New "A99" user in UK saying "Hi" :)

[BigMackCam]

Hi all. I just joined the forum. I'm based in the UK and have, for some years, been exclusively a Pentax photographer. However, I just jumped on the deal B&H were offering on the Hasselblad HV, which I know to be a Sony A99 in different clothes  The Hassy (Sony) will be an additional system to my Pentax gear which is still my main day-to-day equipment, but based on what I've heard and read of the A99 I'm looking forward to trying out the technology (even if it is a few years old now). I've had a lot of help from other Pentax users over at PentaxForums.com, and I've tried to give plenty of assistance back as my experience and knowledge have grown. I'm hoping the same will be true here on the Sony Alpha Forum. 

 

I'm looking for one additional lens to add to the Hassy at some point in the near future... It comes with version 1 of the Zeiss 24-70 f/2.8, and I'd like another zoom to cover from 70mm to 300mm (or more)... I've been looking at Tamron's 70-300 offering, also the Sony 70-300 G SSM, and (at the higher end) the Sony 70-400 G2 SSM. Very early days yet, and I will probably debate for a while before I decide. I'm still recovering from blowing my wallet on the camera and 24-70 kit 

 

All the best from the North East of England...

 

Mike

[Guest Peter Kelly]

Welcome to the mad, up and down rollercoaster that is Sony! It's a wild ride, but very rewarding if you can put up with the raised eyebrows from Canon and Nikon users...

 

As to your future issue, unless you do a lot of low light work the 70-400 is a jewel of a lens and will give you the greatest flexibility.

However, as the A99 is not at its best when the ISO rises, then the 70-200 is a better bet, whether Sony, Sigma, or Tamron. You'd actually get a better result by having the faster glass and cropping, in most cases.

 

The trick is, as with all lens purchases, being honest about your needs and what's most important. Once you know that and have a known budget the rest is easy...LOL!

[yarmmcd]

Hi Mike, Happy new camera! Hasselblad eh?!!

Not such good weather for testing it out tho-but. I have the A mount 70-300 and its my favourite lens (adapted on a NEX-7) if you would like to have a few shots through it let me know. I`m in Yarm.

[BigMackCam]

Thanks, both

 

I appreciate the advice, as well as the (very kind and much appreciated) offer of local assistance down in Yarm

 

Having researched even more, I think it's more likely that I will look at the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 USD. While I'd like a bit more reach, I can use my Pentax APS-C kit for that. Reading the various reviews, the Tammy 70-200 seems to do well optically, and I do like the option to use wide open at f/2.8 if absolutely necessary. Plus, I handled one today at a local camera store in Newcastle, and was *very* impressed with the build quality. It's a little heavy, but it is *so* nicely built, and the moisture resistance is a nice feature too. Ah well, plenty to think about

 

Thanks again for the welcoming replies!

[Guest Peter Kelly]

The only downside to the Tamron is that it isn't compatible with the Dual AF-D system, which is reserved for specific Sony lenses, but don't that let you put off such a fine lens!

In my experience it was a decent enough system, but not flawless and relatively easy to live without.

[Marc Pecquet]

With the A99 (2012), I've been using the Sony 70-400 (I) since 2009 and it is, with an old Minolta 28-70 G series and the very fast Sigma f:1.4- 35mm (2014) ALWAYS in my camera bag; I use about ten other lens (including the 70-200 Minolta G) and now I am waiting for the A99II...

[bvartak]

A99 is the one of the best camera which I love for the colour output when I discuss about SLT series from Sony. I used many lenses with A99 like Sigma 16-35, Sigma 28-70 F2.8, Tamron SP 70-300 Di USD, Tamron SP 90 MM Macro 1:1 Di USD, and even Tamron SP 150-600 MM Di USD.

 

Although, I am migrated to Sony A7Rmii but have kept all A-mount lenses and waiting for the A99Mii (I hope Sony has got a road map for SLT series.... and its not dead for Full Frame segment). I know D photography segment is witnessing a big change due to mirrorless system but SLR technology is still holding their head high.

[Austerror]

Yay, another A99 user!

 

There is lots of old AF Minolta A mount lenses that are worth checking out. I have recently discovered my 35-70 3.5-5.6 lens works better than expected:
https://500px.com/photo/137828223/melbourne-cbd-jpg-by-callan-odonohoe?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=12107669

(I think that link should work)

 

I paid $30 I think for the lens. Very small and light vs my Minolta 28-70G.

 

Anyway back on topic, I own a Minolta 80-200/2.8G and the Sony 70-300G.  They are both excellent lenses, but the bokeh of the 70-300 in some scenarios can look a little busy vs the 80-200. The 80-200 has internal zoom, which I find excellent for keeping the package balanced. 

 

As for high ISO, the A99 performs very well vs other cameras of the time of release.  The A99 out performs my Nex-7 easily.  

[phillipsr]

Mike,

I have both the 70-300 and the 70-400ii and use them on both the A99 and the A77ii. The 70-300 is nice for walking around and the 70-400 is fabulous in my opinion. I took it with the a77ii to Costa Rica and took some great photos.

Good luck

[BigMackCam]

All - thanks for the kind replies, and sincere apologies for the delay in responding. I've been in Pentax land for a while!  

 

I appreciate the advice re lenses, both old and new. Since my last post, I actually jumped and bought the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di USD, having decided that - for me - low light was a higher priority than reach just now. Truthfully, I'd have liked something a bit longer, but 70-200 will cover most of my needs, along with the Sony Zeiss 24-70 at the wider end. From the small amount of initial testing I've done so far, I'm impressed with the Tammy - even wide open, it seems to perform well, especially when it comes to bokeh rendering...