The vertical grip for the A700. Easier vertical picture taking, double battery life, and the grip has all the functions you are used to on the built in camera.

Probably the best lens for the money - especially considering how cheap this one is. If you can't afford the G 70-300mm lens, this is the one to choose. I've read that the Sigms 70-300mm APO has less purple fringing and it is only a little more expensive (for a lens) - of course it is heavier too. FF

If you can afford it, the lens has is very nice with SSM - as you would expect from a G-class lens. Beware though, the hood is very large and when at tached it looks like you're carrying around a small canon. FF

A great lens, but I frankly don't see enough quality difference between it and the 90mm Tamron to make it worth it. You can probably find an old Minolta 100mm for cheaper as well - I use an old Minolta, which is fantastic. FF

The "Bigma". Good lens for the range. Its biggest draw back is its heft. Many will say you can't shoot handheld with it, but an equal number say you can (probably depends on your strength and endurance). I'd suggest a monopod or tripod though just in case. This will probably be my next lens purchase. FF

I've been seriously considering this lens. One of the few Sony zoom (not G) full frame lenses and covers an excellent range. I haven't been able to find too many complaints (or praises either for that matter). There are rumors of a G lens version that is coming with SSM - if the 24-70mm SSM Zeiss is any indication, it will be well outside my price range. FF

Overlaps with the 17-50mm Tamron, but it is full frame if you are considering upgrading and it bridges the 50-70mm gap. FF

A good monopod. Eventually I'll get a tripod... You may want to get the four section version, however (680B), which will fit in a airplane carry on bag diagonally. The 681B will not.

Reads CompactFlash cards. Faster than connecting the camera to the computer and doesn't drain battery.

Good bag for a walk around town. Doesn't look like a camera bag (plus for me). Fits the A700 and three lenses easily.

Prime wide lens. Gets excellent reviews. If landscape is your thing, this is a good choice. FF

The old minolta 50mm f/1.4 usually sell for $200-250 (and going up) on ebay now. Lens is sharp and fast. Everything you should expect. The 17-50mm Tamron when stopped down can gives me pretty good quality shots at 50mm so I'm not in a hurry on this one. FF

I'd love to have this lens, but simply cannot afford it. This is a full frame lens as well, so if you ever decide to upgrade to the future Sony FF alpha it will stay with you. FF

Supposedly marginally faster than the Tamron, but same quality. The ultimate for "walking around". It won't match the quality of a specialty lens, but it is probably the best generalist. APS-C

I don't often have two drained batteries, but this would be nice when I do. That said, I can't convince myself that a battery charger should cost over $100.

A head for the tripod.