New to DSLRs

[chrisb]

So i just purchased my first DSLR, a Sony a230, and i'm interested in getting another lens at some point (currently just have the 18-55 it came with). I did a Google search and found that there are several lenses similar to this one at what i think is a pretty good price. The question is are they worth it?

http://www.buy.com/prod/rokinon-500mm-f-8-0-telephoto-lens-for-sony-alpha-a230-a300-a330-a350/q/listingid/87705768/loc/111/215382024.html

[kenbell27]

I hear with those lenses you get what you pay for, also that looks like it is manual focus only, not auto focus. I shoot the sony A700 and have had good luck with sigma lenses they cost a little more but are decent quality. I dont know what your price range is but you could also go with the Minolta G lenses they are older but still very sharp and great qualit, but expensive.

[grandpawrichard]

Chris,
I totally agree with Ken on that lens. You won't get much in quality with those super cheap lenses and most of them produce very poor images due to their cheap quality optics. It is far better to wait and save up some money so that you can purchase a higher grade of lens. A camera is only as good as the glass that you put in front of it, it is Never advantageous to save money on the lenses for your camera.

Dick

[chrisb]

What about the 2x magnifiers they have all over the interwebs? they look to just be an attachment to your existing lens have you guys used those before?

[wapiti hunter2]

2x magnifiers are the same . You get what you pay for and loose at least one light stop by using them.  For example  a 2x on an F5.6 lens becomes F8.  As grandpa said.  you get what you pay for.  best is to save more and buy better glass.  I wouldn't touch that 500 mm lens with a ten foot pole.  will be nothing but heart ache.  Do some searches on this site and here : http://www.huntfishnw.com/ and you should find most of your questions answered.

[chrisb]

Thanks guys!