Lenses

[Gow87]

Now I know a good glass strapped to the front of your camera has huge benefits, but I have a few questions.

First of all, I've just got a Sony A200 to replace an old 35mm Dynax 60. I read somewhere that the kit lens is better on the old minolta, I'm curious if anyone can back this up? think its a minolta 28-100 3.5-5.6

Also when looking at new lenses, Do any of you use prime lenses? and do you find them restrictive? I've heard a cheap prime will usually provide similar optical quality to a more expensive zoom?

Also is there anything anyone could recommend to me. I'm currently finding my feet again with photography as Its been a while. But generally I shoot landscapes and not so much portraits. So any lens recommendations would be fantastic.

[Gow87]

Also one more question... when it comes to filters, are the cheap ones any good? you see some for a couple of quid on ebay but then you see some posh carl zeiss ones for 50 odd quid...

Already looking at an ND filter, any others you would recommend?

[leaky5]

Firstly, if you have not seen it already have a read through this thread. You will find lots of good Sony information.

Unofficial Sony Alpha Thread

Next take a look at www.dyxum.com there is a link at the top for lenses. You should find the Minolta one you have there and I think the kit lens is there as well. Members rate their lenses, this will give you some idea of peoples opinion of the lenses they have. Also check Ebay prices for the lens, this will give you an idea of how much people want them.

If you have both, then you could set the camera to manual and take the same pictures with both lens and on the same settings. I personally don't have a problem with the kit lens and have taken some good shots with it.

Apart from the few filters that have come with lenses I have bought all mine from Ebay, I get my UV's and CP's from this guy. They are cheap, but I have not noticed any obvious problems with pictures.
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/photobitzltd I bought one ND grad, but it did look like someone had painted it by hand.

Lots of Sony users buy the f1.7 50mm prime lens, they go for between £50 & £80 on Ebay. Here is an example of one on Ebay, 190228756489 . It is a great lens for the money. Apart from the kits lens, I paid about £160.00 on Ebay for the other 3 lenses mentioned in my signature, you just need to be patient and think outside of the box when searching.

[Gow87]

thanks for that, got myself some nice filters on the way, and the site about the lenses... in my favourites... cheers!