Sony A200 lens 70 - 300mm

[Tan1963]

I'm looking to buy a 70 - 300mm lens for my A200 but as I often use a polarising filter I need one with a non-rotating front element. Unfortunately I am limited on the cash front so have been looking at lenses such as the Sigma 70 - 300 APO DG but this has a rotating front element. Any suggestions welcome.

[Dr. Harout]

No suggestions from me Tan1963 but you're welcome on the forum. Whichever lens you buy let it satisfy you fully.

[bfitzgerald]

I never owned the sigma, but I have read too many posts about the AF on the new sony's mashing up the gears..
That's enough for put me off of them full stop. Maybe check out the Tamron version of the 70-300mm, not a bad lens, very good price too.

[Dr. Harout]

If Sony doesn't smash the AF system of Siggys then it's the other way round, just as in the case of Don.
Barry, I have personally made "the acquaintance" to that problem with the Sigma 50/2.8 EX DG Macro.

[Dr. Harout]

BTW Don, new rules: no more than 3 images. Your images are not showing.

[[SiC]]

Macro capability of Siggy 70-300:








/Zeb!

[Tan1963]

Great shots but the problem I have is with the rotating front element due to using a circular polariser. Maybe I'll have to look beyond budget lenses. Incidentally, is it ok to use a polariser over a UV filter or is it best to remove the UV first. Forgive my ignorance but I'm new to photography.

[mikeriach]

The Tamron 70-300 has a rotating front element and so do the various Minolta 100-300 variants and the Minolta 75-300.
I'm not sure of the new Sony 70-300G lens though, perhaps someone else can comment.

Mike

[Dr. Harout]

The Tamron 70-300 has a rotating front element and so do the various Minolta 100-300 variants and the Minolta 75-300.
I'm not sure of the new Sony 70-300G lens though, perhaps someone else can comment.

Mike

No, the front element doesn't rotate in 70-300 G SSM.

[Tan1963]

I think the Sony 75 - 300 G lens looks tempting. Going to have to save my pennies though, it's not cheap. Still, you get what you pay for. Does anyone own this lens? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

[mikeriach]

I think the Sony 75 - 300 G lens looks tempting. Going to have to save my pennies though, it's not cheap. Still, you get what you pay for. Does anyone own this lens? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

Be careful as the Sony 75-300 is a cheap consumer lens selling for around £150 in the UK. The G-SSM lens is the 70-300 selling for around £540.

Love Sonoltas squirrel photos even if they are considered vermin here in the UK as they are driving the native reds out.

Mike

[alphaPDX]

...as I often use a polarising filter I need one with a non-rotating front element. Unfortunately I am limited on the cash front ...

The rotating nosepiece should not be a deal-killer for one with limited funds. Minolta-AF lenses like the 'new' 75-300 are well-regarded and good bargains; once focused, the polariser can be fine-tuned. Most of my polarizing work is close to infinity anyway, and that lens does not rotate while zooming. It can be a bit of a pain at times, but give that 'requirement' some thought before abandoning some good glass. When funds allow you can move up.