Mark Ellington
Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 E-Mount Zoom Lens
Introduction
The Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C E-Mount Zoom Lens is a versatile addition to Sony’s lineup of E-Mount lenses. Manufactured by the renowned electronics giant Sony, this lens caters to photographers and videographers who seek a reliable and high-quality zoom lens for their APS-C format cameras. With its wide focal range and advanced features, it is designed for a variety of shooting situations, from everyday snapshots to more creative photography.
Product Appearance and Design
The lens showcases a sleek, modern design typical of Sony’s E-Mount lineup. Constructed with a combination of durable plastics, it feels sturdy yet lightweight, making it a suitable companion for travel and outdoor photography. One notable design feature is the petal-shaped hood that enhances its aesthetic appeal while reducing lens flare. The overall aesthetic is minimalist, with a black finish that blends well with most camera bodies. The lens is compact, making it a practical choice for those who prefer a less bulky setup.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 18-135mm (27-202.5mm equivalent in 35mm format)
- Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
- Lens Construction: 12 elements in 16 groups, including 1 aspherical and 2 ED glass elements
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45 m (1.48 feet)
- Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot (OSS)
- Autofocus: Fast, precise, quiet AF
- Blade Aperture: 7-blade circular aperture for beautiful bokeh
- Part Number: SEL18135
- Warranty: Yes
- Color: Black
User Experience
During my extensive use of the Sony 18-135mm lens, I found it to be a reliable tool for a variety of shooting scenarios. In bright daylight, the lens performed admirably, delivering sharp images with vibrant colors. The OSS feature proved beneficial when shooting handheld, allowing me to capture sharp stills and smooth video footage even at slower shutter speeds.
In low-light conditions, the lens struggles slightly due to its variable aperture, but it still managed to produce acceptable results with careful handling. The autofocus system is impressive, providing fast and quiet focusing, which is especially useful for video recording. The lens also shines in portrait photography, where the 7-blade circular aperture creates pleasing background blur, enhancing subject isolation.
Pros
- Versatile focal length suitable for various photography styles.
- Excellent image stabilization for sharper shots.
- Fast and quiet autofocus, ideal for both stills and video.
- Compact and lightweight design enhances portability.
Cons
- Variable aperture may limit low-light performance.
- Some users may find the price point on the higher side.
- Not weather-sealed, limiting outdoor use in adverse conditions.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C E-Mount Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for photographers and videographers looking for a versatile and reliable zoom lens. Its combination of sharpness, image stabilization, and a broad focal range makes it suitable for a variety of shooting conditions. While it has some limitations in low light and does not feature weather sealing, the lens’s strengths far outweigh these drawbacks. At a price point of $798, it’s a worthwhile investment for those serious about their photography or videography pursuits.
