Camera Labs

Hello,

First of all, I've never posted here, so I will introduce myself. my name is Clay and I am a poor college student who gets involved in expensive hobbies. A few weeks ago I got my first dlsr, an a200, from ebay with the kit lens and a minolta "beercan" 70-210 f4. I've been having a total blast and have taken some pictures that I would have never taken with my old camera. You can take a look at my work on flickr (sig).

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone on this forum has experience with any of the available 50mm 1:1 macro lenses. On ebay I can find a sony, sigma, and minolta version, they are all 50mm f2.8. Question is how do they compare the the f1.7 primes for regular shooting, and does the focal length allow for enough working distance for taking macro shots.

Thanks!

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Canon 40D | Tokina 11-16 f2.8 | Canon 50mm f1.4

www.flickr.com/claycarey

The Minolta 50 2.8 is sharper at the same stop compared to the 50 1.7. As with macro lenses, their focusing speed is comparably slow, in the case, to the 50 1.7. As for working distance, it depends on your subject, but for most applications, it suits quite well. You may want to look into the Tamron 90 F2.8 1:1. That lens is quite good for it's price, largely the same as the Sony 50 2.8

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a900 | D700

Thanks for the response, Ive drooled a little over the tamron 90mm but $400 just isn't in my range atm. I think I'm going to keep looking on ebay for a deal on the minolta 50mm model.

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Canon 40D | Tokina 11-16 f2.8 | Canon 50mm f1.4

www.flickr.com/claycarey

I would if I was you because you're using the a200 get the 35mm lens.

The 50mm is a zoom lens on your camera and a nice standard lens would work so much better for macro shots.

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http:/dowdenphotography.com/
Camera: who cares its the photographer
Lens: Lots

Clay...exactly what Sublimity said.

50mm f/2.8 macro will still do 1:1, same as the 100mm f/2.8 macro. Its just that with the 50mm, you gotta be that much closer to your subject.

The potential problem of having to get close is that your subject may fly/hop/run away and perhaps, depending on where the sun is, getting your shadow out of the way.

Otherwise, the 50mm should be just as capable.

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Sony A700 + VG
Primes: Sony 28mm f/2.8 | Sony 50mm f/1.4 | Carl Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 | Sony 100mm f/2.8
Zooms: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 | Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 | Sony 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3
UWA: Sigma 10mm f/2.8 Fisheye | Tamron 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6
Flash: Sony HVL-58AM

flickr
zenfolio

The advantages of using 50 mm over 100 mm macro lens is that you are less prone to camera shake. I've used my Minolta 50/2.8 quite a few times and never used a tripod to get sharp shots. Keep looking you might find a good deal on ebay.

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Sony A200
Sony A700
Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II
Minolta AF 50 F1.7
Minolta AF 50 F2.8
FLICKR

Hmm interesting point I never considered camera shake. The a200 probably stabilizes the 50mm easier as well.

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Canon 40D | Tokina 11-16 f2.8 | Canon 50mm f1.4

www.flickr.com/claycarey