What lens for a sony200

penny

I feel like a newb, but here goes my question. First I know nothing about photography. That being said, my wife recently picked up the hobby and it has become a passion for her. She rencently bought a Sony a200 (her first DSLR) from what she told me it came with the standard kit lens 18-70. I am wanting to buy her a nice piece of glass( I want to suprise her), but I don't know where to start, I know I can get old minolta lenses, tamron and sigma from what I have researched, but again I have know idea what to buy or look for in a lens. My price range is $0-$700. Other then taking pictures of our kids whether here at the house or at there soccer games she also enjoys shooting outdoors more so street photography. My questions is: is her best bet a multipurpose lens ( a lens that has diversity to it) or a lens that is only good for one thing (meaning action shoots, portratis, close up, etc). Is there a lens that would be great at street photography and taking pictures of our kids.

Thanks

swintonphoto

I would consider getting the following:
Tamron 17-50 2.8
or
Sigma 18-50 2.8

These lenses will be much better than the one that came with the camera. If you are taking pictures of kids I might recommend the sigma because it focuses a little faster. The lenses will set you back around $400. Having a nice standard zoom lens is the best investment anyone can make in their gear in my opinion.

If you have even more to spend Tamron and Sigma make some great 70-200 2.8 lenses. They would be great for soccer game shooting. But they will cost a bit more.

ziggy53

Penny, welcome to the Digital Grin.

The 2 lenses Jonathan mentioned, the Sigma 18-50mm, F2.8 EX DC MACRO and the Tamron 17-50mm, F/2.8 Di-II LD Aspherical are very good quality and provide more flexibility in shooting situations in that they will work in lower light situations than the "kit" lens and are sharper.

If your kids are into sports then yes, I would consider a longer zoom and I would recommend the Sigma APO 70-200mm, F2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM. The Tamron mentioned previously is a little too slow to focus for most sports.

I also really, really recommend a flash and modifier for indoor photography. Used properly an external flash can make all the difference between a "snapshot" and a photograph that people will remember.

Suitable flashes for the Sony alpha 200 are:

HVL-F58AM, I highly recommend this flash as it provides the best flexibility and power available in a Sony/Minolta compatible unit.

HVL-F42AM, while not as powerful as the above, and with only tilt control, this unit has basic functionality and, used with an appropriate modifier, will provide a greatly better looking image over the in-camera flash.

Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Sony DSLR (it must actually say for Sony/Minolta as Sigma makes other flash mounts as well), I use Sigma flashes and I use them professionally. A great value and a great light with most of the features and nearly the power of the HVL-F58AM above and a price closer to the HVL-F42AM.

Flash modifiers I use and recommend:

DIY:

http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

http://abetterbouncecard.com/

Joe Demb also makes an interesting device for sale (reasonable):

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

I own a FlipIt product and it works well and is very well made.