Upgrade guide · updated 5 November 2026
Should I upgrade from the Sony Alpha A1 to the Sony Alpha A1 II?
Verdict
Upgrading is hard to justify for most people. Both use the Sony E / FE mount, so your lenses fit directly.
What you gain
- 3 years of newer processing and autofocus (2021 → 2024)
What you give up
- Nothing significant on paper
What it costs
| Alpha A1 II new | £5,699 |
| Alpha A1 II used (MPB, typical) | £4,560 |
| Your Alpha A1 trade-in (rough estimate) | ≈ £1,690 |
| Net cost buying used | ≈ £2,870 |
Trade-in estimates assume about two-thirds of the typical MPB resale price; real offers vary with condition and shutter count.
Specs side by side
Sony Alpha A1 specs · Sony Alpha A1 II specs · full comparison · best lenses for the Alpha A1 II
Frequently asked questions
Should I upgrade from the Sony Alpha A1 to the Sony Alpha A1 II?
The upgrade is hard to justify for most people. You gain 3 years of newer processing and autofocus (2021 → 2024).
How much does it cost to upgrade from the Alpha A1 to the Alpha A1 II?
The Alpha A1 II costs £5,699 new and about £4,560 used at MPB. Trading in a used Alpha A1 might bring roughly £1,690, so the net cost is around £2,870 buying used (a rough estimate: get quotes from MPB, Wex and Park Cameras).
Will my Alpha A1 lenses work on the Alpha A1 II?
Both use the Sony E / FE mount, so your lenses fit directly.