I too have picked up a big white lens.

I have switched from Nikon to Sony. ; There is nothing wrong about the Nikon, and just like the 1DMk3 images[nb]When they were in focus[/nb], the D700 pics were amazing. ; But I miss the telephoto end. ; And my arms aren't as steady as they once were. ; So while I had options to get IS with my D700, the cost was just prohibitive. ;

And I couldn't pass this up.

The lens above is a Minolta HS (High Speed) 300/2.8. ; It's not the G model, but it's still fast with a motor screw drive and very sharp. ; Yes, it has some CA but that's easily correctable in post. ;

It was rated as a BGN by KEH and as a result extremely affordable. ; The glass is fine. ; Why was it a BGN? ; Maybe because of this :



yeah the plate is beat up somewhat.


So I'm renting an A550 to make it through the next few weeks as my new body is on pre-order. ; But most of the lenses (in my signature) are enroute.

 

Right now? ; A Canon FtB, FD 50/1.4 and a Quantaray 70-210 f/4-5.6.

Now, I've used/owned the above, Elan IIe, A2E, EOS 3, 50/1.4, 20/2.8, 28-105, 200/2.8L, 70-200/2.8 Tokina, EOS-D30, EOS-30D, EOS 1DMk3, 70-200/2.8 IS (I), 1.4TC, 30/1.4L, 17-40L, 28-105L.

I sold my Canon EOS gear 2.5 years ago after I was fed up with the Mk3 fiasco. ; After 3 repair attempts on the AF module coupled with their corporate posting that the AF was the best ever tested on any EOS camera - but I couldn't take the chance anymore that I'd lose another shot because of the AF (in focus in the viewfinder, OOF on the image!)....so I switched.

What's interesting is that I almost switched to Sony back then.

 

Thanks Jeff and Michael. ; My next KEH order (two of my lenses, the Sigma I'm buying new) was placed Friday morning with a 2 day request - it's already in town at the sorting facility so I should be getting it on Monday!

Now, the other "issue" is a body plate....I think the Markins universal will fit (based on my scientific method of measuring the full size image of the A55, use a ruler to measure the full width, then divide that by the spec width to come up with a scale to convert the tripod area) - yet allow me to change the battery and memory card.....at least that's also enroute!

 

So does that mean you are going to unload your Nikon D700?

 

Yeah it's actually been gone - didn't last long over at FM.

 

Welcome to the 'other' big white lens club! ; (We'll get a table for two and have cocktails...it's a small club). ; Don't you just love how conservative KEH is with their ratings? ; Probably the best and most reliable used seller I've ever encountered.

You've been quite a journeyman with cameras - a good example of how really no one brand or camera is always better than another - just a matter of finding the camera that best suits your needs at a given time! ; Looking forward to seeing how that A55 handles with that lens too.

 

Thanks Justin. ; You know, it was ten years with Canon. ; But what you said is true!

 

very cool Roger! congrats on the new gear!
like Justin said, no one brand is perfect