Lens for Sony a200

[wereldvlaggen]

Hi all, here speaks the 100% amature. Bought a standard pack a200 with a 18-70 lens a few months ago, my first DSRL. Up to 20M is great, works like a treat. I like to take shots of my kids soccer team when they are playing but, even though they are still playing of a half pitch (field), I cannot seem to close up enough when they are at the other side of the pitch. Its just too far away. Can anyone suggest which lens I need? My budget is around 300euro which will bring me in the ebay/2nd hand category I presume. Bearing in mind that I am still an amature... By the way, i travel to India every few years so if it is light and reaches a good distance ( further than the other half of the pitch) it would be great.
thanks in advance for any help. regards, Piet

[mirrice]

Wereldvlaggen, I have a Sony a200 and a700 and both are really good cameras, I do not shot a lot of sport shots,but I do shot some birds and animals. I use an minolta 70-210 f3.5/4.5 and get some really nice shots. There is also the famed minolta beercan lens that are really good and not very much money about 150.00 and up US. these might work well for you good luck.

[rshunk]

I second the Minolta "Beercan" (70-210/f4) - it's a very nice lens and considered a favorite among most older Minolta/Sony shooters. There's also one known as the "Big Bearcan" (75-300/f4-5.6) which will give you a bit more reach. Unfortunately, neither of these lenes would be considered "light" as they are all metal construction. That said, they're really not all that heavy either compared to lenses like the 80-200/f2.8 and other fast lenses.

Edited to add: I just thought of another lens for you to consider, the Minotla 100-200 f/4-4.5. This lens is as sharp as the "Beercan", gives you almost the same range and is approximately half the size and weight. It's a great little walk-around lens and can usually be found pretty cheap.


Bob S.