I need help!

[Blkfocuszx3]

Okay I just got into my first D-SLR a couple months ago, I bought a 70-210 Minolta lens for my Sony a200. It also came with the kit lens that is 18-70 I think. I am by know means a pro or are even that good yet at taking pictures, I like to shoot cars and other random things that may catch my eye. Would anyone have any advice on what my next purchase for this camera should be. Such as a flash, I have been recommended a wide angle lens. I'm really not sure what to get, price range I guess we can say $400 and under. Any help would be great :thumbup:

 

[chrisburke]

i would get a flash... you already have 2 lens' that cover a good range of zoom... time for some good lighting! something like a nikon sb600 would be great

 

[Blkfocuszx3]

So you can use other brands flashes with a Sony camera?

 

[Ins3rtNam3H3r3]

You could also get a circular polarizer to help decrease the glare on the car from the sun or other lights.

 

[Blkfocuszx3]

^ Polarizer, sorry i'm a newb to the terms and everything but is that the little glass cap that goes on the end of the camera i have one of those but i think its called a UV filter so maybe i'm thinking of something else..

 

[Blkfocuszx3]

So if i were to go lens maybe this...SAL-50M28 Normal AF D 50mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus Lens for Alpha & Minolta SLR Cameras at Topchoice Digital

 

[Samanax]

So you can use other brands flashes with a Sony camera?

Sony uses a proprietary hot shoe design and you have to use a flash that is compatible with that design. Sony only has a couple of flashes right now but I think there are aftermarket brands that are compatible. B&H has 9 flashes that are compatible with Sony DSLRs.

You can mix brands if you're using the flashes off-camera using wireless remotes (strobist).

 

[Ins3rtNam3H3r3]

^ Polarizer, sorry i'm a newb to the terms and everything but is that the little glass cap that goes on the end of the camera i have one of those but i think its called a UV filter so maybe i'm thinking of something else..

UV filters are different from CPL's. A UV filter just stops ultraviolet light from getting into the lens, most people just use them to stop dust from getting onto the lens. This is a CPL:
Konica Minolta | 55 mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter | 7255311
They help stop reflections and glare, which if your shooting cars could be used to see the inside more clearly if you're shooting through the window, or to stop parts of the outside of the car from being washed out from light.

 

[Blkfocuszx3]

Oh okay thanks for that info, if i went flash i would prolly want one that stays on the camera rather than not. I may lean towards a wide angle lens with macro though i really like the close up detailed type of shots.

 

[Blkfocuszx3]

UV filters are different from CPL's. A UV filter just stops ultraviolet light from getting into the lens, most people just use them to stop dust from getting onto the lens. This is a CPL:
Konica Minolta | 55 mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter | 7255311
They help stop reflections and glare, which if your shooting cars could be used to see the inside more clearly if you're shooting through the window, or to stop parts of the outside of the car from being washed out from light.

OHHHH okay that looks pretty neat, and its rather cheap which is nice too :thumbup:.

 

[Blkfocuszx3]

So what do you guys think about this lens SAL-50M28 Normal AF D 50mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus Lens for Alpha & Minolta SLR Cameras at Topchoice Digital .

 

[Samanax]

So what do you guys think about this lens SAL-50M28 Normal AF D 50mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus Lens for Alpha & Minolta SLR Cameras at Topchoice Digital .

Sorry, I'm a Canon shooter and don't know anything about Sony/Konica/Minolta lenses.

But you might want to avoid Top Choice Digital...here's their ResellerRating: Top Choice Digital