Help for a total beginner!

[bio]

I have just taken up photography as a 'real' hobby and am looking at buying a few bits of kit.
I currently have a Sony Alpha 200 with an 18-70 lens (and a compact Olympus mju740)
Although I am pleased with the Sony, I am keen to get closer to the action and would like to buy a lens that would allow me to get a good zoom for photographing general wildlife etc.
I must emphasise that I know nothing about lenses and a lot of the jargon is quite confusing - I have a budget of max £200.
What would people recommend- I'd be very grateful for any advice!
Thanks

[JJM74]

I've not used Sony stuff, but if you're willing to look at used stuff, I understand the Minolta 70-210 f4, sometimes known as the beercan , is quite a popular lens, and can be had quite cheaply. Depends what sort of wildlife you've in mind as to whether it's long enough though, and I'm sure the other Sony users here can suggest stuff they've personal experience with.

[bio]

Thanks - I have no issues buying second hand (although not sure where is 'reputable' as e-bay is a gamble!)
As for what wildlife - a good close up of birds in the garden, rabbits in the woods, that kind of thing really - nothing ridiculous in terms of distance I don't think.

[DaveG40]

The Beercan is a great lens and can be had within your budget, it might not cover the length you require and does weigh quite a lot.

For Sport & Aircraft etc I use the Sigma 70-300 Apo with my A300 (so no gear issues) and for general use the Sony 18-250, both are excellent, other options, of which there are many, include; Minolta 100-200 & Minolta 100-300 etc..

The best places to look are on Dyxum (reviews etc) & ebay, where there are always dozens of different Minolta Lenses listed.

The cheapest option (Tamron 55-200), is not one to be overlooked, the lens is a cracker & punches well above it's price.

[Dorset_Mike]

The cheapest option (Tamron 55-200), is not one to be overlooked, the lens is a cracker & punches well above it's price.

The Tamron 55-200 is a nice lens, but for very little more you can get the Tamron 70-300 (WHE 55-200 £119, 70-300 £123.99) both have a "macro" capability, the 55-200 will give only 1:3.5 however the 70-300 gives 1:2. Since I bought the 70-300 I have not used the 55-200.

The macro on the 70-300 is quite useable for flowers, and insects like grass hoppers, butterflies and dragon flies, but not so good for smaller insects or a close up of a flies eye.

see here for a review

Beware, Sony stick their badging on the Tamron 55-200 and charge and extra £60 for it.

[DaveG40]

I sit corrected, I had'nt realised just how pricey the 55-200 had got, I bought mine brand new for £70 and had trouble trying to get £50 for it on ebay, I agree concerning your statement

Since I bought the 70-300 I have not used the 55-200.

which is why I don't think the bearcan would be a viable option if the OP is after the telephoto distance. That extra 90mm makes all the difference

This is worth a look at.


Cheapest 55-200 I could find

[bio]

Cheers folks, all of this is really appreciated!

[JJM74]

That extra 90mm makes all the difference

I thought as much but didn't like to say so.