[nicklovick]

Erlier this year I bashed my favorite lens (Minolta AF 28-105) at a motocross event. While I managed to strip down and fix the lens it no longer has the smoth operation I require for MX shots. Luckly I have two of these lenses so I now use the other one for MX.

Which leads me to my first question.
Now that Minolta has been taken over by Sony, will old Minolta branded lenses come down in price as Sony introduce new lenses?

My second question is...
Does anyone have any sugestions for a new lens to replace the one I broke?
I am looking to spend between £300-£600 although I would be prepaired to spend more for the right lens. The lens will be used primeraly for action shots so a quick AF and smoth operation are a must.
I often have to shoot in low or dificult light especialy at the start and end of the MX season (we only get about 6hrs of full daylight in the winter in Orkney).

Any sugestions would be apreciated

[Dave]

Well it looks like you'll struggle to find a fast lens for same focal range. If you wanted something a little higher in the focal range then the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 is highly rated here :- Example shot taken with Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM

Alternatively there is the new 50-150mm f/2.8 lens, although I have seen no reviews to date.

If you can cope with a slightly slower lens, then you obviously stand more chance of finding a similar focal range to what you are used to.

Anybody else have some advice ?

[nicklovick]

Cheers Dave, I would prefer somthing that starts closer to 28mm as I use the wide angle loads

Not sure about the speed, the lens I'm using is about 10years old now so its probably pretty slow anyway. I would probably prefer a lens with a wider angle.

Mind you I've just seen Dod's shots in the post you linked and there first class, might have to look into the 50-150mm version

[dod]

I know I tend to use the 70-200 a lot but the 50-150 looks like it's a very usable range for mx. I also use the Canon 28-105 a lot as you do as it's ideal for the berms. Have you had a look at the tamron 28-75? Gets great reviews.

[Steve]

I can highly reccomend the Tamron 28-75 F2.8. Picture quality wise it will impress and focus speed should also be more than good enough (although not quite as fast or smooth as my Canon L lenses) the only things I can compare to. The build quality is also very good for the money but obviously it doesnt benefit from any weather sealing.

If you need any sample shots let me know and I will dig a few out for you

[daveyuk]

Nick,
Not sure if this is of any use to you?
Minolta 28-100 f3.5-5.6 D Lens it might be a bit short on length but it's got the wide angle you're after. Hope it helps
Minolta Lens 17-35mm,28-75mm,75-300mm,100-300mm,16mm f2.8,20mm f2.8,28mm F2,300mm

[nicklovick]

Thanks for your help folk
The Tamron 28-75 would be tempting but without weather sealing its a no.
The Sigma 50-150 on the other hand looks like the lens for me
It would also mean I could look for a wider angle lens when the bank manager stops yelling at me

[dod]

Sigma 50-150/2.8 first impressions (56k beware!) - Canon Digital Photography Forums

Looks like the 50-150 compares well against the canon 70-200 F4L. If it really is that good you shouldn't have any complaints at all.

Bear in mind it's unlikely any of the lenses you're looking at have weather sealing.

[dod]

Meant to say as well, the finish on my sigma is peeling. It's not something which bothers me but I know a lot of people like to keep their kit in mint condition. Bit difficult at this lark I know but it's worth mentioning. You can see it on Sunday.

[nicklovick]

Looks dont bother me
All my gear has the well used look to it, got better things to do than polishing my lenses