__________________________________________________________________________   4/30/10   Sale on select Sony lenses (and cameras) through June 19th.  The prices below are from B&H Photo, but Sony has the same prices listed on their website.  Check out the 300mm SSM G for $5800, that's $500 less than normal retail.  I have reviews of all lenses listed below, go here for the full list.     100mm F/2.8 Macro, now $630   DT 11-18mm F/4.5-5.6, now $650   135mm STF, now $1150   DT 16-105mm F/3.5-5.6, now $550   CZ 16-35mm F/2.8, now $1750   DT CZ 16-80mm F/3.5-4.5, now $700   28-75mm F/2.8, now $700   300mm F/2.8 SSM G, now $5800   DT 50mm F/1.8 SAM, now $125   DT 30mm F/2.8 macro, now $175   70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 G, now $800   DT 55-200mm SAM, now $200   70-400mm SSM G, now $1500   CZ 85mm F/1.4, now $1270   __________________________________________________________________________   4/25/10   I've posted another zoom comparison, this time using zoom lenses that go up to 200mm or 210mm.  The format is pretty much the same as the 300mm page.  Don't try to compare the crops from 300mm to 200mm/210mm because they were taken from a different distance, in this case 20' or 6.1m.  In the 200mm tele zoom shoot out page, I used the longest focal length available, either 200mm or 210mm, so the 210mm lenses theoretically have an advantage, but as we all know, that doesn't always translate to actual results.   Min 80-200mm SC, Min 70-210mm F/3.5-4.5, Min 100-200mm F/4.5, Min 70-210mm F/4, Sony 70-200mm F/2.8 __________________________________________________________________________   4/16/10   I've put together what I'm now calling the "quick lens evaluation page" which is the forth link on the nav bar to the left.  This page lists all lenses I've reviewed so far, including Sony, Minolta, Tamron and Sigma.  I decided to leave out the Konica Minolta branded lenses, they're already covered under Sony. Each lens has a link to the review in blue, followed by some quick thoughts concerning characteristics and/or possible less expensive alternatives to that lens, and a green link to B&H Photo if you'd like to buy that lens or just check the price.  Remember; buying anything through my B&H link helps support this site. __________________________________________________________________________   4/8/10   Just an item I'd like to pass along; anybody that has a superzoom camera, such as the Olympus SP-550 UZ, should check out the quite small, but very handy case I found at OfficeMax ($14.99).  It holds the camera snugly, and still allows room for some batteries or filters.  There are two side pockets, where you could put a polarizer in one, and a graduated ND in the other.  The pocket on the inside could also hold a filter, but I don't like the fact that it may get rubbed when you remove or insert the camera.  There is a very slim zippered pocket in the top flap where you might put a spare memory card.  Of course a strap is also included, but I hook it to my belt using the loop fastened to the back.  This item isn't available at B&H Photo, darn it!  Get it at Adorama or OfficeMax.  Item name and number is Case Logic DCB-303.   Case Logic DCB-303 __________________________________________________________________________   4/5/10   Thanks to another kind visitor (Thomas from the great state of Texas), I was able to review the Minotla AF 300mm F/4 APO G (HS).  This lens is fairly small and portable, which makes it a good birding or sports lens in decent light.  Without the hood, it's about the same size and weight as the Sony 70-200mm F/2.8 SSM G, just to give you something as a comparison.  It also turned in an overall very good performance, the only downer is the somewhat strong color fringing, more about that in the review.  If Sony would update this lens with some "ED" elements and SSM focusing, (not SAM), it would sell like hotcakes, of course that's assuming if it was priced right.   Click for Minolta AF 300mm F/4 review page __________________________________________________________________________   4/2/10   The 300mm zoom and prime lens shoot out page now has Sony tele-converter use crops added below the regular crops for the three lenses that will accept the Sony TCs.  A few interesting results show up if you look closely, like the extra 100mm on the end of the Sony 70-400mm produces about the most detail, even when you add the 2.0x to the Sony prime.  Also, the Sony 300mm F/2.8 is the only lens I'd use the 2.0x TC on, as the loss of stops on the other two lenses will give you some really low shutter speeds, resulting in blur, even using a tripod.  Don't forget when you add the 2.0x TC to the 70-400mm and Minolta 300mm F/4, you only get manual focus!    January home page entries have been moved.  If you want to revisit a page that was posted below in January, go to the home page archives.    Click for comparison page