Originally posted by pathdoc To clarify (as a former Dynax/Maxxum 3xi shooter who is feeling nostalgic); my understanding is that A mount is the same as Minolta's film AF mount, yes? Or no? Granted, the modern lenses probably bear the same relation to those back then as D-FA does to F...
Yes, that's correct. Sony took over Konica-Minolta's imaging division, adopting the Minolta AF mount as their A-mount.
Actually, some of the old Minolta AF glass is nice; and some less so. The film and early digital era lenses are pretty much comparable with Pentax models of the time in terms of optical quality and performance, though the higher-end models - especially the zooms - feel a bit more heavily-built (which doesn't necessarily mean better - just heavier). The problem is, many examples have been very well used by now, and haven't stood the test of time too well. Finding really good copies is getting quite hard - unlike the situation with old K-mount glass, where there's still a plethora of excellent-condition vintage lenses to choose from.
Modern Sony A-mount glass ranges from budget models of similar quality to Pentax DA plastic fantastic, through to DA*-level.
I only have a couple of the older AF lenses... a film-era Minolta AF 50/1.7 and a digital-era Konica Minolta AF 17-35mm F/2.8-4. Both are very good, considering their age. The rest of my A-mount line-up consists of a Sony Zeiss 24-70 f/2.8 ZA SSM (easily the nicest lens I own on any mount in terms of sharpness and rendering, plus - of course - build quality), a Samyang 85/1.4, and three Tammies - a 70-200/2.8 USD, 150-600/5-6.3 USD and 28-300/3.5-6.3 PZD. I use some of my M42 lenses on A-mount too... Focus-peaking through the EVF is a dream to work with