Hi, Minolta got it right from the start - all their lenses fit all their cameras (and, since Sony use the mount, Sony DSLRs too). However, early Minolta lenses were totally manual, MC Rokkors added aperture priority, whilst MD allowed shutter priority and 'program'. These are 'old school', properly built lenses that will last a lifetime and produce stunning images. Later autofocus lenses from the 7000/maxxum/dynax are less highly regarded but work exactly as the DSLR lenses. So, it depends on you and your camera - if you use autofocus and/or program mode, you'll need an AF lens (and sacrifice some quality); if you don't mind focussing yourself and are happy with aperture priority or manual modes (and, the camera lets you), then an MC or MD would be guaranteed to give images that no plastic DSLR lens could match. Personally, I'd be looking for a f1.4, either a 58mm MC or a 50mm MD (the 1.7 is still a very good, extremely sharp lens, though less fast, and the 1.2 is hugely expensive). These are truly stunning lenses and won't cost a fortune on eBay. Also remember that SLR lenses on a DSLR have effectively a greater focal length, i.e. a 50mm becomes an 80mm (nice for portraits) and for a wide-angle you'd need a 28mm, or less.  Nic