Mark Ellington
Sony 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens
Introduction
The Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens is a versatile and powerful optic designed for Sony’s E-mount mirrorless cameras, particularly the 35mm full-frame series. This renewed lens offers a broad focal range, making it ideal for a variety of photography styles, from landscapes to portraits and sports. With its Optical Steady Shot (OSS) image stabilization, this lens promises better handheld shooting experiences, making it a compelling choice for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
Product Overview
This lens, manufactured by Sony, is categorized as a zoom lens, specifically tailored for mirrorless cameras. The design balances portability with performance, making it suitable for travel, documenting events, or casual shooting. Its 10x zoom capability allows for impressive flexibility in composition.
Appearance and Design
The Sony SEL24240 features a sleek and modern design, presented in a classic black finish. Its build quality feels robust yet lightweight, making it easy to carry for extended periods. The lens incorporates a dust and moisture-resistant design, which is an excellent feature for outdoor photography. Unique design elements include a 7-blade circular aperture that contributes to beautiful bokeh, enhancing the aesthetic quality of images.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 24-240mm
- Aperture: f/3.5-6.3
- Optical Steady Shot (OSS) image stabilization
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.64 ft (0.5 m) to 2.63 ft (0.8 m)
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 0.27x
- Construction: 5 Spherical elements, ED glass element for reduced flare and ghosting
- Fast focus with linear motor drive and inner focus mechanism
- Dust and moisture resistant
- Part Number: SEL24240-cr
- Warranty: 90 days limited warranty
- Color: Black
Experience Using the Product
Using the Sony SEL24240 in various scenarios has been a rewarding experience. In landscape photography, the lens excels at capturing wide scenes with remarkable clarity at 24mm. The optical performance remains impressive throughout the zoom range, with corner-to-corner sharpness that is crucial for detail-rich images.
When shooting portraits, the lens’s bokeh capabilities shine, thanks to its circular aperture. The transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas is smooth and pleasing to the eye. The OSS feature plays a significant role in handheld shooting, especially in lower light conditions, reducing the chances of motion blur.
During action or sports photography, the fast focus capability through the linear motor drive allows for quick adjustments, making it easier to capture moving subjects effectively. However, in very low light situations, the maximum aperture of f/6.3 at the telephoto end may limit performance slightly, requiring higher ISO settings or slower shutter speeds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile focal range from wide-angle to telephoto
- Excellent image stabilization with OSS
- High optical performance with minimal distortion
- Lightweight and portable design
- Durable and weather-resistant construction
Cons:
- Maximum aperture may be limiting in low light conditions
- Some users may find the price on the higher side compared to other zoom lenses
Conclusion
Overall, the Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens is a fantastic addition to any photographer’s kit, particularly for those who require a single lens solution for a range of situations. Its combination of versatility, optical quality, and image stabilization features make it an excellent choice for both casual and serious photographers. While its maximum aperture can be a limitation in very low light, the lens’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their photography experience with a reliable zoom lens.
