____________________________________________________________________________   2/21/09   As promised, I have a review of a lesser expensive lens for you to peruse.  There are a lot of good prime lenses out there for your Sony/Minolta camera, unfortunately, the Sigma 30mm F/1.4 EX DC isn't one of them.  This is an APS-C only lens, and gives the same basic view as a "normal" lens (50mm) on a full frame camera.   If you only care about the very center of your image, this lens may suit you just fine.  If you want to carry this lens around for normal daylight shots, there are better choices.  Ready to see what I'm talking about? Go here.  People looking for instant gratification, go to the bottom of the page and read the final thoughts.   Click for review. ____________________________________________________________________________   2/17/09   I have the new list for lens reviews updated here.  As I said below, due to reader demands, I'm in the process of pushing the lower priced Sigma and select Minolta lenses to the front of the pack.  I've started on the Sigma 30mm F/1.4, and hope to have it done by this weekend.  The Sony 300mm F/2.8 has been taken off the list.  That lens is too expensive, even to rent.  Unfortunately it really hasn't drawn any interest, so I'm not going to do it anytime soon.  Also, don't look for a review of the Sony 16mm fisheye lens either.  I wouldn't ever use a lens like that, and I don't know of anyone renting the Sony version.   I hope to review the two new Sony zooms when they become available.  There must be a problem as they're about a month behind the release date here in the US.  So in between all this, I have a few fun reviews coming up; and I'll have to warn some of you chat room Sony sycophants, prepare for your inevitable disgust!     ____________________________________________________________________________   2/13/09   Ready, and right on schedule is the highly anticipated review of the highly regarded Sony 135mm F/1.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar lens.  If you like shooting wide open with a fast lens, this is one of very few Sony lenses that will satisfy even the most obnoxious pixel peeper.   I'm going to revamp my upcoming lens review list.  Some are going to be moved up, some are going to be moved way back.  I'm getting a lot of mail that indicates people want more after-market lens review, which is understandable with the economy the way it is.  I'll elaborate more in a couple of days.  For now, click the link above, or the picture below for the review of the superb Sony 135mm F/1.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar.   Click for review. ____________________________________________________________________________   2/5/09   I added a new link on the Nav bar, which attempts to answer frequently asked questions, and will be called the FAQs page.  I have a whopping three questions answered so far.  The first concerns Sony tele-converter compatibility, and how to tell instantly if one will fit on your lens.  The second question explains why you still need a polarizing filter, with ideas for use; they're not just for enhancing a blue sky.  The last question on the page (right now) shows the procedures used to properly identify a circular aperture.    Also, I see quite a few of you are paying attention, and noticed my two minute photoshop job of the "A800" on the last review product shot.  I didn't think most people payed any attention to the little things, which I spend so much time on throughout the site.  That was the intent.  Most folks thought is was funny.  I got a good laugh out of it too.  For some reason, a few dour chat room "experts" got their panties all in a bind.  My advice to you people; go outside and actually engage in some sort of photographic endeavor, and stop worrying about new equipment!    For you chat-roomers with a fistful of Dollars, get the Sony A900 with a 24-70mm F/2.8 Carl Zeiss lens for $500 off the retail price, which puts it around $4250 + tax.  The ad is at the top of the page, click the ad and you'll go to another page, then go to the "add bundle to cart" box on the right to see the final price, with tax.   The next review will be the Carl Zeiss 135mm F/1.8 lens.  Look for it late next week.