Blacks.ca: Sony 16-50mm f/2.8 $599.99

[dran]

Blacks.ca is currently selling the Sony 16-50mm f/2.8 lens (SAL1650) for $599.99 (http://www.blacks.ca/blacks/jump/product/32544/Sony-Sal-16-50mm-Lens/cat100009/Lenses/product.jsp?prdId=32544). I believe it is the lowest ever advertised price for this lens in canada. Even amazon.com is selling it for $798.00 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-16-50mm-Standard-A-Mount-Cameras/dp/B005IY2OD4/ref=pd_cp_p_0).

http://kurtmunger.com/sony_dt_16_50mm_f_2_8_ssm_reviewid311.html
http://www.photozone.de/sony_nex/730-sony1650f28


Dran

[Genetics2009]

That's HOT! $600 seems to be the going rate for used copies over at Dyxum. I would get one in a heartbeat if I didn't already have the CZ24-70.

[Answers]

Nice, a canon equivilant would b $1200

[SickBeast]

I still think lenses at that price are overpriced. Are they really that much better than a regular lens that comes with a DSLR?

[Talamasca]

I still think lenses at that price are overpriced. Are they really that much better than a regular lens that comes with a DSLR?

Overpriced? Perhaps. Is the lens superior to the basic one that comes with a DSLR? Definitely. Once you get past the casual stage, photography becomes a rather expensive hobby.

[Subarunyon]

At f/8 you'll see some improvements, but nothing major, especially at 20-50mm. at the extreme ends of the zoom you'll see bigger improvements.

At bigger apertures (f/4 and above), it's like night and day with the kit lens. The kitlens doesnt even go above f/5.6 starting around 40mm.

Is it worth it? I think the sweet spot with f2.8 zooms for most people would be used Tamron / Sigma ones which go for 300 ish used, but sometimes the first party ones are worth the price premium, depending on your needs.

Imho the best kitlenses is the one that came with Olympus and Pentax cameras, but that's probably just my bias speaking :p

[dkq]

Thanks OP, this is a nice lens for A65/77 with F2.8, better than other DT like 16-80(CZ$, F3.5-4.5) and 16-105(no SSM, F3.5-5.6). I "wish" they have 14-42mm :-)

[Fantaz]

I think this would be overkill for an Alpha Nex-5? I paid less than this just for my camera with lens.

[bubba g]

Don't think its an overkill, but you'll have to spend another $350 for the LA-EA2 adapter in order to retain the autofocus.

[HRhater]

Don't think its an overkill, but you'll have to spend another $350 for the LA-EA2 adapter in order to retain the autofocus.

LA-EA1 I think also works with a lens firm update. Using the LA-EA1 55-200 SAM, AF seems to work fine, but it's noisy and takes forever to AF on this SAM lens. I am hoping this SSM is better for AF and works with my LA-EA1 adapter.

[SKYMTL]

I think this would be overkill for an Alpha Nex-5? I paid less than this just for my camera with lens.

You will need the E-Mount to A-Mount adapter. That'll cost you $249 for the one without AF or about $450 if you want AF.

[andreid]

You'd better off concentrating taking beautiful pictures with your NEX your instead of thinking of adding superfluous items that won't do much more.


I think this would be overkill for an Alpha Nex-5? I paid less than this just for my camera with lens.

[dkq]

Let me set the fact straight, LA-EA1 works with Sony/Minolta A lenses that has built-in motor, but slower ... takes 3-5 seconds to lock focus. So all SSM and SAM lenses (HSM...) will focus on NEX, including most Tamron 3rd party lenses ... if they have motor built in. As for Sigma, mostly won't focus even it has motor, however, since the lens gets power from LA-EA1, optical stablization works on Sigma OS lens under MF (Sigma did not pay license fee$ to get all the intel for AF ... again). LA-EA1 does not have a drive for old DT lens with mechanical coupling since there is NONE inside LA-EA1.

LA-EA2 said to be working and faster with all lenses just like SLT-Axx camera, but for >$300 and added bulkiness better buy a SLT camera like A3x/A57 ... IMHO.

I just purchased LA-EA1 from BH and that was the $ I paid to get the "FACTS". Currently coupled with 50mm F1.8 A and Sigma 18-250 HSM OS (verified working!) lens on my NEX. Eventualy, Nex9 or + may get the body OS like Olympus m4/3 ... I hope. I have the reasons to skip Nex7 even it is a fairly good NEX:-)

[jmac35]

Showing at $799.99 on blacks.ca

[toxikwaste]

Showing at $799.99 on blacks.ca

Yep, back to normal. That was quick.

[HRhater]

funny, blacks called to confiirm my order this morning??! not sure if they were hoping i changed my mind.

[andsoitgoes]

Gah, I'm glad that this price went back up. I was looking at a similar Zeiss lens that was a fortune. This is great for what it is.

As for those condemning expensive lens, give it up. This lens has an excellent f stop. A super fast 2.8 is normal in a prime, but to get that at 16mm? That's nuts. It's crazy fast, and would make crazy wide angle shots. The next thing, probably one of the biggest factors in the price, is the SSM motor versus the SAM. If you have taken video with Sony's autofocus movie mode, it's a double edged sword. Even the SAM motors are loud and show up in video sounds. With the SSM motor, it freaking PURRS. The sharpness I've seen is incredibly impressive.

Simply put, this is a blastedly fantastic walk around lens for doing landscape and portrait photographs and videos.

Remember, it is the lenses that make the camera, not the other way around. Having a good body will help in some areas, but having amazing glass, and this IS that, will make things that much better.

Oh, and HR... Any chance you want to convince them you accidentally ordered 2? ;)

Mind, if you did there's the chance you might also need to let me stay with you since she will certainly kick me out for spending 6 MORE bills on the camera.