Using Minolta AF (Sony A-mount) optics on modern Sony mirrorless cameras
I wrote this article because I did not find an adequate review of the situation on the network. I was interested in the topic for several years, I experimented a lot, gained experience and I want to share it. The article expresses my personal opinion, you may not agree with it.
Sony interchangeable lens digital cameras hit the market in 2006 after Sony acquired Konica Minolta. At one time, Minolta in 1985 first launched its mass-produced film SLR camera models with interchangeable lenses with an autofocus system. Thus, lenses with a Minolta AF mount (or Minolta A or Sony A mount) began to be manufactured since 1985. A feature of the original Minolta AF system is the placement of the focusing drive in the camera and pairing it with the lens using a so-called “screwdriver”. The diaphragm drive was also located in the chamber. The first digital SLR camera (DSLR) with the Minolta AF mount was called the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D (Maxxum 7D in the Americas) and was released in 2004.
A feature of the camera was an image stabilization system built into the camera, based on matrix shift. In the same year, a simplified and cheaper version was released - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D. Both models were equipped with 6 megapixels full-frame (crop factor 1.53) matrices. In 2006, Sony released its first Sony Alpha A100 SLR camera, based on the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D with a new 10 megapixel sensor (crop factor 1.5). In 2008, Sony launched its first full-frame Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 SLR camera with a 24 megapixel sensor, the physical size of which (35.9 x 24 mm) corresponded to the frame size of 35 mm film.
Sony produced SLR cameras of a traditional design (with a rising mirror) until 2010. In 2010, Sony Alpha SLT series cameras with a fixed translucent mirror and Sony A mount (Minolta A), as well as the new Sony NEX mirrorless series with the new Sony E mount (E mount), were introduced and launched. In Sony NEX mirrorless cameras, the lens control is fully electric, aperture and autofocus drives are built into the lens. Also, in some lens models, optical image stabilization was implemented. Mirrors of the NEX series used APS-C format matrices with a crop factor of 1.5.
In NEX mirrorless cameras released before 2012, autofocus was performed using the contrast method. Since there is no mirror in the cameras, there are no phase sensors for fast autofocus. Because of this, NEX mirrorless devices noticeably lost in the speed of high-quality shooting and could not claim to be a mass professional tool. The NEX-7 model, which appeared in 2011, was positioned as a professional tool, but was not widely used due to the high price and still contrasting autofocus. The LA-EA2 autofocus adapter (with a translucent mirror and phase-detection autofocus system) made it possible to turn the NEX-7 into a more expensive analogue of the Sony SLT-A65 SLR camera. The quality of the photographs of the NEX-7 and SLT-A65 was approximately the same. NEX Series cameras were still rather expensive,
The situation began to change in 2012. NEX-6 and NEX-5R models were released, equipped with a matrix with phase-detection autofocus sensors. 99 sensors were placed directly on the matrix and this allowed several times to accelerate autofocus.
In 2013, the first full-frame mirrorless camera manufactured by Sony, the ILCE-A7, was released. Also on sale are full-frame lenses with an E-mount, marked FE to distinguish them from lenses marked with an E designed for crop cameras.
The E-series full-frame lens can be used on an A7 type full-frame camera - the camera recognizes such lenses and switches to crop mode - only the central area of the matrix is used and the image resolution is reduced to 10 megapixels. The A7 camera was equipped with 117 phase-detection AF sensors located on the sensor. However, image stabilization was still only provided by lenses labeled Optical Steadyshot (OSS).
Then came the varieties of the A7 camera - A7R (with high resolution - 36 megapixels) and A7S (with high sensitivity and low resolution - 12 megapixels), equipped with only contrast autofocus. The A7S camera was liked by video amateurs and has become widely used for semi-professional video shooting.
In 2014, the second version of the A7 appeared on sale - Sony ILCE-A7M2, equipped with an image stabilization system based on matrix shift. In 2015, updates were received by the versions of A7S, A7R. They also got matrix stabilization and A7RM2 got phase autofocus sensors and the resolution of the matrix was 42 megapixels. The A7SM2 is still devoid of phase-detection autofocus, but it has significantly improved video shooting capabilities.
The Sony ILCE-A7RM2 camera can already be called a professional tool, since it in a compact case surpassed the capabilities of the Sony SLT-A99 full-frame SLR camera, released in 2012. Updated in 2016, the Sony SLT-A99M2 DSLR already “caught up” with the A7 family of mirrorless cameras. It can be said that since 2015, the leading Sony cameras have become mirrorless.
In 2017, a new series of Sony A9 mirrorless full-frame cameras appeared, and in 2018 third-generation A7 and A7R full-frame cameras were released.
The crop series of NEX models also developed and in 2014 received excellent new models A5100 (Sony ILCE-5100) and A6000 (Sony ILCE-6000). I owned both for a while and still use the A5100. This is a convenient, compact camera with fast autofocus, good image quality and a rotary screen (180 degrees) that allows you to take selfies (photos and videos). This model is convenient for traveling, very popular with video bloggers and is still for sale. The A6000 has more advanced controls than the A5100 and a faster burst speed. It probably uses a more reliable and durable shutter mechanism.
In 2016, the A6000 series was updated - the new A6300 model (Sony ILCE-6300). Among the advantages of the new model is the ability to shoot video clips with a resolution of 4K and video clips with a frequency of 100 (120) frames, which allows you to make high-quality slow-motion videos. Autofocus speed was again improved and the number of phase sensors increased. Now there are more than 400 of them and they cover almost the entire area of the frame.
In the same 2016, the A6500 model (Sony ILCE-6500) appeared on sale, equipped with an image stabilization system based on matrix shift. At the moment, this is Sony's top-end crop mirrorless camera with Sony E mount. It is a good tool for reporting photo and video shooting.
Personally, comparing the models A7RM2 (2014) and A6500 (2016), I chose the A6500 crop camera. For my needs, the crop matrix is quite enough, while high-quality optics designed for crop cameras are much cheaper. For example, the Sigma E 1.4 / 56 mm crop lens costs 2.5 times less than the full-frame Zeiss FE 1.8 / 55 mm with comparable picture quality at a higher aperture.
What optics choice is available to Sony mirrorless camera owners today?
Firstly, these are “native” lenses specially designed for the Sony E mount (labeled E and FE). These are modern lenses with electrically controlled focus and aperture. Sony lenses are often equipped with fast and quiet ultrasonic autofocus motors. Sigma also offers high-quality autofocus lenses at a nice price. Samyang offers good quality lenses with both manual and auto focus. Also on sale there are interesting and inexpensive manual lenses of modern Chinese production for the E-mount. Personally, I think it is better to choose a modern autofocus lens made by Sony for sequential shooting. My choice is the Sony Zeiss FE 24-70 F4 OSS - a universal full-frame lens with optical stabilization, which can be used with both crop and full-frame cameras. It is great for shooting in daylight. Indoors, I prefer to use the faster aperture modern autofocus “fixes” - Sony Zeiss E 1.8 / 24, Sigma 1.4 / 56 and Sigma 1.4 / 16.
Secondly, using the LA-EA3 (1) and LA-EA4 (2) adapters, you can use the autofocus optics park for the Minolta AF mount (Sony A mount), which has been produced by many companies since 1985, not only Minolta and Sony. This gives a huge selection of used lenses with good performance and at a very nice price.
I’ll tell you more about adapters.
LA-EA1 is an adapter for connecting motor lenses with A mount to crop cameras with E mount with contacts for controlling the iris and focus motor. A great option is to use the Sony DT series lenses with SAM and SSM focus drives with this adapter. For example, using this adapter and the Sony DT 2.8 / 16-50 SSM lens, you can get high-quality and inexpensive reporting optics with excellent characteristics. For Sony E mount, there are no affordable and high-quality zoom lenses with aperture of 2.8. Therefore, the use of high-quality A-mount motor optics with a Sony LA-EA1 adapter is a good working option. This adapter physically limits the picture and when it is connected to a full-frame mirrorless, you will have a limited frame resolution (crop mode).
LA-EA2 is an adapter for connecting any lenses with A mount to crop cameras with E mount. It contains an autofocus module with a transparent mirror and a motor for controlling the focus of screwdriver lenses. This adapter will help you use non-motorized A-mount lenses. The disadvantage of this adapter is the rather primitive autofocus system by modern standards. Autofocus sensors are located mainly in the central part of the frame. Using this adapter, you can turn an old mirrorless camera with contrast autofocus into a compact DSLR with fast enough phase autofocus and A-mount lenses. This adapter also physically limits the picture and when it is connected to a full-frame mirrorless, you will have a limited frame resolution (crop mode).
LA-EA3 is an adapter for connecting motor lenses with A mount to full-frame and crop cameras with E mount with contacts for controlling the iris and focusing electric drive. Allows the use of A-mount full-frame motor lenses on full-frame mirrorless cameras. The most justified use of this adapter is to create a reporting system based on the Sony Zeiss 2.8 / 24-70 SSM lens (first or second version). These lenses in picture quality are able to compete with the modern Sony FE 24–70 mm F2.8 GM lens (for 175 tr). A kit from a Sony LA-EA3 adapter and a Sony Zeiss 2.8 / 24-70 SSM lens will cost more than 2 times cheaper with comparable quality of the final image.
LA-EA4 is an adapter for connecting any lenses with A mount to full-frame and crop cameras with E mount; it contains an autofocus module with a transparent mirror and a motor for controlling the focus of screwdriver lenses. The same as LA-EA2, but there are no physical restrictions on the frame size. I only think of one reasonable option for using this adapter - along with the first-generation Sony A7R and A7S cameras that did not have phase-detection autofocus.
I owned the LA-EA3 and LA-EA2 adapters, used them with different lenses and cameras. When I was planning on buying such an adapter, I was sorely lacking information on the network to make the right choice. In stores, both types of adapters are not common. I hope my review has clarified for you the differences in adapter models and usage scenarios.
Thirdly, with the help of non-autofocus adapters (which are just a metal pipe with the corresponding tips), you can use almost any non-autofocus optics, originally designed for many other mounts. A popular option is to use Soviet-made M42 and M39 lenses. Manual lenses (with manual iris and focus control) are well suited for subject, landscape and art shooting. Moreover, they are very inexpensive with a fairly good picture quality.
Using the adapters that I talked about above. We determine the lens models and look at their type - whether they are motor or non-motor. Sony engine lenses have the designation SAM or SSM in the name. You can read about models from other manufacturers on the net. A non-motorized lens can be visually identified. On the mount you will see a round screw with a diameter of approximately 5 mm with a flat slot. This is the counterpart of the so-called “screwdriver” drive. For non-motorized lenses, only the LA-EA2 and LA-EA4 adapters are suitable for you. If you want to use the old optics manufactured by Minolta, then only these adapters will suit you.
If the lenses you are interested in are relatively modern models with their own autofocus drives and you have a modern camera (A6000, A6300, A6500, A6400 or A7 of the second or third generation), then you can use the LA-EA3 adapter. The LA-EA1 adapter is now quite rare and I do not recommend contacting it at all.
Motor lenses work perfectly with the LA-EA2 and LA-EA4 adapters, but it should be borne in mind that autofocus will work due to the mirror focus system built into the adapter. In modern cameras, phase autofocus works much better than the mirror system built into the adapter, so in this case (motor lens + modern camera) it is better to use the LA-EA3 adapter.
In addition, a translucent mirror still retains some of the light and you will have to use slower shutter speeds.
The main point is to get a high-quality picture, spending much less money on optics. Or you already have good lenses with a Minolta / Sony A mount and you don’t want to sell them and buy new ones. Or you have a limited budget and high-quality modern optics do not fit into it.
My experiments led me to buy quite high-quality modern lenses with Sony E mount. I sold almost all lenses with Minolta / Sony A mount and LA-EA2 adapter. I still have the LA-EA3 adapter for motor lenses and the Sony DT 2.8 / 16-50 SSM and Sony DT 4-5.6 / 55-200 SAM zoom lenses. The first is due to a very high-quality picture and good aperture. And the second because of acceptable quality and very cheap price. Selling such a lens makes little sense. At the same time, he gives a completely suitable picture.
When your budget is limited and you do not plan to shoot dynamic scenes, you want to get a high quality picture.
For dynamic scenes, it is better to use either a SLR or a modern mirrorless camera with "native" lenses.
If you do not pursue a high-quality picture and you are satisfied with “a little better than a smartphone”, then you should not bother at all - just buy a “native” lens for the money that you are willing to spend. Sony’s whale PowerZoom 16-50 is suitable for shooting in good daylight, and inexpensive Sigma fixes with an Art series E-mount and aperture 2.8 will give an even more pleasant picture for quite reasonable money (comparable to the cost of old A-mount lenses )
If you know situations when using old Minolta / Sony A format optics on mirrorless cameras is justified, please tell us about this comment.
Background
Sony interchangeable lens digital cameras hit the market in 2006 after Sony acquired Konica Minolta. At one time, Minolta in 1985 first launched its mass-produced film SLR camera models with interchangeable lenses with an autofocus system. Thus, lenses with a Minolta AF mount (or Minolta A or Sony A mount) began to be manufactured since 1985. A feature of the original Minolta AF system is the placement of the focusing drive in the camera and pairing it with the lens using a so-called “screwdriver”. The diaphragm drive was also located in the chamber. The first digital SLR camera (DSLR) with the Minolta AF mount was called the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D (Maxxum 7D in the Americas) and was released in 2004.
A feature of the camera was an image stabilization system built into the camera, based on matrix shift. In the same year, a simplified and cheaper version was released - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D. Both models were equipped with 6 megapixels full-frame (crop factor 1.53) matrices. In 2006, Sony released its first Sony Alpha A100 SLR camera, based on the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D with a new 10 megapixel sensor (crop factor 1.5). In 2008, Sony launched its first full-frame Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 SLR camera with a 24 megapixel sensor, the physical size of which (35.9 x 24 mm) corresponded to the frame size of 35 mm film.
Sony produced SLR cameras of a traditional design (with a rising mirror) until 2010. In 2010, Sony Alpha SLT series cameras with a fixed translucent mirror and Sony A mount (Minolta A), as well as the new Sony NEX mirrorless series with the new Sony E mount (E mount), were introduced and launched. In Sony NEX mirrorless cameras, the lens control is fully electric, aperture and autofocus drives are built into the lens. Also, in some lens models, optical image stabilization was implemented. Mirrors of the NEX series used APS-C format matrices with a crop factor of 1.5.
In NEX mirrorless cameras released before 2012, autofocus was performed using the contrast method. Since there is no mirror in the cameras, there are no phase sensors for fast autofocus. Because of this, NEX mirrorless devices noticeably lost in the speed of high-quality shooting and could not claim to be a mass professional tool. The NEX-7 model, which appeared in 2011, was positioned as a professional tool, but was not widely used due to the high price and still contrasting autofocus. The LA-EA2 autofocus adapter (with a translucent mirror and phase-detection autofocus system) made it possible to turn the NEX-7 into a more expensive analogue of the Sony SLT-A65 SLR camera. The quality of the photographs of the NEX-7 and SLT-A65 was approximately the same. NEX Series cameras were still rather expensive,
The situation began to change in 2012. NEX-6 and NEX-5R models were released, equipped with a matrix with phase-detection autofocus sensors. 99 sensors were placed directly on the matrix and this allowed several times to accelerate autofocus.
In 2013, the first full-frame mirrorless camera manufactured by Sony, the ILCE-A7, was released. Also on sale are full-frame lenses with an E-mount, marked FE to distinguish them from lenses marked with an E designed for crop cameras.
The E-series full-frame lens can be used on an A7 type full-frame camera - the camera recognizes such lenses and switches to crop mode - only the central area of the matrix is used and the image resolution is reduced to 10 megapixels. The A7 camera was equipped with 117 phase-detection AF sensors located on the sensor. However, image stabilization was still only provided by lenses labeled Optical Steadyshot (OSS).
Then came the varieties of the A7 camera - A7R (with high resolution - 36 megapixels) and A7S (with high sensitivity and low resolution - 12 megapixels), equipped with only contrast autofocus. The A7S camera was liked by video amateurs and has become widely used for semi-professional video shooting.
In 2014, the second version of the A7 appeared on sale - Sony ILCE-A7M2, equipped with an image stabilization system based on matrix shift. In 2015, updates were received by the versions of A7S, A7R. They also got matrix stabilization and A7RM2 got phase autofocus sensors and the resolution of the matrix was 42 megapixels. The A7SM2 is still devoid of phase-detection autofocus, but it has significantly improved video shooting capabilities.
The Sony ILCE-A7RM2 camera can already be called a professional tool, since it in a compact case surpassed the capabilities of the Sony SLT-A99 full-frame SLR camera, released in 2012. Updated in 2016, the Sony SLT-A99M2 DSLR already “caught up” with the A7 family of mirrorless cameras. It can be said that since 2015, the leading Sony cameras have become mirrorless.
In 2017, a new series of Sony A9 mirrorless full-frame cameras appeared, and in 2018 third-generation A7 and A7R full-frame cameras were released.
The crop series of NEX models also developed and in 2014 received excellent new models A5100 (Sony ILCE-5100) and A6000 (Sony ILCE-6000). I owned both for a while and still use the A5100. This is a convenient, compact camera with fast autofocus, good image quality and a rotary screen (180 degrees) that allows you to take selfies (photos and videos). This model is convenient for traveling, very popular with video bloggers and is still for sale. The A6000 has more advanced controls than the A5100 and a faster burst speed. It probably uses a more reliable and durable shutter mechanism.
In 2016, the A6000 series was updated - the new A6300 model (Sony ILCE-6300). Among the advantages of the new model is the ability to shoot video clips with a resolution of 4K and video clips with a frequency of 100 (120) frames, which allows you to make high-quality slow-motion videos. Autofocus speed was again improved and the number of phase sensors increased. Now there are more than 400 of them and they cover almost the entire area of the frame.
In the same 2016, the A6500 model (Sony ILCE-6500) appeared on sale, equipped with an image stabilization system based on matrix shift. At the moment, this is Sony's top-end crop mirrorless camera with Sony E mount. It is a good tool for reporting photo and video shooting.
Personally, comparing the models A7RM2 (2014) and A6500 (2016), I chose the A6500 crop camera. For my needs, the crop matrix is quite enough, while high-quality optics designed for crop cameras are much cheaper. For example, the Sigma E 1.4 / 56 mm crop lens costs 2.5 times less than the full-frame Zeiss FE 1.8 / 55 mm with comparable picture quality at a higher aperture.
Available optics selection
What optics choice is available to Sony mirrorless camera owners today?
Firstly, these are “native” lenses specially designed for the Sony E mount (labeled E and FE). These are modern lenses with electrically controlled focus and aperture. Sony lenses are often equipped with fast and quiet ultrasonic autofocus motors. Sigma also offers high-quality autofocus lenses at a nice price. Samyang offers good quality lenses with both manual and auto focus. Also on sale there are interesting and inexpensive manual lenses of modern Chinese production for the E-mount. Personally, I think it is better to choose a modern autofocus lens made by Sony for sequential shooting. My choice is the Sony Zeiss FE 24-70 F4 OSS - a universal full-frame lens with optical stabilization, which can be used with both crop and full-frame cameras. It is great for shooting in daylight. Indoors, I prefer to use the faster aperture modern autofocus “fixes” - Sony Zeiss E 1.8 / 24, Sigma 1.4 / 56 and Sigma 1.4 / 16.
Secondly, using the LA-EA3 (1) and LA-EA4 (2) adapters, you can use the autofocus optics park for the Minolta AF mount (Sony A mount), which has been produced by many companies since 1985, not only Minolta and Sony. This gives a huge selection of used lenses with good performance and at a very nice price.
I’ll tell you more about adapters.
LA-EA1 is an adapter for connecting motor lenses with A mount to crop cameras with E mount with contacts for controlling the iris and focus motor. A great option is to use the Sony DT series lenses with SAM and SSM focus drives with this adapter. For example, using this adapter and the Sony DT 2.8 / 16-50 SSM lens, you can get high-quality and inexpensive reporting optics with excellent characteristics. For Sony E mount, there are no affordable and high-quality zoom lenses with aperture of 2.8. Therefore, the use of high-quality A-mount motor optics with a Sony LA-EA1 adapter is a good working option. This adapter physically limits the picture and when it is connected to a full-frame mirrorless, you will have a limited frame resolution (crop mode).
LA-EA2 is an adapter for connecting any lenses with A mount to crop cameras with E mount. It contains an autofocus module with a transparent mirror and a motor for controlling the focus of screwdriver lenses. This adapter will help you use non-motorized A-mount lenses. The disadvantage of this adapter is the rather primitive autofocus system by modern standards. Autofocus sensors are located mainly in the central part of the frame. Using this adapter, you can turn an old mirrorless camera with contrast autofocus into a compact DSLR with fast enough phase autofocus and A-mount lenses. This adapter also physically limits the picture and when it is connected to a full-frame mirrorless, you will have a limited frame resolution (crop mode).
LA-EA3 is an adapter for connecting motor lenses with A mount to full-frame and crop cameras with E mount with contacts for controlling the iris and focusing electric drive. Allows the use of A-mount full-frame motor lenses on full-frame mirrorless cameras. The most justified use of this adapter is to create a reporting system based on the Sony Zeiss 2.8 / 24-70 SSM lens (first or second version). These lenses in picture quality are able to compete with the modern Sony FE 24–70 mm F2.8 GM lens (for 175 tr). A kit from a Sony LA-EA3 adapter and a Sony Zeiss 2.8 / 24-70 SSM lens will cost more than 2 times cheaper with comparable quality of the final image.
LA-EA4 is an adapter for connecting any lenses with A mount to full-frame and crop cameras with E mount; it contains an autofocus module with a transparent mirror and a motor for controlling the focus of screwdriver lenses. The same as LA-EA2, but there are no physical restrictions on the frame size. I only think of one reasonable option for using this adapter - along with the first-generation Sony A7R and A7S cameras that did not have phase-detection autofocus.
I owned the LA-EA3 and LA-EA2 adapters, used them with different lenses and cameras. When I was planning on buying such an adapter, I was sorely lacking information on the network to make the right choice. In stores, both types of adapters are not common. I hope my review has clarified for you the differences in adapter models and usage scenarios.
Thirdly, with the help of non-autofocus adapters (which are just a metal pipe with the corresponding tips), you can use almost any non-autofocus optics, originally designed for many other mounts. A popular option is to use Soviet-made M42 and M39 lenses. Manual lenses (with manual iris and focus control) are well suited for subject, landscape and art shooting. Moreover, they are very inexpensive with a fairly good picture quality.
How to use A-mount lenses on Sony mirrorless?
Using the adapters that I talked about above. We determine the lens models and look at their type - whether they are motor or non-motor. Sony engine lenses have the designation SAM or SSM in the name. You can read about models from other manufacturers on the net. A non-motorized lens can be visually identified. On the mount you will see a round screw with a diameter of approximately 5 mm with a flat slot. This is the counterpart of the so-called “screwdriver” drive. For non-motorized lenses, only the LA-EA2 and LA-EA4 adapters are suitable for you. If you want to use the old optics manufactured by Minolta, then only these adapters will suit you.
If the lenses you are interested in are relatively modern models with their own autofocus drives and you have a modern camera (A6000, A6300, A6500, A6400 or A7 of the second or third generation), then you can use the LA-EA3 adapter. The LA-EA1 adapter is now quite rare and I do not recommend contacting it at all.
Motor lenses work perfectly with the LA-EA2 and LA-EA4 adapters, but it should be borne in mind that autofocus will work due to the mirror focus system built into the adapter. In modern cameras, phase autofocus works much better than the mirror system built into the adapter, so in this case (motor lens + modern camera) it is better to use the LA-EA3 adapter.
In addition, a translucent mirror still retains some of the light and you will have to use slower shutter speeds.
Why use?
The main point is to get a high-quality picture, spending much less money on optics. Or you already have good lenses with a Minolta / Sony A mount and you don’t want to sell them and buy new ones. Or you have a limited budget and high-quality modern optics do not fit into it.
My experiments led me to buy quite high-quality modern lenses with Sony E mount. I sold almost all lenses with Minolta / Sony A mount and LA-EA2 adapter. I still have the LA-EA3 adapter for motor lenses and the Sony DT 2.8 / 16-50 SSM and Sony DT 4-5.6 / 55-200 SAM zoom lenses. The first is due to a very high-quality picture and good aperture. And the second because of acceptable quality and very cheap price. Selling such a lens makes little sense. At the same time, he gives a completely suitable picture.
When does using Minolta / Sony A optics on mirrorless devices make sense?
When your budget is limited and you do not plan to shoot dynamic scenes, you want to get a high quality picture.
For dynamic scenes, it is better to use either a SLR or a modern mirrorless camera with "native" lenses.
If you do not pursue a high-quality picture and you are satisfied with “a little better than a smartphone”, then you should not bother at all - just buy a “native” lens for the money that you are willing to spend. Sony’s whale PowerZoom 16-50 is suitable for shooting in good daylight, and inexpensive Sigma fixes with an Art series E-mount and aperture 2.8 will give an even more pleasant picture for quite reasonable money (comparable to the cost of old A-mount lenses )
If you know situations when using old Minolta / Sony A format optics on mirrorless cameras is justified, please tell us about this comment.