Sony A100 kit lens vs. KM 18-70mm

padu · September 22, 2006

Hi Folks,

I've been photographying with my kit lens for a while. I can't say I'm dissatisfied with it (perhaps because I haven't developed the critic eye yet), but I feel it is time to get a better generic zoom lens for my camera.

I was thinking about something like this:
"Konica - Minolta 18mm - 70mm f/3.5-5.6 AF DT Digital Wide Angle to Telephoto Auto Focus Zoom Lens for the Maxxum & Sony Alpha Mount."
http://www.adorama.com/MN1870AFDT.html

and my question is: how do I know if I won't be replacing 6 by half-dozen?

What I don't like about the sony kit lens is that if feels (and is) so cheap... you know, plasticky...

I'm also tempted by this:
"Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro Auto Focus Wide Angle Telephoto Macro Zoom Lens for the Maxxum & Sony Alpha Mount."
http://www.adorama.com/SG28300DGMAX.html

I know that as a thumb of rule, the greater the zoom range, lesser is the quality of the lens and images. But how bad? I mean... for a general purpose lens on a entry level dslr operated operated by someone who's photographing for pleasure...

On a final note, is there a website that reviews/compare these types of lenses? I mostly found comparos for canon and nikon lenses...

cheers and TIA

DifferentSeed · September 22, 2006

padu wrote:

I was thinking about something like this:
"Konica - Minolta 18mm - 70mm f/3.5-5.6 AF DT Digital Wide Angle to Telephoto Auto Focus Zoom Lens for the Maxxum & Sony Alpha Mount."
http://www.adorama.com/MN1870AFDT.html

I'm no expert, but judging by the reviews found here:
http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/reviews.asp?IDLens=204
I don't know if it's any better than the kit lens (which I agree does feel sorta cheap and unimpressive as far as construction anyway). It got a 3.64/5.00 after 54 reviews.

padu wrote:

I'm also tempted by this:
"Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro Auto Focus Wide Angle Telephoto Macro Zoom Lens for the Maxxum & Sony Alpha Mount."
http://www.adorama.com/SG28300DGMAX.html

There aren't any reviews on that one on Dyxum, which is a fabulous site another DGrin'er sent me yesterday (thanks again ziggy53!)

You might want to check out the Sony Compatibility chart (if you haven't already) to make sure whatever lens you get works now or in the future depending upon what you might be planning down the road. It's at:
http://support.sony-europe.com/DIME/digistill/alpha/compatibility/lens.asp?l=en&m=DSLR-A100

Unfortunately it only covers Konica-Minolta.

padu wrote:

On a final note, is there a website that reviews/compare these types of lenses? I mostly found comparos for canon and nikon lenses...

Yes!

Dyxum: http://www.dyxum.com

A few lens Tests (with Minolta 7D): http://www.tk-imaging.de/7Dlens_tests/7D_lenstest.html

More lens samples (scroll about 3/4 down): http://www.pbase.com/cameras/minolta

Minolta Lens Overview chart: http://www.dcviews.com/lenses/Minolta-lenses.htm

Minolta Canada (old website with lens info from manufacturer!): http://ca.konicaminolta.com/products/consumer/camera-pus/slr/lens/index.html#d

Hope those links help!

kkart · September 22, 2006

I believe the KM lens and the Sony Lens are the exact same...Sony is just a rebadged version. I love the quality though in my KM Kit Lens!

larry l · September 23, 2006

I found the KM 18 - 70 kit lens surprisingly good and I think the Sony kit lens is identical, simply rebadged as others have indicated. I now mostly use an 18 - 200 because I like the incresased range and the image quality overall is equal and quite acceptable for general photos but neither is all that sharp. Lens lust affects many of us, especially after a new purchase. I'd use the camera a bit, see what you really like to do and then find the appropriate lenses. I now have six or seven lenses and use about three of them regularly. Be patient, borrow some lenses or lens/camera set ups from other photographers and find out what works for you and what you really want before you sink lots of dough into something that will sit collecting dust.

Elaine · September 23, 2006

I'm glad to see someone already mentioned www.dyxum.com as a place to check out KM/Sony info. That would have been my first recommendation, too.
I've been happy with my KM 28-75 f/2.8 on my 5D. It's nice and sharp and fast. Since I got it, I haven't used my kit lens (18-70mm). The KM 28-75 doesn't have a huge zoom range, so depending on your needs and style, it may or may not suit you. I also use the Minolta 70-210mm f/4. Having one lens that covered 28-300 would be convenient. However, I value the wider apertures of the two separate lenses. Someday, I hope to have a wide angle to cover the range below 28mm.
Good luck in your research and decisions!

Elaine

Sony A100 kit lens vs. KM 18-70mm

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