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Dylan F said:
I just bought a Sony a900, and I need a recommendation for a $50-$80 zoom lens that is around 18-55mm.
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... Sorry to say but you're looking at the wrong thing. You won't find a FF zoom lens that cheap (generally). The only thing in that price is about $80 minimum for a 50mm f/1.7 Minolta Prime... Which doesn't do the A900 justice in any way if you ask me.

--
A Beginning Amateur Photographer
 
If you mean 18-55 like in apc format the thing (for the price you mention) is a Minolta 35-70 f4. More or less the same fov (not so wide though), cheap, isnt ashamed of being put on a a900 and very small.
 
I have a (like new) copy of the Minolta 28-85mm and have used it on my A900 with good results. Actually the 28-85mm seems to be in the same family as the 28-135mm (just smaller and shorter zoom range). You can review the specification on Dyxum so you fully understand what the lens is all about: http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Minolta-AF-28-85-F3.5-4.5_lens91.html

Good luck and enjoy your new A900.

--
A900 w/Zeiss Glass
 
The 28-85 was designed for full frame cameras, back in the film days. I get great results with it an my A700. You asked about 18-55. Actually that is C-sensor equivalent to 27-83 lens used on a full frame camera--very close to the 28-85 but without as much distortion on the edges. It also has a closeup setting (called macro but not a true 1:1 macro) setting that is usable, although it is a fixed 28 mm and does not auto focus. I still use it effectively on my A700 when I don't have my macro lens available.
--
Dave
 
check out the ratings on the 35-105 old style at dyxum.com. It is not as wide but very sharp and with nice bokeh. I had the 28-85 old sytle as well and did not think they differed that much. I have a copy of the 35 I would part with cheap. PM me if interested. I bought it off ebay for $90 but it had oil on blades. I had it professionally cleaned and it seems fine.
Good luck with your search.
 
The Minolta 28-80mm is also full frame compatible lens.

And in respect to the Minolta 50mm F1.7 its photoquality is very good (second only to the Minolta F1.4 and better than most if not all zooms) and it is also full-frame compatible (the Sony F1.8 is not compatible with a full-frame sensor camera).
 
The 19-35mm F3.5-4.5 Phoenix also works in a full frame camera is very affordable. I have one that I bought used on e-bay for like $20.
 
Forget to mention... They no longer manufacture the Minolta, so you probably will end buying a used one. The Tamron 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 cost only $69 brand new and with warranty at B&H and is as good or better.
 
Dylan F said:
I just bought a Sony a900, and I need a recommendation for a $50-$80 zoom lens that is around 18-55mm.
Click to expand...
You may be able to find a used Tokina 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 or a Cosina/Tokina/Tamron/Promaster 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5 lens for that price, if you are lucky. The 20-35mm is a Tokina design, but the 19-35mm is a Cosina design that has been rebadged by Tokina, Tamron, promaster and possibly others. Both will cover the full frame format, and both are pretty sharp.
 
Dylan F said:
I already bought the Minolta for $49. It is used, but the lens has a better rating.
Click to expand...
I would recommend a 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 or a 28-70mm f/2.8-4.5 Tokina on eBay. You can generally find them for less than $50 used, and they are sharp but generally overlooked by most users. The Sigma UC 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 is also a good choice if it is lower in price than the Tokina.
 
I feel you have made a wise move with the 28-85 purchase and will enjoy takiing a lot of great pictures with it. I doubt any of the second party lenses will give you the quality for near the same amount of money. You will have a lens you can use very well for minimal cost and can start saving for new lenses. Next to look for would be an APO 100-300 or APO 100-400 or a 70-210 F4 (the Beercan) until you can afford some of the newer full frame glass.

Remember, you can also use your current lenses in the cropped mode. All you can do now is enjoy and start posting some shots for us to enjoy.
--
Dave
 
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