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Need some Sony lens advice
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Dec 1, 2021 10:43:36   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
procrastinater wrote:
I have a Sony a6000 that I have been using with the 16-50 kit lens and a 55-210 lens. However a friend has offered me a Sony 18-200 lens for $250 and I'm thinking this may be a good solution for general all around use. I know it is a little big, but I would appreciate any comments from those who have used this lens.


There have been three versions of Sony E 18-200mm lens. Depending upon the version, $250 might be an okay price, a very good price or a great price. Without knowing which version is being offered, can't really say for sure. You should find out which version and look for what they cost used. There's also some difference between them in size and weight.

Personally I think it's a bit of a waste to duplicate the focal lengths you already have. Also, there's a significant difference between 16mm wide angle and 18mm wide angle. 2mm doesn't make much difference between telephoto lenses... but it makes quite a bit with wide angles!

Personally I avoid "do it all" zooms.... zooms with 10X range or more (200 divided by 18 = >10X). They tend to compromise in a lot of ways. Zooms with 3X, 4X and maybe 5X range are usually much better performers with better image quality. While these wide range zooms may be convenient, they are rarely necessary (perhaps only when an ultra compact rig is needed for extreme travel situations), too often the compromises outweigh that benefit. I just don't see how it's a big deal to change lenses occasionally. Maybe if I were climbing the face of Half Dome I'd prefer a single zoom that does it all. However, I'd also want the very best image quality possible, because I may never have an opportunity to take those shots again.

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Dec 1, 2021 11:08:37   #
azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.
 
I had a Tamron version of the 18-200mm lens on a NEX-7 (similar to the A6000) and it was far sharper than the 55-210 you say you have. The only problem I ever had with it was in the rain on the Falkland Islands shooting penguins, the focus would lock up. I sent it back to Tamron for service. If your friend has it, why don't you use it for a day or two prior to buying it, to see if you like it?

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Dec 1, 2021 11:29:50   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Canisdirus wrote:
Yeah...for a 200mm ... that's pretty dang slow.

That part of my zoom is probably ƒ/5.6.
I live with it.

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Dec 1, 2021 12:12:04   #
planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs
 
Sometimes I think I'm the only person left who likes DSLRs (or don't want to buy a new mirrorless and adapter). A couple months ago I bought my first branded lens, a Sony 70-200 G2, f/2.8. I think an all-in-one lens sacrifices too much for the convenience unless you have no choice. Still waffling over renting something like the 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 for my vacation next summer or taking my 24-105 Art (f/4) and using digital zoom. Going to France and Switzerland, COVID-willing.

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Dec 1, 2021 12:15:54   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
planepics wrote:
Sometimes I think I'm the only person left who likes DSLRs (or don't want to buy a new mirrorless and adapter). A couple months ago I bought my first branded lens, a Sony 70-200 G2, f/2.8. I think an all-in-one lens sacrifices too much for the convenience unless you have no choice. Still waffling over renting something like the 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 for my vacation next summer or taking my 24-105 Art (f/4) and using digital zoom. Going to France and Switzerland, COVID-willing.

I'm still liking DSLRs. I've no reason or need to change.
We'll see what happens when I need to replace mine, what's available then......
That's two of us.

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Dec 1, 2021 12:27:16   #
Carlosu
 
procrastinater wrote:
I have a Sony a6000 that I have been using with the 16-50 kit lens and a 55-210 lens. However a friend has offered me a Sony 18-200 lens for $250 and I'm thinking this may be a good solution for general all around use. I know it is a little big, but I would appreciate any comments from those who have used this lens.

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Dec 1, 2021 12:27:40   #
Carlosu
 
If it’s I good shape, grab it.

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Dec 1, 2021 12:37:29   #
azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.
 
planepics wrote:
Sometimes I think I'm the only person left who likes DSLRs (or don't want to buy a new mirrorless and adapter). A couple months ago I bought my first branded lens, a Sony 70-200 G2, f/2.8. I think an all-in-one lens sacrifices too much for the convenience unless you have no choice. Still waffling over renting something like the 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 for my vacation next summer or taking my 24-105 Art (f/4) and using digital zoom. Going to France and Switzerland, COVID-willing.


If you have a Sony A99 or A77, then you don't have a DSLR!

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Dec 1, 2021 12:54:20   #
planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs
 
Longshadow wrote:
I'm still liking DSLRs. I've no reason or need to change.
We'll see what happens when I need to replace mine, what's available then......
That's two of us.


Yeah...hopefully that won't be for a while. Last year(?) I bought my a99ii (used) to go with my a77, although I really am going to need to replace that one soon - maybe with an a77ii. I'm probably buying too many lenses, but sometimes it's good to have a choice. Besides the 70-200 and 24-105, I also have an 17-50 2.8 for the crop, a 150-600 and a 105 macro. I also have a 70-300 f/4-5.6 with significant focus motor issues that I'm not sure it's worth getting fixed.

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Dec 1, 2021 14:41:16   #
PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA
 
While I don't use Sony, I love my Sigma 18-300 zoom. I find the convenience of one lens for almost all unbeatable. The sharpness is more than adequate. If the lens in question is the latest version and 200mm is long enough for most of your photography, I would think you will love it.

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Dec 1, 2021 16:14:53   #
tallpedro
 
I have The A6000 and the 18-200 lense. my go to for travel. yes its slow but has such a great range. new it's +$900$. $250 is a bargin. Buy it, try it. If you don't like it, sell it for more $.

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Dec 1, 2021 16:15:01   #
procrastinater
 
Thanks to all for the inputs. It is in like new condition so I bought it. Now to find out if I like it.

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Dec 1, 2021 16:16:50   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
procrastinater wrote:
Thanks to all for the inputs. It is in like new condition so I bought it. Now to find out if I like it.


Who knows, it could become your walk around lens.

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Dec 1, 2021 16:20:53   #
planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs
 
azted wrote:
If you have a Sony A99 or A77, then you don't have a DSLR!


OK, if you want to me to be specific they're SLTs. It's mere semantics as far as I'm concerned...they're still digital and they're thicker and heavier than the mirrorless cameras (which are the only thing Lensrentals have anymore as far as bodies are concerned). I haven't tried a mirrorless yet, but they appear a bit smaller and thinner, like my Panasonic FZ-200, which I bought used for a trip to Israel. I felt it was physically too small for comfort, but I was afraid to take the a77 because I wasn't sure if it would be safe. I think I might still take the a99ii to Europe next year, though (more MP and better ISO performance).

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Dec 1, 2021 17:26:34   #
hbbozzi Loc: Princeton, NJ, 08540
 
Is this lens new or used? if it's used, offer him $200.00 also make sure it is in working order. Do not buy it "AS IS."

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