Which bright standard zoom lens for A55?

Hi all,

I am interested in the A55, I think it is a very camera and might fit what I want for a walkaround camera with video capabilities best at the moment.

Though one thing I would like to get as well is a bright zoom in the standard zoom range.

Something covering 28 to around about 90mm in 35mm equvilance terms.

Another caveat to such a lens would be that it should AF fast on an A55, I am not sure if that rules out any particular lenses.

Would my best bet be to stick with Sony, and look e.g. at the 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA Vario-Sonnar T* lens? Though I wouldn't mind something a little bit faster at the long end...

I'd be grateful for any recommendations...

Many thanks,
Stevo

Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 HSM OS

(1) HSM (good for video -- quiter)
(2) OS (good for video -- no IBIS related heat)

Make sure you get one that is fixed for SLT -- or get Sigma to fix it for free.

The Sigma is a good choice. Other good choices if you don't mind spending the bucks are the 24-70/2.8 Sony/Carl Zeiss SSM ($1600) or the 24-70/2.8 Sigma HSM ($900).

zepzr said:

Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 HSM OS

(1) HSM (good for video -- quiter)
(2) OS (good for video -- no IBIS related heat)

Make sure you get one that is fixed for SLT -- or get Sigma to fix it for free.

Click to expand...

--
Gary

Thanks for pointing out the Sigma.

Would I notice any difference in the AF speed of the Sigma vs the Sony lens I have mentioned on an A55?

Cheers,
Stevo

sigma 18-125 f:3,8-5,6 hsm os
cheap and good and great range

The Sigma 17-70 f2.8-f4 DC Macro OS HSM would be my first choice .

It looks like it is optically the best on the MTF charts for this lens on the Sigma site .

I think this MTF is the best Ive seen on any of Sigma's standard zooms , It really looks good .

The lens is actually pretty fast and if you need the f2.8 speed you can usually Zoom out a little to get it .

I had the Sony 16-80mm Zeiss lens and I did not like the image as much as I liked my Sigma 18-50 DC Macro , so I returned the Zeiss 16-80 , and kept the Sigma which I still have .

If I were starting over I would want this 17-70 Sigma .

Hi,

Thanks for replying and you made an interesting comment that you liked the pics from the sigma more than from the sony: Was it the bokeh or sharpness or colors? I know it's all subjective, but am curious...

Cheers,
Stevo