If you could only have one lens could that be the Sony 18-105 mm F/4? Lets find out.... The Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS is a 5.8X zoom lens with internal focusing that is able to keep a maximum aperture of F/4 throughout its whole zoom range. It also has optical steady shot. That makes this lens is great for video too. Sony image stabilization is not the best in class but an OSS lens can make your life easier. Especially for users that do not own a camera with in body image stabilization (IBIS) such as the Sony A6000 or the A6400. SELP18105 is also a G lens. That means prime with great build quality. Its price also seems reasonable, at around 480-520 $. Its not the cheapest option but you wont break the bank either. Lets now see more details and the specs of this lens.
SEL18105 G OSS lens is nice for street photography
Lens Specs
- Mount: Sony E mount, APS-C
- Focal length: 18-105mm
- Equiv. focal length: 28-162mm (full frame)
- Minimum focusing distance: 0,45m
- Number of aperture blades: 7 circular
- Aperture range: F/4 - F/22
- Equiv. aperture F/6.2 (Full frame - depth of field)
- Filter thread size: 72 mm
- Optical design: 16 elements in 12 groups
- Weight: 425g
- Optical Stabilization: Optical Steady Shot - OSS
- Other features: Zoom motor - Internal focusing - Zoom and focus lever - F/4 constant aperture
Operation - Handling
Sony SEL55210 is not a small lens but both the weight and the size remains reasonable given the zoom range. The zoom mechanism is quiet and smooth and in a way it reminded me camcorders. You can also use the manual focus ring which is also smooth. The only problem is that you just cant twist the zoom ring fast to go at once to the other end. You will have to wait for the motor to do its job at its own pace. The lens doesn't extend and the zooming is done internally so this is great for those that want to use a gimbal or a stabilizer.
Optical Character
This lens targets mainly video shooters but its focal length is useful for almost every shooting scenario.
Is it the sharpest lens? No, but it is sharp enough especially in the center of the image. The edges are a bit softer and sometimes images can be harsh.
Is it the fastest lens? No, but its ability to keep the maximum aperture of F/4 helps under low light conditions. If you are shooting action and you zoom you better stop down the more you can though. The lens will also give you a nice Bokeh effect for portraits but you better zoom in.
The optical steady shot (OSS) is not great either but it will allow you to take some sharp pictures at slow shutter speeds such as 1/20 sec.
Here and there you may notice some chromatic aberration, distortion and some vignetting to the corners but you can easily fix them in post processing.
The lens may flare a bit against light so you are advised to use a lens hood. Personally i like flares in most cases. On the other hand if you have enough light you can stop down to F/22 and have a nice sun star effect. Its really nice although i prefer to use my vintage lenses for that.
For video the lens is almost perfect. And i say almost because even with the latest firmware i noticed some lens jitter with my Sony a6000. It is rare but it happens once in a while.
Sony sel18105 F/4 G OSS Verdict
Overall the lens is the jack of all trades, master of none. Or maybe the best Sony lens for video at least for the Sony APS-C line. If you want the sharpest lens for your Sony a6000 then you better buy something like the Sigma 30mm F/1.4. If you are looking for the best stabilization then use it with a Gimbal or better look other Sony cameras such as the A7Siii or other camera systems like the Olympus EM1 iii or the Panasonic Lumix G9. But if you want a lens with the most useful zoom range then you may consider buying it. It is good for portraits, travels, landscapes, street photography and general shooting. If you don't care about maximum sharpness then you may attach it and never have any desire for any other lens.
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You can buy the selp18105 from eBay: https://ebay.us/urPPuh
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