Minolta lenses

[solace]

Hi all,

This is sort of a question about DSLRs as well as old lenses. I've inherited a Minolta Maxxum 7000 and a couple lenses from a sibling. The body is still functional, as are the lenses, and I intend to keep them for 35mm.

I also intend to purchase a DSLR at some point (maybe). If the lenses are decent I'm inclined to pick up a Sony alpha since they're compatible. But if they're not, I'll be investigating other makes as well.

The lenses I have are:
Minolta AF 50 F1.7
Sigma 60-200 4-5.6 ZOOM

There is also a
ROKUNAR MC M/AF 2X Teleconverter
and a
C.P.S. Ultra Wide Macro Lens 0.6X 52 mm. There's a sticker on it that says "Close up+8"

Has anyone seen/used these before? Or know anything about them?

 

[elgato]

I believe (almost?) all lenses that are compatible with Minolta Maxxum are also compatible with Sony Alpha. I have that same 50/1.7 and use it with my Sony A700. It is a nice, sharp lens and autofocuses pretty quickly and accurately. I don't know about your other lenses, but there is a large database of alpha-compatible lenses and reviews here:

http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp

Have fun!

 

[gmolzahn]

I bought a Sony alpha 350 because I have several Maxxuum lenses. All work perfectly fine with the Sony. I currently use the 50 f1.7, the 28-105 zoom and a Tamron 28-300. I did have a Sigma 24-105 zoom but it didn't work with ADI flash, it only worked with TTL so I don't use it anymore. Digi snaps all look great with these lenses. My Minolta 3699HS flash works great on the Sony as well.

 

[solace]

Heya,

Thanks for the replies. I know that they have a compatible lens mount, but I was told to investigate the lenses and to not use them as a factor in choosing a DSLR if they weren't well thought of. Although come to think of it, that does seem a little subjective...

Thanks for the comments about the 50 f1.7. I did look up the Dyxum database yesterday before I posted and found that one listed.

The 60-200 is a bit of a bother though, it's not in the database and Googling produces few results about the quality of the product. I have established that it's 'rare' but that doesn't tell me if that's because it wasn't any good so they stopped making it, or something else.

I'll keep digging anyway.

 

[hoffy]

The 50 F1.7 would work fine on a Sony Alpha. The Sigma 60-200 may not. Some of the older sigma lenses need to be re-chipped for the Auto Focus to work on the DSLR's. My suggestion would be to head over to the lens database at dyxum.com and do a search on the lens.

While the 50 F1.7 is a pretty good lens (some hate the Bokeh on it), they are a very common lens, probably worth about $150 (unless they are the maxxum version with the crossed xx's. These are a little rarer and worth a little bit more if in excellent condition).

But don't let me put you off. I entered into the Sony system with only 2 kit lenses and the 50. Now I have quite a few more, including the excellent Beercan (70-210 F4) and am very happy with them.

edit - sorry, it appears that you have found dyxum. Considering that the lens is not in the d/base, I would say its a non starter

 

[solace]

Thanks for the info. It's good to know. None of it is off-putting, just informative.

I found a reference to the 60-200 on Dyxum's forums. Apparently there is an older and a newer version of that lens, and the older ones don't work on the DSLRs. I have a sneaking suspicion that mine is the older one. I'll see if I can try the lens on an alpha body just in case anyway.