Minolta lens on Sony body

[nickcowen]

Can anyone give me any advice on this. I'v Hurd that minolta lens fit on sony alpha body's but then I see adaptor's to do this job too. Is there only certain lenses that will fit without an adaptor or do you need an adaptor regardless of which lens it is. Any help would be great as i'v been trying to understand it but just getting confused with what i'v been getting of google. Thanks

[sgrimshaw]

Minolta AF lenses will fit Sony Alpha DSLR's.

They will not fit Sony NEX E Mount, without an adaptor (and then their capabilities are limited).

Minolta MD or MC lenses do not fit either without an adaptor.

Great source of information on Minolta/Sony here:

www.dyxum.com - has a really good lens database

www.alphamountworld.com - also very good site for information.


What Minolta lens(es) do you have?

[nickcowen]

I don't have any minolta lenses at yet but have been looking on eBay at 50mm 1.4 as I want a Sony 1.4 but there over £300 and can't afford one yet so I was thinking of maybe getting a minolta for around £50 to get my eye in

[nellyleelephant]

nickcowen said:

I don't have any minolta lenses at yet but have been looking on eBay at 50mm 1.4 as I want a Sony 1.4 but there over £300 and can't afford one yet so I was thinking of maybe getting a minolta for around £50 to get my eye in

For that sort of money, I'd imagine it would require an adaptor as it won't be AF. Double your budget and you can get the minolta 50mm 1.7, which is AF and will work fine on a Sony body.

[nickcowen]

Ye i'v seen those but for that price I don't think a new Sony 50mm 1.8 cost much more

[nellyleelephant]

nickcowen said:

Ye i'v seen those but for that price I don't think a new Sony 50mm 1.8 cost much more

The minolta lens is regarded quite highly though. Not sure of the construction of the Sony one, but my 50 is a nicely made quality lens, not at all plasticy, if that's a word.

[nickcowen]

Ye I know what you mean the Sony dose look pretty cheap

[onomatopoeia]

nickcowen said:

Ye i'v seen those but for that price I don't think a new Sony 50mm 1.8 cost much more

The Sony is crop sensor only, the Minolta is full frame and Sony do not make a FF 50/1.7, only the 1.4, hence the Minolta lens holding its value quite well.

People have reported good results with the new Sony lens so if you don't have an A850 or A900 it will probably do a good job for you.

[nickcowen]

I have a Sony a390 plan to upgrarde in the future but it's probably going to be a long time before I will be able to afford a full frame body