Advice on Lenses

[Rustico]

Hi there!

Well, I almost have enough money saved up for a new zoom lens and REALLY need help choosing which one. I'm using an Alpha a330 right now, and these are my options:

1)Sony 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom Lens

2)Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Compact Super Telephoto Zoom Lens

Now I know the 2nd one is older, but apparently gets good reviews on Amazon.com.
And I have two questions regarding the lengths of these lenses. One is: how much difference is there between 55mm and 75mm? The kit lens that came with my a330 ends at 55mm, so I don't know if I'd notice the jump to 75mm or not.
Second question is similar; how much more will 300mm get me? Is it worth the extra $50 (being in the Americas) or not?
Thanks for any advice whatsoever!

 

[clownfish]

a) Not much. I wouldn't worry about it.
b) A fair bit.

Is there a reason for only considering Sony glass ?
I would also look at 2nd hand. Have you considered the beercan ?

 

[Rustico]

Ok, thanks! I guess my reasons for just considering Sony is for the brand. I like to say that all my gear is Sony. BUT, are the other brands (ie. Sigma, Tamron) better? I haven't really looked at those before, as a result I know little about them.

I have not even thought about second hand, no matter how cheap, just because I think it is better to buy brand new and not having to deal with any problems that might ensue. Please correct me if I'm wrong and do need to think about second hand.

And finally, what is the beercan? I see that name/word around but do not know what it is.

Thanks for answering!

 

[lexie]

look at minolta lenses rucel. the 'beercan' clownfish mentioned is worth a look. it's a 70-210mm f4 and is able to be picked up relatively cheaply. i don't know about the prices in mexico but in the uk they are able to be picked up for around the £100 mark, more obviously for a mint one.

they should be easily picked up from the u.s. market on ebay and the classifieds on dedicated sony/minolta forums