It's probably just a case of being a gear junky.
Are you using a Sony lens then Paul?
What's this hotshoe problem btw?
It isnt too hot at focussing at its maximum focal range (55mm). Also I would quite like to have a faster lens as the maximum aperture at 55mm is f5.I was just thinking I could get an even better sharpness with a prime lens?
As primes don't have to make as many compromises they're quite often optically better (again from what I understand).