which lens suits me best?

[Mimi111]

I will be purchasing a new lens within the next week or so. Budget is an issue - at this point I'm just a hobbyist wanting to take great pics of my kids mostly. I feel my first need is a lens that will get me closer to the action at the kids sporting events than my kit lens (18-70).

Am I right in that the 55-200 F4-5.6 DT Lens http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/sto...&itemID=234561

is the same as the 55-200 F4-5.6 Lens http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/sto...&itemID=261379

but the second has the Smooth Autofocus Motor in the lens itself. Is this SAM a benefit to the amateur like myself and worth the added $45?

This lens, 75-300, http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...gon=&langid=EN, with it - would I be able to achieve greater distance shots than either of the 2 listed above?

So, given my criteria and budget, any suggestions or comments that will help me with my decision. I really don't want to buy the wrong lens. I won't be able to purchase another lens until next year most likely.

Thanks.

[DonSchap]

TAMRON (or SONY) AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) ... FINAL ANSWER!

If you take a few minutes and go through the SONY DSLR forum (<- click here) over at the DCRP, you will find dozens of postings lauding this choice for a replacement lens for a SONY DSLR.

In fact, stick around the forum and do some investing of the sticky threads ... at the top of the forum. It may provide some insight to truly "affordable" solutions for your camera.

Good luck

[Mimi111]

Ummmm, thanks Don but a quick Google search reveals that lens to be over $800.

The three lenses I posted above are all below $300. That is more in line with my budget at this point. They may not be the best or have great glass or plastic parts or whatever but they are what I can afford. If I were to wait until I could afford the likes of the lens you recommended well, the kit lens would never come off my camera.

Maybe I'm too amateur for this place.

[OldClicker]

It's hard to recommend gear for others because there are so many different ways to shoot with different needs. For me: I'm not a fan of the wide-range, slow zooms - even the expensive ones. Since you already have the kit lens (18-70, I assume), I would look for a good, used Minolta 70-210mm f/4 - commonly called the beercan. You should be able to find a nice one for <$250. It is an old lens and has its limitations, but is wonderful within those limitations. Take a look at,

The Beercan (70-210 f/4) thread..

TF

[DonSchap]

Ummmm, thanks Don but a quick Google search reveals that lens to be over $800.

Mimi ... use this 18-250 LINK (<- click this) and see what you find.

Forget Googling for lenses ... use B&H and save yourself some time and associated grief. I've only been doing this for 30 years ... what do I know? The DSLR is a new commitment to photography. It offers you options you just cannot get from a point & shoot. I am assuming you bought the camera with a good reason. Commit to it.

Good luck ... but, I am pretty sure that this 18-250 probably the lens you want. Invest in your hobby.:thumbsup:

[PWhite214]

Tamron does make nice lenses. I purchased one for my wife's canon camera, we are very happy with it.

For my Sony A200, I bought a Minolta 75-300 f4.5 to 5.6 which I am very pleased. Very sharp, and around $100 on EBAY. Then I picked up a Minolta 100-300mm lens at a pawn shop, again very happy with my purchase. I use them interchangeably on the A200 and my film bodies. I do love my Minolta lenses.

Take a look at the Big Beer Can discussion on this forum too. Interesting.

Phil