dang - sorry it took me so long to find this thread. i have an alpha and really like it. you can find minolta maxxum mount lenses that will work with it also. i have a 100mm macro lens that is a minolta that is identical to the sony lens except for the brand name stamped on it. the one thing to remember is that if you are used to a point and shoot like i was, the dslr is less forgiving. you have to get better at being a photographer to use the camera to its potential.