Which lens?
 

I'm looking to get a long lens (300mm+)

i dont have a use for one, i dont need one for the type of pictures i take, I just want to get one, try to use it and see where it takes me, if i had one, i may start taking different types of pictures.

As i dont have a real use for one, i dont want to spend a fortune.

the lens is for a Sony/Minolta A/AF mount, i'm happy to go with a M42 mount and manual focus, 300mm 400mm 500mm zoom lens, prime or mirror..

what would people recomend?

Thanks in advance
Dan

Hire one rather than buy? At least for a trial...

There are plenty of Cheap long lenses around. Though they won't be of particularly good quality, and will generally be rather slow.
Going too cheap could convince you that you have no use for longer lenses, so Gordon's advice might be the best option. It's particularly difficult to recommend an option when you don't know what it's for.
In good light I've found 500 or 600mm mirror lenses to be useful for motorsport before getting the much more expensive Sigma 150-500. My 300mm f5.6 M42 lens however hasn't been used for around 20 years (film SLR days).

Thanks for the advice. :-)

Your best bet probably should be a Minolta AF 100-300mm or 75-300mm.
Both are AF.
Both are about US$200.
Only if you can find a good copy.

If you need to experience superior power, then a mirror Minolta 500 AF (Yes you got it right, AutoFocus, unlike most in this class that are manual). This should be about $500.

If you don't care much about IQ of your pictures, you can always try cheap manuals such as this type L I N K but then picture is going to be very soft.
Better than this in same 500mm class would be:
500mm non mirror You need the right T mount though.
500mm mirror
Again don't expect too much about image quality.

And if to go for extrem optical power trial without much expectation, this would be your best choice:
650-2600mm Rokinon Actually upto 1300mm, IQ is rather good.

If you need the best IQ, bokeh etc, still having AF power, but a bit lower optical power, then look at
Minolta Beercan 70-210mm F4; Simply best for the price. I got mine for about $110.

Read the suggestions here, and then take a look at lens reviews.

Lens Reviews
http://kenrockwell.com
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/
http://lens-reviews.com/
http://photozone.de/
http://dpreview.com


Info:
http://www.photographytalk.com/compa...s-buying-guide