Sony Walkabout Lens Advice.

[action verb]

In line with the Nikon thread, I thought I’d ask too, as I'm a tiny bit lost. Picked up the Sony A200 a few weeks back, and was wondering what the recommendation on the best walkabout lens would be? Ideally I’d like something quite wide, as I do like a bit of a landscape (although the opportunity for these is restricted to weekend breaks and holidays), but it’ll mostly be used just walking about London. I’d like something with a bit more range than the 17-80 kit lens, as I’m used to a super-zoom bridge camera, but nothing extreme.

I’m more than happy to go for something second hand, and ideally, my budget would be under £100. I think ideally, I’d probably want something in the 17-105 range, but that’s flexible to an extent, depending on quality of lens i can compromise on the range somewhat.

So, any suggestions as to what lens I should look into, and whether the lens will be a significant improvement over the kit lens? My research seems to suggest that this Sony kit lens is not one of the better ones…

Thanks in advance.

 

[stan the man]

In line with the Nikon thread, I thought I’d ask too, as I'm a tiny bit lost. Picked up the Sony A200 a few weeks back, and was wondering what the recommendation on the best walkabout lens would be? Ideally I’d like something quite wide, as I do like a bit of a landscape (although the opportunity for these is restricted to weekend breaks and holidays), but it’ll mostly be used just walking about London. I’d like something with a bit more range than the 17-80 kit lens, as I’m used to a super-zoom bridge camera, but nothing extreme.

I’m more than happy to go for something second hand, and ideally, my budget would be under £100. I think ideally, I’d probably want something in the 17-105 range, but that’s flexible to an extent, depending on quality of lens i can compromise on the range somewhat.

So, any suggestions as to what lens I should look into, and whether the lens will be a significant improvement over the kit lens? My research seems to suggest that this Sony kit lens is not one of the better ones…

Thanks in advance.

hi,and welcome to TP

okay,my recommendation would be the sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4.5 DC macro...a great little lens that way out performs the sony kit lens.the only thing is...you're looking at approx £240 for a new one,and even for a good condition second hand one,about £160+ i'd imagine.

you could try looking on e-bay for one,or something else from the konica minolta range(AF)as they also fit and work on the sony alpha range(sony bought KM's camera division).

take a look here...

http://photography.shop.ebay.co.uk/...3Q2c625QQ_sacatZ30070QQ_sopZ1QQ_udhiZQQ_udloZ

or here...

http://photography.shop.ebay.co.uk/...catsZ3323Q2c625QQ_sacatZ30070QQ_udhiZQQ_udloZ

and check out reviews on the lens here...

http://www.dyxum.com/

and here...

http://www.ephotozine.com/

hope this helps....

 

[heidfirst]

The Sony kit lens isn't as bad as many people would suggest (though there are always some sample variation) & it isn't as noticeable on the 10Mp a200 as it might be on the 14Mp A350.

the obvious choices:
Tamron/Sony 18-200 - unless you get a steal on it don't buy this as the newer 18-250mm is much better
Tamron/Sony 18-250mm - the Sony version is better but is also dearer
Sony 16-105mm - I got this as the kit lens with my A700 initially intending to sell it but it's very handy, well built & sharp.

I don't think that you will get any of the above for under £100 though.
Would you consider adding the Tamron 55-200mm to your kit lens albeit you would have some swapping? That should be available for ~£60 & punches way above it's price.

None of them are very wide apertures though if you will be shooting in low light.