Narrowed down to 2 :D

[Jimidibob]

This will be my first lens purchase, as I got a 18-70mm stock Sony lens that comes with the Sony A200. I'm pretty keen on macro photography but don't think I am ready to move onto a true to macro lens yet (1 to 1). I have a cheap budget and am looking for the best purchase for under or around £200, I have selected these two lenses and was wondering which one I would be better off with... Or if there are any other similar lenses that are around the same price range.*

Any help is much appreciated!

1: Sigma 70-300mm f4-f5.6 Macro DG Lens
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-macro-dg-lens-sony-minolta-fit/p1011620

2: Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO Macro Super DG Lens
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-apo-macro-super-dg-lens-sony-minolta-fit/p1011618

Cheers,
Danny.

 

[RiCousins]

I have an A200 as well and the first extra lens I bought for it was the Sony 75-300mm f4.5-5.6. It's a great quality lens for the price, with build quality and image quality (according to the many reviews I read before purchasing) higher than the Tamron/Sigma alternatives. I picked it up for £178 from Jessops, you may be able to find it cheaper online. It doesn't have the 'macro' mode but to be honest if you want to experiment with macro you would be far better off buying some extension tubes or even a full on macro lens rather than using the setting on a budget telephoto lens, which won't get you a whole lot closer than the standard 18-70 can. I bought a Tamron 90mm shortly after the 75-300 for my Macro work and it was worth every penny, but if money's tight then extension tubes are a great alternative.

Another thing to consider with the Sigma lenses is that there have been numerous reports of gears being stripped when they are used on Sony cameras due to the high-torque autofocus motor.

Good review of the Sony 75-300 here:
http://photo.net/equipment/sony/75-300

And a couple of pics taken with it:

Hope that helps

 

[heidfirst]

you may well be able to pick up a s/h macro lens for £200.
if not you could save a bit longer & get the excellent Tamron 90mm new for £246.
http://www.onestop-digital.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_29&products_id=47

if you want to stick with that budget & a 70-300mm i would probably go for the Tamron which would be ~£130.
it has a bit of CA but you can stop down or process for that.