I like the activity specific field trial that makes a lot of sense and helps with future decision making. Also, the images are loading quick and look great. My favorites are the top image on both pages. Particularly the first image is very striking.

It seems quick, responsive, spot focusing would be a must for birding and other action type images. The lens seems to be very good with a fast f:2 aperture if I read that correctly. That is fast for a zoom lens with a broad range.

Keep up the great work,
paul

the lens is a f4-5.6 the 1:2 is the macro ration the lens provides

I thought was awful fast for a zoom lens ;-)

I will be doing a review of this lens, it is totally worthy of one. Been around but it needs its due diligence here for experienced and new A-Mount users as well.

Hope my report wasn't confusing on the aperture.

Carl

They look good to me!

It is good to see the improved AF, def needed IMO. Never was sure what went wrong with minolta from film to digital. If I really want nailed action AF, I have to grab the 7 film being honest. This sounds like its close to that, which is nice.

The tamron isn't a bad lens for the cash, seen some good work done with that one. Decent shots too Carl, my BIF skills are close to very bad ;-)

I am no birder, ill admit that. I consider that a hobby of mine, its not easy but I really like how it challenges you technically. No real time for artistic composition, just real good hand eye coordination and a camera that can do the job. I agree on the Tamron, I am very impressed with the sharpness and color. Thanks for the praise, hopefully with this lens I can get some real results I would be proud of (and maybe to put in my sales lineup), but we shall see. I like this part as a hobby.

Sending you a private message Barry.

Carl

Carl

Thanks for testing the 200 and posting some pictures, they are very good! I am very close to pulling the trigger on ordering. One question is whether to order the basic package and order the 18-250 lens or would the 2nd package with the 75-300 lens included be capable of good wildlife pics?
If I understand you, the A200 has the same IQ as the A100 but with faster AF and lower light abilities. Thanks again for your time and effort.

Perry

I haven't got to the IQ section of the A200 yet, or the "tour" of it. You won't be disappointed there, I can tell you that much.

I think the 18-250 is a much better lens than the 75-300 Sony, however, the 70-300 Tamron blows the 75-300 Sony away. I have all 3.

Carl

Thanks Carl, I will study this more and see how the A200 pans out.

Perry

Hi, thank you for the test - this is just what I wanted to know about the new A200.
I like to shoot fast action but I don't have the budget to buy a A700. It's pity A200 can't match A700 in low light, but I suppose it's because of A700's double-cross central sensor.

Please continue with AF speed testing as you promised in the article. I would also like to see how A200 AF performs in C-AF with continuous shooting - I mean shooting moving objects at 3fps - camera in this mode has to compute(predict) object's movement since there is less time to focus.

I want to test my Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 with a A200 at local Sony shop, but I am not sure if I will be allowed to take it outside for proper C-AF test on the street. But if A200's AF really performs almost as well as A700's then I won't regret I invested into fast lenses instead of more expensive body.

Last note: I already tested A200 with my slowest lens - Tamron 18-200. A200 really focused significatly faster than my KM 5D and there was (almost) no hunting - good result for the low light in the shop...

Very good review of the A200 and the Tamron. I like the sound of the fast focus. Right now I'm shooting an H5 with the DH 1758 and although it does fine in good light, I'm looking for something to shoot better in lower light situations and for BIF stuff. The H5 just can't do the BIF shots.
I also am interested in your thoughts on the Tamron 70-300 with your 1.4x converter. Have you tried it yet?
The A200 sounds like a good step for me on my quest for better Birding IQ.
Thanks for your hard work,
Dave

Haven't done the test yet with the 1.4x, but it's slated on the "to do soon" list :).

I think you will be happy with the quality over the H5 for sure at this point ;) But I will perform the test anyways, I am curious myself. If it is any consolation, the A700 works very well with the 1.4x and Tamron 200-500 due to its lower light pick up.

Thanks for the great comments!

Carl

Hi Carl,

Nice test. I'm still wondering wether to get an a200 or a700 for my next body. I like the a700 very much with the layout and overall feel, but combined with the VG is so much more expensive then the a200. I do not know if I can go the distance or just get an a200 with a 100mm macro.
So far my doubts. I want to know how the a200 performs with the sal50mm@1.4 I thniks this is a good test for the accuracy of the a200. My a100 does fairly well with this lens, but has the tendency to backfocus sometimes. How accurate is the a200? At AlphaMountWorld the a200 actually gave more satisfying resultes then the a700.... strange?

Bye, Robert.

Hi - i've just purchased a Sony A200 and am looking to get the Sigma 70-200 lense - did you end up testing it and how did it go?? Thank you, Kara

Carl, you are certainly the expert and I have a question that I hope isn't in appropriate.

I am planning to get some shots of my Grand Daughter soon on the soccer field with my new A-700 and the 70-200 f/4 beer can.
I am thinking shutter priority between 1/500 and 1/1000, Continuous A/F, Spot focus, ISO 200 and auto W/B

Is this lens fast enough to accomplish the task?

If I am in the wrong place for this question, please advise and move it.

Thanks

Jim B

A700 is up to the task, sure. The Beercan focuses pretty quick when on the new bodies, so with some practice it shouldn't be a problem, that much I know. Good light is key, and if you stop down to about f5.6, you will get even sharper images.

Don't know about expert though! :) I don't do people that often or sports for that matter.

Carl