Question about lens I'm considering

[pworden]

I saw this lens today for a little over $400 - Minolta AF 100mm f2.8 N macro lens and wonder if it would work with an a-mount adaptor. I'm looking to get a macro lens that isn't very expensive but will get closer shots at more of a distance than my SEL30M35.

This is my first camera that's not a Point 'n Shoot; lots to learn. I've read a lot of good information on this forum and would love to get the Sony 100mm but can't really justify that much expense at my current level of skill. Any advice appreciated!

 

[NickCyprus]

You have an LA-EA2 adapter?

 

[dshin525]

How about legacy Minolta 100mm F4 macro? They can be had for less than 1/2 the price of the AF.
Plus you have to factor in the cost of the LA-EA2 adapter, which is another $250.

I've had the 100mm F4 for a few months and love it.

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_DSC2866 - Version 3 by dcshin525, on Flickr

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_DSC2877 - Version 3 by dcshin525, on Flickr

Another one to consider is Minolta 50mm f/3.5 macro. These can be had for around $50-$75. I had one but got the 100mm b/c the longer working distance of the 100mm makes taking insect pics easier.

 

[NickCyprus]

^^I agree - that's where I was going to regarding OPs question...

 

[pworden]

No adaptor yet - thought I'd look at lens options first. Sony / Alpha seemed like a good place to start. Definitely want 90 or 100 mm.

 

[pworden]

These are beautiful! I looked for an F4 but so far, no luck. I do like the autofocus on the SEL30M35 since it saves time from start to DMF, but having used my brother's bigger macro lenses, I can see where autofocus might not be needed.

 

[dshin525]

^^I agree - that's where I was going to regarding OPs question...

Great minds think alike!

OP, AF isn't needed for macro (at least in my opinion), as well as opinions of others who do macro.
The f/3.5 seems to be much more readily available...Keh.com does have a f4 right now in EX condition for $189. But no extension tube...

http://www.keh.com/camera/Minolta-Manual-Focus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-MI06009032657N?r=FE

 

[pworden]

Okay - here's my ignorance: Could I use the Fotasy tubes I have (10/16) before an A-mount adaptor and this lens or would I need to find specific tubes for this lens? Also, why do I need tubes if it's already a macro lens. (Sorry for the need of Macro 101).

 

[pworden]

Here are my macro shots so far. A few were with my old SX50 with a Raynox 250, but most are from the Nex 6, various lens combos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilac5711/sets/72157635442132844/

 

[pworden]

Update: I looked at the f4 on various sites and now understand the tubes. I'll find all the parts I need and go with this one. Looked at the Phoenix but will hold out for the f4. Thanks, dshin & Nick, for the great advice.

 

[pworden]

How about legacy Minolta 100mm F4 macro? They can be had for less than 1/2 the price of the AF.
Plus you have to factor in the cost of the LA-EA2 adapter, which is another $250.

I've had the 100mm F4 for a few months and love it.

   ---            

_DSC2866 - Version 3 by dcshin525, on Flickr

   ---            

_DSC2877 - Version 3 by dcshin525, on Flickr

Another one to consider is Minolta 50mm f/3.5 macro. These can be had for around $50-$75. I had one but got the 100mm b/c the longer working distance of the 100mm makes taking insect pics easier.

Do you have the LA-EA2 or LA-EA1? What functionality might I lose with 1 vs 2? Getting close to purchasing

 

[Mk pt]

Do you have the LA-EA2 or LA-EA1? What functionality might I lose with 1 vs 2? Getting close to purchasing

LA-EA1 if you'll never need AF with A-mount lenses on your NEX/e-mount camera, LF-EA2 if you imagine some day you'll use Af with your A-mount on your NEX.

The diference is the speed of AF, with LA-EA2 you get the AF system/speed of an Sony alpha A65, wich is faster then the AF of any Nex camera, with LA-EA1 you will get a very slow AF, slower then AF system of your NEX.


And sorry for any english mistake. I'm pretty sure my portuguese is much better then your's.

 

[Mk pt]

P.s.: i have the LA-EA2.
For now only with sony 50 f1.8, but i want a 100 macro lens and also a tele.

 

[pworden]

Bought an old Vivitar 90mm 1:2.8 Minolta mount and a Fotodiox adaptor just to get started. Komine-made s/n 28... Actually found the manual online - I'll need that in many ways, being totally ignorant! I'll post some shots after I get it next week, assuming I get it to work

 

[pworden]

Here are two of my first shots with the Vivitar. Evening and raining so taken inside. 1:1 largest enlargement was very underexposed - I edited in Lightroom. Other shot was lit with my iPhone! I have a long way to go and definitely have to clean the glass but like the lens:
Nex6

 

[markoneswift]

Love those mate, great macro work - particularly the colours and composition.