 Michael A. Mancilla Jr. |
Which Would Be a Better Lens Choice, For Quality? I am thinking of getting a wide angle lens for my Minolta. What would be a better choice, a used Minolta fixed focal lens? Or go with a Tokina or Tamron wide zoom NEW. I am thinking of quality of the lens and the result of the pictures I take. Thank you in advance for any input.
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doug Nelson |
You cannot go wrong with a prime lens. You will get minimum distortion at the edges of the frame, and a tad better sharpness. It will be easier to carry as well. 28's are pretty common, therefore cheaper. 24's are more expensive, but may be more to your liking. You didn't say whether you shoot Maxxum autofocus or older manual focus. Either way, consider a manual focus Minolta wide angle. Adapters are available to use manual lenses on the Maxxum. Older manual focus wides have depth of field scales, very useful for setting hyperfocal distances. Autofocus is no real help with wides, as you have the extra step of telling it where to focus. Go to google and look for some Minolta fan sites to find some lens evaluations. Whatever you do, use a lens shade on your wide angle.
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Michael A. Mancilla Jr. |
Thank you Doug for the quick response. I figured, that would be the advice I would get from experienced photographers. I am using the Minolta Maxxum 5. Now if I could ask one more thing, is the difference between a 20mm and a 24mm worth the price increase. I am planning to stay with Minolta lenses, so I will probably buy a good used lens. Thank you, again for the input. Michael M
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Michael A. Mancilla Jr. |
Thank you Doug for the quick response. I figured, that would be the advice I would get from experienced photographers. I am using the Minolta Maxxum 5. Now if I could ask one more thing, is the difference between a 20mm and a 24mm worth the price increase. I am planning to stay with Minolta lenses, so I will probably buy a good used lens. Thank you, again for the input.
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Michael A. Mancilla Jr. |
Thank you Doug for the quick response. I figured, that would be the advice I would get from experienced photographers. I am using the Minolta Maxxum 5. Now if I could ask one more thing, is the difference between a 20mm and a 24mm worth the price increase. I am planning to stay with Minolta lenses, so I will probably buy a good used lens. Thank you, again for the input. Michael M
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doug Nelson |
Michael, this becomes a matter of taste, and you wouldn't know without trying them first. For me, the difference is not worth the price. I very rarely go wider than 28, and have never used a 20. In fact, for the money, a 28 would be a good all-purpose wide. If you must have a 20mm, the increased depth of field makes autofocus so unnecessary that a manual focus lens is a really smart way to go. Use a Tamron Adaptall mount and a Tamron wide, OR a Minolta MD-to-Maxxum adapter and use a Minolta wide. Sigma and Tokina also make decent wides.
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doug Nelson |
IF a manual wide angle for your Maxxum appeals to you, the Minolta adapter I mentioned above may not be the cheapest or best way to go. If Minolta made the adapter, it's fine, but if it's an aftermarket design, it may or may not be, depending on the maker's quality control. It seems that such as adapter has to have a glass element. Try a reasonably priced 28 or maybe a 24 and see if wide-angles are to your liking.
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Bill Morgenstern |
Michael - I have been a Minolta user for 20 years. I shoot both the X-700 manual and the Maxxum 9. I have found that for the money you can't beat a Sigma 18-35 wide angle telephoto. This is a great lens with no edge distortion and produces incredible landscape images. I'd advise picking up a Sigma lens catalog and looking at what this glass will do. The Tamron lens in the same range is also a fine choice. Go for the pro model of either and you will get great glass for a lot less than the Minolta price new. Bill Morgenstern
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Bob |
Michael, beat me to it, I have been useing a Tokina 19-35 since they came out with it. It takes outstanding pictures, and is priced very reasonable.
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