Alternative lens options to Tamron 70-180 2.8 G2

[dustinjm87]

As the title suggests I'm looking for options similar too this lens. I have the Sony A7. 

I do landscape/bird/coastal/nature photography often in lower light conditions. 

Things I like about this lens

- constant 2.8 aperture 

- in lens stabilizer 

-decent zoom ( longer would be better)

-sharpness

I have absolutely nothing against this lens, just that here in Canada this lens will run me close to $2000

 

I'm not opposed to going vintage, I have dumb adaptors for m42 and Pentax k mount. That being said I really would like to keep image stabilization as I hate tri pods. 

 

I currently have an old tamrom 70-300 tele macro with k mount. It sucks but it was only $40. 

 

So any suggestions is greatly appreciated 

[Cameratose]

Minolta 80-200 f/2.8 APO HS G. It rates very high across the board. I have one, and it worked great with my A7R III and A7 IV. I am getting rid of it because unfortunately, the AF cannot keep up with my A1. You can find them from Japanese camera stores for around $450. 

You will need the correct A-Mount adapter, I believe the LA-EA4 will do the trick if you want AF, or you can buy dumb adapters for around $20. 

Here's a link to the listing and reviews on Dyxum. 

Minolta AF 80-200mm F2.8 HS APO G A-mount lens info

Edited February 27 by Cameratose

[Cameratose]

Another option and really cheap is the Minolta 70-210 f/4 'beercan'. Very well regarded lens and can be had for around $50. Or, a 75-300. 

[dustinjm87]

1 hour ago, Cameratose said:

Another option and really cheap is the Minolta 70-210 f/4 'beercan'. Very well regarded lens and can be had for around $50. Or, a 75-300. 

Thank you. I remember reading about this. Just ordered one. 

[scrane]

The older Canon 70-200 IS is a sharp lens with great colors. It has IS, and paired with the Sigma MC-11 adapter retains autofocus on a Sony.

That said, if I were in the market for a medium long zoom I'd get the Sony 70-200 f/4 Macro G OSS ii.