the HVL-42 is a good choice, one step up from the HVL-36 so you will get a bit more features. How much do you want to spend? I'd save the HVL-58 (brand new) for a bit heavier body for the A700 and above, unless you really want that cool rotating head and other great features of it.

Welcome here by the way :) The A200 is a great camera, hope you are enjoying it.

Carl

I too have a A-200 and just bought a HVL 42AM flash I haven't received it yet but it should be here in a couple of days. I was considering a Sigma 530 Super flash but got a good price on the Sony model. Check Overstock.com that was best price I found and they have a good reputation.

Hi David,

The A200 is a great camera and has a couple of cool features with flash such as wireless flash built in (as do all Alpha DSLRs). To make the most of the features I would recommend the Sony flashes. I have both the HVL-F42AM and Minolta 3600HSD (same as the HVL-F36AM) and both work well on the A200.

Unless you are limited on funds I would recommend the HVL-F42AM over the older 36 flash as the 42 will both bounce and swivel which is very useful. From my use with the flashes I would also say that the HVL-F42AM is more reliable and consistent. The other nice feature with the HVL-F42AM is the manual flash power settings- this is very useful when you want to be a bit more creative.

As Carl has said I would leave the bigger guns like the HVl-F58AM on the bigger bodies, they will balance better on these cameras.

Welcome to the site by the way and feel free to ask if you have any more questions.