SAL-500F80
3.6
5
8
8
8/500 Reflex
I have owned this lens for a couple of years, taken thousands of photos with it in every combination and tweaks you can think of with my A700. If you want to take top photos of wildlife this is not the lens to spend your money on. Slot drive focus is slow and you will miss shots because it hunts. Low light situations are not recommended for this lens. (F8) You can get a somewhat pleasing shot at about 13 - 15 feet, any futher and focus starts to suffer. Focus seems to be better in top 2/3 of the lens. You get what you pay with this lens. Focus and color are the main problems. If you can't take sharp photos whats the point !!! In my opinion this lens is JUNK!!! Spend the money and buy better quality glass.
July 10, 2010
SAL-500F80 Good Choice
I originally purchased this lens for my wife to use on the A100 but I have become rather fond of this lens on the A700. I usually take a long lens in the filed along with a tripod to keep it steady. After learning how to use this lens and teaching my wife about its particulars it has become a favorite when in the field for extended periods. What I have found with this lens is you need to keep the camera set to A, shutter speed between 500 and 1000, and the ISO between 800 and 1600, and the EV at +1. If you do this on the A100 or the A700 your results are stunning. On the A900 you would love this lens, the performance on the A900 is remarkable and the results amazing. I would recommend this reflex to anyone who wishes not to carry a heavy lens in the field and needs one for rapid shooting with excellent results.
January 16, 2010
A great step before buying a 70-400mm lens
I recently shoot some wildlife photos and was shocked at what I could do with out a tripod. The balance on my A700 made it very easy to hand hold a slower shutter speeds then I would have expected. The focusing was fast and right on the money!
November 23, 2009
Tradeoffs That Win
As we all know, there are some areas where a mirror lens can be lacluster, but there are equal areas where they can be brilliant. Sony has updated the solid Minolta design with AF, to it would seem, everyone's amazement. I have had excellent results with this lens in wildlife shots as well as outdoor sports. There was also a Minolta 250mm mirror that I carried for unplanned long shots that I would like to see revived someday. Overall, mirrors take a bit of practice, but are well worth the effort.
May 16, 2009
