tldr; 2012 full-frame A-mount flagship. 24.3MP, translucent mirror, dual AF. Peak A-mount technology. Collector's item.
$23.99 on AmazonScores based on sentiment analysis of topic-related comments
Best praise vs top criticism for Sony Alpha a99
“LAEA5 does not allow for autofocus in video. If not that is ok important to you, A99ii is your best bet. Otherwise, LAEA5 has basically no photo compromises on any compatible camera.”
“My a99 II has a bad (probably shutter-related) „Camera error“ and is effectively dead. So far, so bad. Now I’m considering changing to E-Mount but am overwhelmed by the compatibility-info: is the A7 IV + LAEA5 combo the only setup working with all A-Mount lenses? I do have a wide range from old Minolta to 2000ish third party and quite recent Sony lenses, some screw-drive, others SSM or HSM, one even PZD… Of course I would love to keep them all but budget-wise an A7 II + one of the older LAEA would currently be more realistic. Any advice or experience with the adapters would be appreciated. Does the A7IV+LAEA5 really allow native-like handling? Could it be worth waiting for the A7V next spring and hope for a price drop? Any other options or suggestions? Thanks in advance! :)”
44 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 4/5/2026