new(or used) lenses for a Maxxum 5D

--I bought a Maxxum 5D body a couple of years ago to replace my Maxxum7000 Minolta 35mm camera. I am using the AF lenses I purchased with the original camera (70-210 & 50(49mm)). I also have a Sigma supe wide wide angle lens. I am not finding what lenses I can buy to replace these and get accurate pics. Can anyone recommend?
Terry Sprott

if you have a minolta 70-210 f4 and a 50 f1.7 or f1.4 those lens work very well with the 5d. the af is a bit slow but are/were the lens to get with the 5d. there are some new faster lenes (both af and f stop wise) what range are you looking for?
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the shutter release is great but i like the delete option to.

If your 70-210 is the 1:4 or 1:3.5-4.5, you may find it does not really need replacing; those get decent reviews here and at sites like dyxum.com. Even the 1:4.5-5.6 have good copies, but overall opinions were lower on those. The 50mm is a prize that many still seek, so that too is a keeper unless you find that it's never used.

Your type of shooting determines what can be recommended, (for example a very sharp fisheye lens would not suit me at all) and of course your budget counts too (so recommending a $10k 'G' lens is equally unsuitable). Some very good budget lenses are out there, so budget does not have to mean bad images. I picked up a Quantaray 18-200 during the Ritz closeout, it's a Sigma lens that does very well - especially for under $200! So give us another hint or two, and we'll see what we can do.

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Jim R, A200 & stuff -- http://picasaweb.google.com/alphaPDX

The Maxxum 5D can use any Minolta AF lens as well as all the Minolta Mount AF lenses from Sony, Tamron and Tokina, and most of the Minolta Mount AF lenses from Sigma. The only difference is that, since the 5D uses a slightly smaller image sensor than the exposures on 35mm film, the same lenses will have a narrower angle of view.

New lenses from Sony are available from many camera stores and on-line retailers (i.e.: http://www.adorama.com http://www.bhphotovideo.com http://www.sonystyle.com )

Used lenses for the Sony/Minolta mount are available at Adorama and B&H, as well as http://www.keh.com , eBay and Craig's List.
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The lens is the thing.

Thanks for the info. My 70-210 is a 1:4, so I guess I will just keep it.

Would you recommend something for more zoom? Going to Africa in September and think I need more range.
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Terry Sprott

Terry Sprott said:

Thanks for the info. My 70-210 is a 1:4, so I guess I will just keep it.

Would you recommend something for more zoom? Going to Africa in September and think I need more range.

Click to expand...

The Sony 70-400 'G' ($1,600) is excellent, as is the Sony 70-300 'G' ($850). There are several very good lenses from Minolta that are available on the used market, like the 100-400 APO, 100-300 APO, and the original 75-300 'Big Beercan'.
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The lens is the thing.

If you're after more zoom for going to Africa, consider one of the higher power zooms. I have an old Sigma 170-500mm APO which I like on my 5D because it doesn't weigh so much that it annoys me - I comfortably walk around with it hanging off my camera, I have a hand strap on the camera with which to easily hold it by its grip.

There's a newer Sigma 150-500mm APO out I think.

Others here have preferred the Tamron 200-500mm.

Still others here have been fans of the old Minolta 100-400mm APO, but I can't say I'm that partial to it.

The ultimate zoom is the Sigma 50-500mm APO, which is very good, but heavy enough to annoy me.

For non zoom, the 500mm Reflex lens is very light to carry around and works well - only problem is the doughnut shape in objects when you focus on something close.

For more power, you can add 1.4X or 2X teleconverters to the above lenses, but you lose autofocus.
Renato

depending on which part of africa the expected weather and your budget. if you expect hot dry weather there are some cheaper 70-300 lenes that work great in good light. the sony 70-300 G does give you silent af at a much higher speed than your 70-210. with the SSM focus system in the new G lens. the only draw back is size and weight compared to the 70-210. but the 70-300 G is the one i would take for under $1000
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the shutter release is great but i like the delete option to.