Camera Labs

Hey there, it's been a long time since I've written here.
Anyway,
I'm back home now (Lebanon) and i was searching for some Lenses for my A200.
I found the Sony 18-200 lens. And well i wasn't actually thinking about buying a Sony lens but i think this one is a a good deal.
It's used yet in a good condition and its for 300$ !
I actually own the 18-70 kitlens and the Sigma 28-80 (got it for a very good price), so i need a good zoom lens.

So will the 18-200 be a good jump in quality from the lenses I already own or will i just be adding some zoom while keeping the same photo quality as the 17-80 ?
I know it got a very good range but i read that it could be soft.
What do you think ?
Bjorn am interested in your opinion mate.
Thanks a lot people i advance.

-Hassane-

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Sony Alpha A200
Minolta 50 f1.7
Minolta 17-35mm f2.8
Sigma 55-200
Helios 58 f2
Tair 11A 135mm f2.8
Minolta 35-70 f3.5-4.5
DT 18-70 Kit Lens
Soligor Macro Tubes
San Disk Compact Flash Ultra II 4 GB and 2G
Lawepro Slingshot 300AW

Well, sorry to tell you I don't have any personal experience with all Sony lenses (I should try them all, expand my knowledge ). I have, however, read on several sites that the Sony 18-250 is a lot better than the 18-200. However, since it's a special deal you're looking at, that wouldn't be an option...

I think owning a superzoom lens like the 18-200mm is great, because in dusty or sandy conditions, were you don't want to be changing lenses too much, you can use the bigger range of the camera.

I looked up the lens on Dyxum, and got to this page. There you'll find reviews from people who actually use or used the lens. Some negative comments:
- not quite so sharp, and too soft at 200mm
- barrel extends while camera is hanging down
- distortion at 18mm is pretty bad
- focussing isn't too fast
- turning focusring in AF-mode
- MF isn't smooth
- unsuitable for normal indoor shots because of the f/3.5-6.3
- very bad for astro-photography, the moon looks like a fuzzy ball

Some positive ones:
- great walk-around-lens
- some use it on their camera most of the time, because of the range
- at 200mm it's not too bad for macro
- quote: "It's way ahead of the kit 18-70"
- hardly any purple fringing
- good colour reproduction
- relatively lightweight
- build is plastic but not bad at all

You can see some sample images here.

All in all, I think that if you're looking for a walkaround lens of this range, and you really don't want to be spending too much money, it would be an option. However, I myself would go for the 18-250, not only because of the even longer range, but also because the IQ is said to be better.

Hope I've given you some useful advice!
- Bjorn -
- good flare and CA control

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Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Blog | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

Thanks a lot mate for these efforts.
I'll see what i can do, i also got an offer for a Minolta 70-210 F3.5-4.5 but i still don't know its price.

_________________
Sony Alpha A200
Minolta 50 f1.7
Minolta 17-35mm f2.8
Sigma 55-200
Helios 58 f2
Tair 11A 135mm f2.8
Minolta 35-70 f3.5-4.5
DT 18-70 Kit Lens
Soligor Macro Tubes
San Disk Compact Flash Ultra II 4 GB and 2G
Lawepro Slingshot 300AW

I just got my Sony 18-200mm lens early this month, and love it a lots.

It may not be a perfect lens and can't compare to those expensive lens like SAL2470Z, etc... but provided that the price is just about HK$ 3,000 (US$1 = HK$7. and provide reasonable image quality, I am happy with it already.

I also considered Sony 18-250mm before, but finally I go for Sony 18-200mm, because it is relatively cheaper HK$3,000 VS HK$3600. I rather save the money for my next lens (maybe in the next year), which could be one of those expensive lens
The extra 50mm and slightly better image quality (according to many people, but I can't see a big difference, cos I am still very new to the DSLR world) doesn't bother me too much.

If you think it is a good price, just go for it and enjoy it.

Welcome yung103 to the Camera Labs forum! Great to have you here!

- Bjorn -

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Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Blog | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

Thank you so much yung103 !
I guess you gave a push for my decision.
Welcome to the forum

_________________
Sony Alpha A200
Minolta 50 f1.7
Minolta 17-35mm f2.8
Sigma 55-200
Helios 58 f2
Tair 11A 135mm f2.8
Minolta 35-70 f3.5-4.5
DT 18-70 Kit Lens
Soligor Macro Tubes
San Disk Compact Flash Ultra II 4 GB and 2G
Lawepro Slingshot 300AW

I would personaly go for the 18-250 lens like Bjorn said, looks like a really good practical lens to have.

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Tobywuk personal website || My Flickr
Gear: Sony a700! || CZ 16-80mm! || Sony 75-300 || bag: Crumpler PB xxxl / Lowepro slingshot 200

Thanks Bjorn and H

It's great to find a place to share photography