12
Manual flash mode •

Remote flash features
Metz remote flash mode (master/slave) •
Master flash mode (Metz remote) •
Slave flash mode (Metz remote) •
Slave modi
Slave function without preflash – with slave adapter SCA 3083 digital
Slave function with preflash – with slave adapter SCA 3083 digital

Reflector data
Illumination onwards ... mm (35mm format) 20
Main reflector tilt / swivel •/•
Vertical range in ° +90
Horizontal range in ° 270

Motor zoom main reflector •
Motor zoom main reflector with automatic / manual focus length •/•
Zoom positions of main reflector in mm (35mm format) 24/28/35/50/70/85/105
Extended zoom for main reflector •

Attachable wide angle diffuser / tele / bounce diffuser attachment •/–//–
Secondary reflector / partial light output level (manual adjustable) •/+
Secondary reflector involved in system flash features •
Illumination secondary reflector in mm (35mm format) 35
Indications

LC display / illuminated •/•

Indication of flash distance •

Indication of flash readiness / corect exposure indication on flash unit •/•
Acoustical status report (beep) •

Settings
Manual flash exposure compensation •
Manual flash bracketing •
Modelling light •

Key lock •

Dedicated flash functions

Automatic fill-in flash •

Indication of flash readiness in camera's viewfinder •

Correct exposure indication in camera's viewfinder •

Automatic indication of flash distance •

Automatic flash sync speed control •

2nd curtain sync •

Langzeitsynchronisation (SLOW) •

Manual flash exposure compensation •
Manual flash bracketing •

Automatic AF assist beam / multi zone A assist beam • /–

Red eye preflash •

Service functions
Firmware update by Metz service •
Energy management

Automatic cut off (auto off) –
Wake up function by camera –

Power supply
Use with Metz NiMH battery pack •
External power supply with Metz power pack P76 •
Number of flashes (with full power)
Use with alkaline batteries (1,5 V) 270
Use with nicad batteries (1,2 V/600 mAh) 160
Recycling time in secs. (min./max.)
Use with Metz NiMH battery pack 0,1 / 4
External power supply with Metz power pack P76 0,1 / 3

Weights and measurements
Weight without power sources in g (approx.) Handle: 880 Control unit: 138
Measurements in mm approx. (L x H x D) Handle: 103 x 244 x 118 Control unit: 67 x 35 x 89
Included

Handle, wide angle diffuser, control unit, NiMh battery pack 76-56, charger 970, camera bracket 32-38, standard foot 301, operating instruction, SCA 300/3002 table

[seanhoxx]

that looks like some of the stage strobes they use at concerts I work LOL blinded by the light for sure, crank that all the way up use indoors and its also a light pulse weapon!

[DonSchap]

See how a ~$1000 can run amok with options? And this is AFTER I have what I already have.

I guess it just bares out the old saw: "If I had more ... I could do more."

[TenD]

Lens lens lens, doesn't matter which one, your body is just fine, it will do anything you need it to.