Hey guys,
I'm getting cheap fast 50mm for my A99 and I was wondering if I should get a Sony or a Minolta. I've read somewhere that the 101 focus point on the A99 supports the Sony, but I cannot confirm this information. The Minolta most likely won't support it.
Price wise I can find the Minolta considerably cheaper than the Sony.
What do you guys think?
IMO, neither.
No SSM, 7 blade aperture instead of 9 … and if you get it, pay attention to the focus accuracy which may need tuning using the in-camera +/- lens adjustments. (does the Minolta version even support that feature?)
As you mentioned, I'd also dig deeper into whether the older Minolta version has data bus support for the full AF array.
I'd also be wise to see whether either of them support the dual AF feature of the A99.
The Sigma 50/1.4 may not be any faster at AF, but many feel it is optically superior to the aging optics of the Minolta/Sony 50/1.4.
It isn't that it is a bad lens, just that a 50mm should be a standout even wide open, and I don't think these choices are. Especially considering you are putting it on a FF 24 meg A99 … and the next Alpha SLT flagship promises to be even more demanding.
Unfortunately, the A mount 50/1.4 with SSM and 9 diaphragm blades is the recent Zeiss version that is comparitively priced somewhere in the stratosphere. I now have that lens and use it on the A99 and FF 36 meg A7R via the LAEA-4 SLT adapter … it holds up quite well even at 36 meg.
- Marc