Want to Try Full Frame - Advice on Buying a A99

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. I have a limited budget so I would like to purchase a used Sony A99. Is it good idea to purchase a camera that was introduced 6 years ago? What should I be considering or looking for in a used A99 (I always bought new in the past)? Where is the best place to purchase online -- Ebay?, KEH?, or online camera store? What is a reasonable price for an A99 given that I would like a lightly used camera in great shape (don't we all want that?).

Here's how I arrived at my choice for A99. I am a photo hobbyist and have always used Sony's APSC A and E mount digital cameras. I currently have an A77 and a6000 cameras and lots of lenses - especially A mount glass (Sony, Minolta, and Tamron). I use the two cameras for different purposes. I have always wanted to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. Originally, my plan was to acquire an A7iii and funding the purchase by selling some of my A mount lenses. But, I quickly learned that the market for A mount equipment is poor. It's a hassle to sell on Ebay given the low prices that most of the lenses sell for. I explored selling to KEH when they were in town (Dallas, TX). I did sell some lenses and received about $600, but I was mainly clearing out duplicate and other oddball lenses. I also had KEH provide pricing for all of my remaining lenses, and it was depressing. I have a lot of A mount lenses that are already full frame, so it seems like a smarter move to get the A99 at the current time. I am not a professional and do not need the latest and greatest equipment. I believe in the long run, the future is E mount rather than A mount, but I did not have the budget to acquire an E mount full frame camera and FE lenses. The A99ii is a great camera but also out of my price range. And it is probably more than I need for now.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

JB

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Chris Malcolm said:

I think this is a good time to avoid upgrading a camera body. There's very likely some very interesting new stuff in the R&D pipelines. If your money is struggling to get out of your wallet spend it on other worthwhile IQ-improving stuff like a really good tripod or a really good lens.

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JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography.

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ActionPhotoPassion said:

Chris Malcolm said:

I think this is a good time to avoid upgrading a camera body. There's very likely some very interesting new stuff in the R&D pipelines. If your money is struggling to get out of your wallet spend it on other worthwhile IQ-improving stuff like a really good tripod or a really good lens.

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I'd say that it is an interesting thought here.

Having acquired the A99m2 late may this year I can tell that I don't see any interest in Sony e-mount since I see the Nikon offering.

I really think the grip and handling of the nikon Z bodies is the answer of what many A-mounters have asked to Sony since years. A 100% Mirrorless body that feels as rugged, steady and natural as holding an A77/A99ii body.

E-mount for the moment is still a no-go except if:

> 24Mpx is ok for you in FF

> one likes tiny and shrunk body

> one is ok to pay premium for sony lenses

Then A9 is the answer to switch from A-mount.

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Maxxuman said:

I've bought 2 A99's in the last couple of years and I'm using them for weddings and such. I think they're great cameras that would work well for your stated goals. Sure, I'd love the improved AF and high ISO performance of the A99ii and will eventually upgrade, but for your purposes I think the A99 will be fine.

I agree with someone else who said it would be best to buy bodies that you're able to check out personally. Both of mine were bought (a year apart) from a store where they were traded in.

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JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. I have a limited budget so I would like to purchase a used Sony A99. Is it good idea to purchase a camera that was introduced 6 years ago? What should I be considering or looking for in a used A99 (I always bought new in the past)? Where is the best place to purchase online -- Ebay?, KEH?, or online camera store? What is a reasonable price for an A99 given that I would like a lightly used camera in great shape (don't we all want that?).

Here's how I arrived at my choice for A99. I am a photo hobbyist and have always used Sony's APSC A and E mount digital cameras. I currently have an A77 and a6000 cameras and lots of lenses - especially A mount glass (Sony, Minolta, and Tamron). I use the two cameras for different purposes. I have always wanted to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. Originally, my plan was to acquire an A7iii and funding the purchase by selling some of my A mount lenses. But, I quickly learned that the market for A mount equipment is poor. It's a hassle to sell on Ebay given the low prices that most of the lenses sell for. I explored selling to KEH when they were in town (Dallas, TX). I did sell some lenses and received about $600, but I was mainly clearing out duplicate and other oddball lenses. I also had KEH provide pricing for all of my remaining lenses, and it was depressing. I have a lot of A mount lenses that are already full frame, so it seems like a smarter move to get the A99 at the current time. I am not a professional and do not need the latest and greatest equipment. I believe in the long run, the future is E mount rather than A mount, but I did not have the budget to acquire an E mount full frame camera and FE lenses. The A99ii is a great camera but also out of my price range. And it is probably more than I need for now.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

JB

Click to expand...

sybersitizen said:

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography.

Click to expand...

I'm sure you have good reasons for wanting a full frame camera in general ... but I'd like to hear why you think your macro work will benefit from it.

Click to expand...

Martin Passchier

Explore Martin Passchier’s 973 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Lensmate said:

sybersitizen said:

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography.

Click to expand...

I'm sure you have good reasons for wanting a full frame camera in general ... but I'd like to hear why you think your macro work will benefit from it.

Click to expand...

42 MP's is a good reason for macro, especially if you crop. Example:

the third shot is reduced in size but if I wanted to crop tightly [from the original] I could do so easily whilst showing much greater detail of the eye, so one could see the ommatidia clearly.

-Martin P

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Lensmate said:

--
Robin H

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Lensmate said:

sybersitizen said:

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography.

Click to expand...

I'm sure you have good reasons for wanting a full frame camera in general ... but I'd like to hear why you think your macro work will benefit from it.

Click to expand...

42 MP's is a good reason for macro, especially if you crop.

Click to expand...

RobinHsherwood said:

Trouble is the OP is looking at an A99v which is only 24 mp.

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RobinHsherwood said:

Lensmate said:

sybersitizen said:

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography.

Click to expand...

I'm sure you have good reasons for wanting a full frame camera in general ... but I'd like to hear why you think your macro work will benefit from it.

Click to expand...

42 MP's is a good reason for macro, especially if you crop. Example:

the third shot is reduced in size but if I wanted to crop tightly [from the original] I could do so easily whilst showing much greater detail of the eye, so one could see the ommatidia clearly.

-Martin P

Click to expand...

That's true Martin! Trouble is the OP is looking at an A99v which is only 24 mp.

Click to expand...

sybersitizen said:

Lensmate said:

sybersitizen said:

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography.

Click to expand...

I'm sure you have good reasons for wanting a full frame camera in general ... but I'd like to hear why you think your macro work will benefit from it.

Click to expand...

42 MP's is a good reason for macro, especially if you crop.

Click to expand...

If you're cropping, 24MP on APS-C is an even better reason for macro. The tighter pixel pitch provides higher resolution.

I'd still like to hear the OP's thinking on this.

RobinHsherwood said:

Trouble is the OP is looking at an A99v which is only 24 mp.

Click to expand...

And there's that. When used with any particular macro lens, something like an A77II would be better than an A99 for greater apparent magnification and higher resolution.

Click to expand...

Martin Passchier

Explore Martin Passchier’s 973 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Marco Cinnirella said:

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. I have a limited budget so I would like to purchase a used Sony A99. Is it good idea to purchase a camera that was introduced 6 years ago? What should I be considering or looking for in a used A99 (I always bought new in the past)? Where is the best place to purchase online -- Ebay?, KEH?, or online camera store? What is a reasonable price for an A99 given that I would like a lightly used camera in great shape (don't we all want that?).

Here's how I arrived at my choice for A99. I am a photo hobbyist and have always used Sony's APSC A and E mount digital cameras. I currently have an A77 and a6000 cameras and lots of lenses - especially A mount glass (Sony, Minolta, and Tamron). I use the two cameras for different purposes. I have always wanted to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. Originally, my plan was to acquire an A7iii and funding the purchase by selling some of my A mount lenses. But, I quickly learned that the market for A mount equipment is poor. It's a hassle to sell on Ebay given the low prices that most of the lenses sell for. I explored selling to KEH when they were in town (Dallas, TX). I did sell some lenses and received about $600, but I was mainly clearing out duplicate and other oddball lenses. I also had KEH provide pricing for all of my remaining lenses, and it was depressing. I have a lot of A mount lenses that are already full frame, so it seems like a smarter move to get the A99 at the current time. I am not a professional and do not need the latest and greatest equipment. I believe in the long run, the future is E mount rather than A mount, but I did not have the budget to acquire an E mount full frame camera and FE lenses. The A99ii is a great camera but also out of my price range. And it is probably more than I need for now.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

JB

Click to expand...

I went from APS-C Sony (a77) to a99 (now also have a99ii). It was painful financially because I mainly had APS-C glass. A lot of folks seem to consider going FF but don't have the glass. This is not a good trade off. What lenses do you have for your listed interest in landscape and portrait? The good FF glass that covers these subjects tends to be pricy, with one or two exceptions. For example, for landscapes the Sony CZ 16-35 is incredibly expensive. Lots of folks go for the Tamron 15-30 but that is fairly expensive too. You could go for a used Minolta 24mm lens I guess. Similarly, for portraits the classic lens is an 85 1.4, but the Sony CZ 85 1.4 is very expensive. There is the 'plastic fantastic' Sony 85 f2.8 SAM lens at a ridiculously low price as an alternative.

My advice would be - price up the glass you would need as well - there's little point going FF but then not having good glass to support it. FWIW I still use the a99 professionally and find it to be a very competent camera - especially for those two subjects you mention, landscapes and portraits. Its images (shoot in raw BTW, the JPEG engine is so-so) have phenomenal color and tonality and lots of detail from the 24MP sensor. Handling is lovely, especially with the optional grip. EVF is great, and AF is excellent, just not up to a77ii or a99ii standards.

When looking for a second hand one I would recommend a physical store if you can get to one, so you can actually carefully look at what you are buying. Check the shutter count and the dials all work OK - the rear dial had a flaw in some units where it would get 'sticky' and not smooth. You also should check the SSS is working as it should.

Excellent camera, even in today's world of a99iis and a7R3s etc. Hell, folks on here still use a900s and Konica-Minolta 5Ds !!

Click to expand...

JohnDB said:

Marco Cinnirella said:

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. I have a limited budget so I would like to purchase a used Sony A99. Is it good idea to purchase a camera that was introduced 6 years ago? What should I be considering or looking for in a used A99 (I always bought new in the past)? Where is the best place to purchase online -- Ebay?, KEH?, or online camera store? What is a reasonable price for an A99 given that I would like a lightly used camera in great shape (don't we all want that?).

Here's how I arrived at my choice for A99. I am a photo hobbyist and have always used Sony's APSC A and E mount digital cameras. I currently have an A77 and a6000 cameras and lots of lenses - especially A mount glass (Sony, Minolta, and Tamron). I use the two cameras for different purposes. I have always wanted to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. Originally, my plan was to acquire an A7iii and funding the purchase by selling some of my A mount lenses. But, I quickly learned that the market for A mount equipment is poor. It's a hassle to sell on Ebay given the low prices that most of the lenses sell for. I explored selling to KEH when they were in town (Dallas, TX). I did sell some lenses and received about $600, but I was mainly clearing out duplicate and other oddball lenses. I also had KEH provide pricing for all of my remaining lenses, and it was depressing. I have a lot of A mount lenses that are already full frame, so it seems like a smarter move to get the A99 at the current time. I am not a professional and do not need the latest and greatest equipment. I believe in the long run, the future is E mount rather than A mount, but I did not have the budget to acquire an E mount full frame camera and FE lenses. The A99ii is a great camera but also out of my price range. And it is probably more than I need for now.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

JB

Click to expand...

I went from APS-C Sony (a77) to a99 (now also have a99ii). It was painful financially because I mainly had APS-C glass. A lot of folks seem to consider going FF but don't have the glass. This is not a good trade off. What lenses do you have for your listed interest in landscape and portrait? The good FF glass that covers these subjects tends to be pricy, with one or two exceptions. For example, for landscapes the Sony CZ 16-35 is incredibly expensive. Lots of folks go for the Tamron 15-30 but that is fairly expensive too. You could go for a used Minolta 24mm lens I guess. Similarly, for portraits the classic lens is an 85 1.4, but the Sony CZ 85 1.4 is very expensive. There is the 'plastic fantastic' Sony 85 f2.8 SAM lens at a ridiculously low price as an alternative.

My advice would be - price up the glass you would need as well - there's little point going FF but then not having good glass to support it. FWIW I still use the a99 professionally and find it to be a very competent camera - especially for those two subjects you mention, landscapes and portraits. Its images (shoot in raw BTW, the JPEG engine is so-so) have phenomenal color and tonality and lots of detail from the 24MP sensor. Handling is lovely, especially with the optional grip. EVF is great, and AF is excellent, just not up to a77ii or a99ii standards.

When looking for a second hand one I would recommend a physical store if you can get to one, so you can actually carefully look at what you are buying. Check the shutter count and the dials all work OK - the rear dial had a flaw in some units where it would get 'sticky' and not smooth. You also should check the SSS is working as it should.

Excellent camera, even in today's world of a99iis and a7R3s etc. Hell, folks on here still use a900s and Konica-Minolta 5Ds !!

Click to expand...

I have over 20 full frame A mount lenses -- mostly Minolta and a few Tamron lenses. None of the the Minolta lenses are G lenses. At the wide end there is the Konica Minolta 17-35 and Minolta 20MM and 24mm primes. There is also an assortment of other primes and zooms (including the Beercan series). I also have a Tamron 28-75 which can be used for midrange / every day walkaround lense, I do have two Sony G lenses -- 70- 300 G SSM and 70 - 400 G SSM. My macro lenses are the Minolta 50mm, Tamron 90mm, and Tamron 180mm macros. Unfortunately, I do not own any Sony Zeiss lenses. I believe my full frame lenses will work okay with the 24 MP A99. They probably would not work so great with the higher mega pixel A99ii (which I cannot afford anyway).

I am afraid that I will need to buy online if I go with the A99. I do not see any local stores that sell used A99's or even have any A mount cameras in stock. However, that is not the case with FE or E mount. The problem with online is that it is difficult to verify whether everything is working or not. Also, no luck with Craigs List.

Thanks for the input. I am continuing to explore this purchase option.

JB

Click to expand...

JohnDB said:

Marco Cinnirella said:

JohnDB said:

I would like to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. I have a limited budget so I would like to purchase a used Sony A99. Is it good idea to purchase a camera that was introduced 6 years ago? What should I be considering or looking for in a used A99 (I always bought new in the past)? Where is the best place to purchase online -- Ebay?, KEH?, or online camera store? What is a reasonable price for an A99 given that I would like a lightly used camera in great shape (don't we all want that?).

Here's how I arrived at my choice for A99. I am a photo hobbyist and have always used Sony's APSC A and E mount digital cameras. I currently have an A77 and a6000 cameras and lots of lenses - especially A mount glass (Sony, Minolta, and Tamron). I use the two cameras for different purposes. I have always wanted to acquire a full frame camera for landscape, macro, and portrait photography. Originally, my plan was to acquire an A7iii and funding the purchase by selling some of my A mount lenses. But, I quickly learned that the market for A mount equipment is poor. It's a hassle to sell on Ebay given the low prices that most of the lenses sell for. I explored selling to KEH when they were in town (Dallas, TX). I did sell some lenses and received about $600, but I was mainly clearing out duplicate and other oddball lenses. I also had KEH provide pricing for all of my remaining lenses, and it was depressing. I have a lot of A mount lenses that are already full frame, so it seems like a smarter move to get the A99 at the current time. I am not a professional and do not need the latest and greatest equipment. I believe in the long run, the future is E mount rather than A mount, but I did not have the budget to acquire an E mount full frame camera and FE lenses. The A99ii is a great camera but also out of my price range. And it is probably more than I need for now.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

JB

Click to expand...

I went from APS-C Sony (a77) to a99 (now also have a99ii). It was painful financially because I mainly had APS-C glass. A lot of folks seem to consider going FF but don't have the glass. This is not a good trade off. What lenses do you have for your listed interest in landscape and portrait? The good FF glass that covers these subjects tends to be pricy, with one or two exceptions. For example, for landscapes the Sony CZ 16-35 is incredibly expensive. Lots of folks go for the Tamron 15-30 but that is fairly expensive too. You could go for a used Minolta 24mm lens I guess. Similarly, for portraits the classic lens is an 85 1.4, but the Sony CZ 85 1.4 is very expensive. There is the 'plastic fantastic' Sony 85 f2.8 SAM lens at a ridiculously low price as an alternative.

My advice would be - price up the glass you would need as well - there's little point going FF but then not having good glass to support it. FWIW I still use the a99 professionally and find it to be a very competent camera - especially for those two subjects you mention, landscapes and portraits. Its images (shoot in raw BTW, the JPEG engine is so-so) have phenomenal color and tonality and lots of detail from the 24MP sensor. Handling is lovely, especially with the optional grip. EVF is great, and AF is excellent, just not up to a77ii or a99ii standards.

When looking for a second hand one I would recommend a physical store if you can get to one, so you can actually carefully look at what you are buying. Check the shutter count and the dials all work OK - the rear dial had a flaw in some units where it would get 'sticky' and not smooth. You also should check the SSS is working as it should.

Excellent camera, even in today's world of a99iis and a7R3s etc. Hell, folks on here still use a900s and Konica-Minolta 5Ds !!

Click to expand...

I have over 20 full frame A mount lenses -- mostly Minolta and a few Tamron lenses. None of the the Minolta lenses are G lenses. At the wide end there is the Konica Minolta 17-35 and Minolta 20MM and 24mm primes. There is also an assortment of other primes and zooms (including the Beercan series). I also have a Tamron 28-75 which can be used for midrange / every day walkaround lense, I do have two Sony G lenses -- 70- 300 G SSM and 70 - 400 G SSM. My macro lenses are the Minolta 50mm, Tamron 90mm, and Tamron 180mm macros. Unfortunately, I do not own any Sony Zeiss lenses. I believe my full frame lenses will work okay with the 24 MP A99. They probably would not work so great with the higher mega pixel A99ii (which I cannot afford anyway).

I am afraid that I will need to buy online if I go with the A99. I do not see any local stores that sell used A99's or even have any A mount cameras in stock. However, that is not the case with FE or E mount. The problem with online is that it is difficult to verify whether everything is working or not. Also, no luck with Craigs List.

Thanks for the input. I am continuing to explore this purchase option.

JB

Click to expand...