Minolta  AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6 D  reviews

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: subcat001   review date: November-07-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-105 RS
Minolta 35-70 F4
Minolta 50 1.7
Minolta 100-300 APO
Minolta 75-300 D
Tamron 90 Di Macro

price paid:

Bundled with 7D

positive:

Good Range on APS-C
Lightweight
Cheap
Sharpness when stopped down

negative:

CA particularly at 18mm
Distortion at 18mm
Soft wide open
Slow F5.6 from 35mm+
Lens hood useless
Manual focus

comment:

As this came packaged with my 7D, it was essentially my first experience with a DSLR. After the initial honeymoon period the weaknesses of this lens became apparent.

The first thing to strike you about the 18-70 is its light weight. There's no need to worry about it adding extra ballast to your bag. On closer inspection, the reason for this becomes obvious. The whole body, including the mount, is made entirely from plastic. While it feels cheap it appears to be robust enough. The zoom ring has little or no dampening applied at all, and on my father’s copy is a little "gritty".

Wide open it's only really usable for snap shots, and it isn't even fast. F5.6 from 35mm onwards!!! Images are soft, particularly around the edges and at 18mm it exhibits distortion. CA is also be a problem particularly at the wide end. Stopping it down transforms it. At F8 images are surprisingly sharp, even in the corners.

It's easy to be over critical of the 18-70. It certainly isn't a razor sharp prime, but it is by no means a door stop (probably because it isn't heavy enough). Except its limitation and use it carefully, and this lens will reward you with pleasing results.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 1 

flare control: 3 

user: photoBear   review date: September-07-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

(on canon) 18-55 kit lens
tamron 28-300 ld
minolta 28-80 film camera kit lens
70-210 beercan

positive:

Highly usable range
can produce good images when used properly
not always as bad as made out by some
focus ring does not shift when the camera tilts as with some kit lenses

negative:

rotating filter

zoom can be shifted unintentionaly

comment:

This is my 5d kit lens, I was pleased with the range and glad the manual focus did not shift when you tilt the camera, a negative of my older minolta 28-80.

filters do show up in the image corners @18mm which is crappy.

The corners are generaly soft unless stopped down.

From experience this lens was better than the canon 18-55 in build sharpness and range.

the hood is usless as a hood, I use it backwards as a focus ring, this has also allowed me to perfect my two fingered technique for adjusting the focus and polarising filter simultaniously.

I will replace this lens.

Dont buy this lens, buy some other one.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 1 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: Munin   review date: August-24-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

0

positive:

Lightweight
Good range for indoor
Pretty fair MFD
Pretty sharp @ F5.6
Fast AF

negative:

Plastic fantastic
Hunts a bit in low light
Lens wobbles when focusing

comment:

Got this as a kit lens with my 5D, I have managed to take a couple of great shots with this lens but mostly I'm disappointed by the performance. It feels like the lens is going to come apart when it is focusing, it wobbles and makes noisy clicking sounds.

I do not recommend this lens unless you just want a cheap lens that you can bang around and don't worry if it breaks.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: ianb   review date: May-23-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Zeiss 16-80mm
Minolta 28-80mm

price paid:

Kit lens (?)

positive:

Cheap
Good focal lentgh range

negative:

Most other features

comment:

Came as a kit lens with my Dynax 5D. Front lens element fell off (under the daylight filter within a week.) Pictures were never really inspiring and I mainly used this lens for interior shots or where the wide angle was needed. Perhaps the only endearing feature of this lens is the price... but I would need convincing that was a good enough reason to buy one. Other than that my trusty, very old minolta 28-80mm, spent most of its time on the camera.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Petronix   review date: December-14-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 17-50mm

price paid:

40€ as new

positive:

Price-quality a hit!
light-weight

negative:

plastic build

comment:

LOved this plastic lens ... ;-)
we (+my son)have 2 of this example.....
nice for inside, showrooms etc.....
also in the fields see: www.tractorsteven.be
the last 2 years my son used it, for al his tractor-pulling machines...in all conditions (summer, rain, mud)
unbelieveble ....
find this lens for 40€ on ebay!(new in rare white box!)

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: MichelvA   review date: December-09-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Konica Minolta A200 / 28-200
Konica Minolta 28-100 f/3.5-5.6
Minolta 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 RS
Minolta 17-35 f/3.5 G
Minolta 28-70 f/2.8 G

price paid:

Bought with KM5D

positive:

Good range
Cheap
Lightweight
ADI
Flare resistant

negative:

Build quality not so good
Stop down > f/5.6 for sharpness
Wobbling while focussing
Small focus ring
Front rotates while focusing

comment:

This lens came with my Konica Minolta 5D body.
It isn't that bad as some say, but there's no magic either.
For starters not much to complain, only poor build maybe.
Image wobbles while focussing when looking through the VF.
Compared to better lenses slight dull colors and flattening of images but you have to look very good to notice.
Still way better than bridge camera's like the Konica Minolta A200.
I could live with this lens.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: fjbyrne   review date: November-15-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

28-75/2.8

price paid:

100 USD (new - kit)

positive:

- Sharp stopped down a bit
- Good range
- Fast AF
- Light

negative:

- Build quality isn't the best
- Front rotates during focusing
- Small focus ring

comment:

This is actually a decent kit lens IMO - especially considering it only costs $100. I got some good shots with it on vacation a couple years back. It needs to be stopped down to about f8 before it really start to shine but it is quite usable at that point.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: sdm9465   review date: November-11-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.7
KM 28-75/2.8
Sigma 10-20/4-5.6

positive:

Light
Inexpensive

negative:

Poor build
No very sharp

comment:

This is an inexpensive kit lens and it's build quality and performance reflect this. (You get what you pay for.) I found sharpness to be fine on my 5D but it was quite bad on my A700 and was quickly retired. It now only sees use on my 5D when going to the beach with my kids where I'd rather not bring anything of value.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: TallPaul   review date: October-14-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM 28-75/2.8
Minolta 35-70/3.5-4.5
Minolta 50/1.7

price paid:

Kit Lens

positive:

Good range on APS-C.
Good range for travel photography.
Light to carry.
Common filter size.
18mm is wide on APS-C.

negative:

Built to price point not performance point.
Resale value very low.

comment:

Kit lens with my 5D, this is actually a good lens. When I look back at early photos with my 5D, where I was in P mode and so the camera was stopping down, I am often surprised to find some very sharp shots.

The lens has its limitations though, the limited aperture especially at the 70mm end means poor low light performance.

The build quality is not poor, but its not great either.

sharpness: 2,5 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 4 

user: Dynaton-DK   review date: October-09-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma AF18-200 F3.5-6.3
Sigma AF17-70 F2.8-4
Sigma AF28-105 F3.8-5.6
Sigma AF10-20 F4-5.6
Minolta AF24-85 F3.5-4.5
Minolta AF28-80 F3.5-5.6
Minolta AF35-105 F3.5-4.5
Minolta AF35-70 F3.5-4.5
Minolta AF35-70 F4 Macro
Cosina AF28-105 F2.8-3.8
Minolta AF28 F2.8
Minolta AF50 F1.7

positive:

Came free with the camera.
Sharp in th centre of the frame.
ADI compatible.
Goes to 18mm (however not with good performance).

negative:

Colour not vibrant.
Anything else than the very centre is either soft or blurred.
Horrible distortion.

comment:

Updated review December 2009.

As original in my review, I still think that this lens (and the Sony branded ditto) is very overrated in reviews in commercial magazines.

It is a poor kit lens - and it is only fair in regard to image quality because the centre of the frame looks sharp. Anything out the very centre of the kit lens is poor - and it is in fact the worst of approx 50 lenses that I have tested the last couple of years - in fact much worse almost all of the older Minolta low-cost kit-lenses that are rated low on this site but that in my tests surprised me by being better overall. Something I did not expect but when considering it logically an old FF lens used on an APS-C sensor will only transmit light in the centre of the FF optics and thus using the "best" part only - whereas an APS-C lens does not "cut out" the flaws in the corners as does the FF lens. On an APS-C lens you get the poor parts of the optics within our picture frame.
So what may be a poor performer on FF is in fact doing much better on APS-C.

I found the pictures pretty boring in regard to colour and contrast - as they were dull and colours not vibrant. Any of the old classical Minolta lenses from the 1980's have much better colour (and can be found at the same price).

Best thing about this lens is that it normally comes "free" with a camera and is better build than the flimsy - and likewise poor performing - old Ø62 revision Minolta AF28-80 F3.5-5.6 that came with a lot of older Minolta analog cameras.
(Note that the Ø55 Minolta AF28-80D is a lot sharper than the kit lens - and must not be confused for the poor Ø62 revision!)
If you are going to pay for this lens it is in fact very difficult to justify the approx. 40 USD these come for - you can find much better lenses for the same money.

I sold this lens very fast after getting my first Minolta digital SLR - but as it is available for no money used I bought one again recently to have a "reference" when doing my tests of some 50 different lenses.

Pro's: It comes for free and it is ADI compatible - and is fairly sharp in the very centre of the frame.

Con's: Everything else - virtually any old FF lens used on APS-C will blow this lens out of the water. Worst of approx 50 different lenses corner-to-corner. The same goes for distortion - this lens is not a good performer when comparing it to any other lens. If you going to pay for the lens is it too expensive as much better lenses can be bought at the same little money (or less in fact).

If you want to keep this lens use it for benchmarking (as I do) or use it as your "do not care if I break it" lens.
Of cause this one can also be used when you need to go wide in case you do not (note: do not) have any other lens in the 18mm-28mm range.

If you do not like the idea of using a FF lens and only want to use APS-C designed lenses then go for the Tamron/Sigma AF18-200 instead as these covers your entire range and prices even for brand new ones has dropped significantly the last couple of years.

If you do not already own this lens - just walk away - your money can be spend better on virtually anything else!

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: Derek   review date: September-10-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-105 f3.5-4.5
Minolta 35-70 f3.5-4.5

price paid:

£20 (used)

positive:

Inexpensive
Lightweight

negative:

Just about everything else

comment:

Bought this lens to cover focal lengths 18-28.

The budget alternatives (Sigma 18-35 or 18-50 f3.5-5.6) are rated in the lens data base worse than this.

Across all focal lengths, it is reasonably sharp between f7.1 & f11. Colours not quite up to usual Minolta standard, plenty of distortion at wide end (to be expected), the hood is next to useless.

I don't shoot between 18-28 very often, hence the desire for a budget lens; I have modified this review after further using this lens, rather than just taking test shots. In all honesty once stopped down it isn't too bad, my copy is reasonably sharp at 70mm.

In terms of value for money, there are not any other options and when you get to know the strengths and weaknesses of your particular copy, it can be employed to good effect

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: sandal   review date: September-08-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 75-210 3.5 - 5.6
Minolta 35-70

price paid:

N/A

positive:

Nice allround kit-lens

negative:

medium in every way.
Sharpness @ 70 mm

comment:

Pretty decent kit-lens

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: lionking   review date: July-01-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ1680

price paid:

nil

positive:

simple, light, cheap, good colors

negative:

plastic build, hunts in low light, details capturing not that

comment:

got it as a kit lens with KM5D package years back, it has been my spare lens or a lens which i can afford to lose or use in a harsh environment or weather.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: fute77   review date: February-19-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 1.7
70-210 beercan
sigma 28-70 2.8
Minolta 28 2.8

positive:

nice range (compared to other lens kit)
light
good image compromise (at that price)

negative:

5.6 at 70mm
Af is not fast

comment:

good to start. Interesting outside but a little to dark inside
I would say it is a good cmopromise

I have tested it on the A700 it is better but not good :(

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: lumajr   review date: February-17-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta - AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6 D
Minolta - AF 24-85 F3.5-4.5 RS
Minolta - AF 50 F1.7
Minolta - AF 70-210 F3.5-4.5
Minolta - AF 100-300 F4.5-5.6 APO
Sigma - 28-200 F3.5-5.6 DG Macro
Sigma - 70-300 F4-5.6 APO Macro Super II
Tokina - AF 19-35 F3.5-4.5

price paid:

60 USD

positive:

good range zoom
price
small travell size

negative:

plastic build
sharpness on 70mm

comment:

I think, itś not bad lens for the money, but sometime I had problems with AF. Not good sharpness on "tele" end 70mm and everything is from plast, mount also:( But if you need wide end, its the cheapest choice, Tokina 19-35 cost almost 3x more.I sold it, because I bought better Minolta 24-85.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: alpha_in_exile   review date: February-13-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-85/3.5-4.5
Sigma 75-300/4-5.6 (old version, non-APO)
Rokkor MD 24/2.8
Rokkor MD 28/2.8
Rokkor MD 50/1.7
Rokkor MD 75-200/4.5

price paid:

$40.00 USD

positive:

Good versatile range. Good flare control. OK contrast. Colors OK.

negative:

Poor build quality - loose barrel wobbles when extended & under torque of AF motor! Not very sharp at the wide end or the telephoto end, even stopped down, could be my sample. Sharpness is much better in 35mm-50mm range. Noticeable purple fringing and red CA in wide shots.

comment:

Aside from the versatile zoom range, and excellent flare control, I have found very little to like about this lens. I could just have a bad copy. Actually, the zoom range is less useful than it might seem, because the sharpness is poor to OK from 18-34mm (approx.) and from 50mm-70mm. The colors are OK but are not nearly as good as what I get from my Sigma telephoto, which surprises me. The Sigma's bokeh is better, as well.

I have been especially disappointed with what seems like image shift, when the lens hits the end of its focusing range (both at/beyond infinity and at min. focusing distance, at all zoom settings). The A100 is not known for having an especially strong or fast AF motor, yet it puts out enough torque to make the image wobble in the VF when the lens hits its limit. Doesn't happen with the Sigma lens.

Since I paid so little for the lens, I feel it has been worth buying, if only because it was so cheap. And, after all, it is usable in the 35-50mm range. But I would really prefer to have a sharp wide prime, plus maybe the Minolta 28-85, instead of this thing.

EDIT: I have recently purchased a Minolta 28-85, and am astounded at the difference in build quality. The Minolta is also noticeably sharper, and has a better f-stop range.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: tc9999   review date: January-09-08  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 24-135
Sigma 18-125

price paid:

75 Euro (used)

positive:

fast AF

negative:

Soft at 70 mm

comment:

sharpness: 3 

color: 3 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: eccles   review date: December-19-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70 kit lens

price paid:

£25 + postage (used)

positive:

Cheap
Light
Useful zoom range

negative:

Cheap mount
Dull colours
Indifferent sharpness

comment:

I bought this lens cheaply on ebay just to see how it stacked up against the Sony 18-70mm kit lens that I already owned. These two lenses are reputedly the same design, but if that's the case then there is considerable product variation, as this wasn't a patch on my sample of the Sony lens. Colours were dull and lacking contrast, and sharpness was lower than the Sony throughout the range except for a sweet spot around 50mm f8. The only area where it was significantly better than the Sony was at the wide end where CA was better. But that was a poor trade off for its failings. In absolute terms it's not bad and a bit of post processing can improve contrast but it does need to be stopped down to return decent sharpness. If you don't shoot much wide angle then this lens could fill a gap for occasional use as it doesn't weigh much in the camera bag. I sold mine on and kept the Sony.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: Oleg_K.   review date: December-02-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 17-50\2.8
Minolta 50\1.7
beercan

price paid:

came free as KIT

positive:

Rather sharp for a kit lens stopped down to f8-11
Really fast AF
Light weight
Zoom range
55mm filters as for "beercan"

negative:

CA
slow aperture
rotating front element
unuseful lenshood
no sharpness wide opened

comment:

From wide opened up to f6.3 it is a bit soft... soapy. CA in the corners a great, especially when wide opened.
A very good lens for the beginners, who want to find out what lens they actuall need in.
It costs from nothing up to $35 used)))))

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: nikola_konsulov   review date: November-11-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 24-135mm F2.8-4.5 Aspherical IF

price paid:

Came w/ my KM 5D

positive:

Rather sharp. Fast Auto Focus. Light and compact.

negative:

Plastic lens mount. Rotating front element. Shallow lens hood necessary due to rotating front element.

comment:

I think the lens is rather sharp for a kit lens. I was pleasantly surprised. I wish the mount was made of metal rather than the polycarbonate. However, it does help make the lens a lot lighter for traveling. Internal focus would have been a plus so as to remove the rotating front element and have a petal shaped lens hood instead of a shallow round one.

I'd like to add that the mechanism regarding focus is rather interesting. I've been counting the revolutions of the screw drive located on the mount end of all my lenses. I've been doing so to determine mechanical potential for auto focus speed. This lens has about 2-1/3 revolutions of the AF screw. That is the smallest measurement I have seen on an A-mount lens. This, too me, explains the lens' fast auto focus. Also, the design is an interesting one. I have not noticed this with my other lenses, but as you zoom the lens wide or semi-telephoto the front end moves forward and back in an odd manner. For wide angle the front element moves outward a bit. Then for the mid-range the front end retracts in to its shortest dimension. Then it moves out again on the 70mm end. I observed that some of the internals move back and forth also when zooming. I believe this mechanism is a 2 part focus design (external and internal) which helps to reduce the screw turns of the lens to speed up the focus a great deal. It would have been great if this was done without having to rotate the front element.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 5 

user: ruvmendis   review date: October-31-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 17-50mm,Minolta 50mm macro RS

positive:

light weight
18-70mm coverage
fast AF
flare under control
1:4 magnification

negative:

Low contrast
less sharp specially towards the long end
Chromatic aberation

comment:

Not so bad for a kit lens.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 2 

user: pstelmac   review date: September-24-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.7, Sigma 70-300/4-5.6 APO

price paid:

with camera

positive:

Cheap, good focal length range, Quite good sharpness at 50mm and around at higher F

negative:

Overall sharpness, build quality, heavy distortion on wide angle

comment:

Good lens for a start, but the more you shoot the better lens performance you expect. If you can afford more expensive Sony or Sigma (or other) lenses go for it

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: eccl   review date: September-16-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

17-35G
Sigma 18-125
18-125
24/2.8
28/2.8
35/2
50/1.7
50/1.4
85/1.4

positive:

Good range on DSLR
light and Compact
Cheap (new or 2nd hand)
Good CA control

negative:

Plasticky
Hood not very useful

comment:

Good starter lens if you have limited budget or need an OEM lens to cover this range. Will produce decent results if used properly (stopdown etc.)
There are lots of other options availble, I replaced the kit lens with a Sigma 18-125.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Jabba   review date: August-03-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

kit

positive:

Almost free
Very good range
Rather sharp
Light
Fast AF

negative:

Slow aperture
Flares
CA

comment:

UNIQUE LENS.
Acceptable WA and 70mm in one lens, that cost from 0 to 75 USD. More than that! It's sharp, light and fast focusing. The real KIT, as it should be. Minoltians are lucky! When stopped down to f/8 or f/11, it's great for landscapes.
BUT!.. it's good only for outdoors. The aperture is too small for easy using in low light.

sharpness: 3 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: colmo   review date: June-24-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

24-105/3.5-4.5

price paid:

Bundled with A100

positive:

Cheap (with camera).
Lightweight.
Fairly quick to autofocus.
Focuses reasonably close.

negative:

Uneven sharpness across the frame.
Nasty chromatic aberration towards the borders.
Slow at the long end.

comment:

For my first few outings, I opted to show faith in the new lens with the new camera rather than use the tried and trusted 24-105. Besides, I needed the wide-angle the crop factor had robbed me of.

In most instances, I've been reasonably happy with the images it has yielded. Having previously shot film, the cleanliness and overall sharpness of digital images (mainly in the centre of the image, see below) through this lens have impressed me, and I've really enjoyed myself.

However, I have a suspicion the right border of the frame is soft, as are all the corners to a degree. I'll have to shoot brick wall tests to verify this, and do comparative shots v the 24-105. Updates will follow.

For now, it will pass, but I'm now considering the Tamron 17-50 or CZ 16-80 if it can be found for a sane price in the UK (sadly not currently the case).

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: gvknight   review date: June-22-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

sigma 18-50 2.8
km 24-105

price paid:

£45

positive:

sharp and cheap

negative:

a bit plasticky

comment:

i've got some really good images from this lens, it just seems to focus better with my 5d than any other zoom lens.

I sold it after i got a fast standard zoom, but ended up missing it so much i got another copy and sold the 2.8

yes you get some distortions at 18 and 70 but not horrendous.

the worst thing about this lens is the fact it goes to 5.6 really quickly meaning you have to increase iso or use flash

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 3 

user: kirkt7d   review date: June-09-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

kit lens

positive:

light weight
good focus speed

negative:

comment:

lens works great for a kit lens nice color just a nice all round lens.

sharpness: 2 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: ahalilag   review date: May-28-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 24-105 D, Minolta 70-210 F4, Minolta 50 mm F1.7

price paid:

$90 used

positive:

18 mm wide end, much needed on APS-C sensor.

negative:

Barrel distorsion, below average shapness, even when stopped down (f8-f11).

comment:

I bought this lens to get cheap wide angle and made a mistake. There is a reason why some lenses are high $.
Compared to 24-105 lens, this lens is very cheap built, and worse, can not come close in sharpness to 24-105. Waste of money. I used to have cheap lenses before on my film cameras but this one is true dissapointment. Do not buy.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: chenology   review date: May-08-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 28-75mm di
Sigma 28-105mm dg

price paid:

75 USD

positive:

cheap!
fast focus
Sharp when stopped down

negative:

cheap!
plastic mount
soft at longer ranges

comment:

I got this lens almost six months after I got my camera body. I decided that i needed a cheaper (wider) lens to take around and not afraid to get bumped. This is a very usable lens. stopping down and using flash in lowlight helps.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: sooner   review date: April-29-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

M18-70, M28-85, M35-70, M35-105, M50-f/1.7, Sigma 28-200

positive:

Sharp - Wide

negative:

Not so sharp at 70mm

comment:

I have tested this lens, and those listed above, using the Koren, 2003, (5mm) test charts to determine the resolution based on MTF-50. The following information is based on results from two of the sine-wave, test, strips; one horizontal near the center of the frame, and the other, diagonal, very close to the corner of the frame. The tests were made with a KM5D, hand held, image stabilization “on”, ISO 100, in bright sunlight so that the shutter speed was quick enough to satisfy the reciprocal of the focal length criterion. Results: (focal length/f-stop/lines per inch on an 8” x 12” print at center/ditto-at corner). (70/8/88/90), (70/5.6/83/54), (50/8/148/85), (50/5.6/163/82), (18/8/168/63), (18/3.5/169/98). My understanding of photo resolution quality is: >150 lpi=excellent, >110 lpi=very good, >80 lpi=good. I believe the corner results represent a pretty severe test since the test strip extended radially, and the region of interest was very near the corner. More details on this and other lenses can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/royanddee/lens_test_results_mtf50.htm

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: dtimoce   review date: April-08-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-85
Minolta 24-85

positive:

Light, good focal range on DSLR
Sharp around f/8
Cheap

negative:

Build

comment:

A nice surprise out of the box (came as bundle with the 5D). When stopped down to f/8 delivers very sharp results; i end up using it a lot on the wide end.

The build is not that great (i only had the metal 28-85 to compare with at the beginning). I even returned the first copy back to the seller next day after the purchase as the zoom ring kept locking randomly. Never had any problems with the 2nd copy in 1 year (even if i was concerned at the beginning seeing the lens "shifting" sometimes at the tele end before locking focus).

Overall, i like it a lot when i don't need a fast lens. Colors, distortions, they all work for me.

[later edit] Yes, this is not a mistake. I tested the lens on film too (i know, it's a DT lens, but i was curious) and the result seemed sharp to me at f/8 on the wide end.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: Erol   review date: March-24-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Other Kit Lenses

price paid:

89.00

positive:

Nice range for a walkabout lens
Price

negative:

Slow aperture

comment:

I don't know why but I have this lens and the Sony version. But the Konica/Minolta seems better built. Maybe the rubberized zoom ring has a lot to it, it just does not seem as cheap as the Sony version. I don't use it much, but if I am in a crowd and don't care if it gets bumped around this is the lens on my camera. Great range for general shooting. Photos with it are not bad considering the cost of anything comperable. I have no issues with plastic. This is the modern metal.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: D5lof   review date: March-23-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50 f/1.7 RS
28-80 f/3.5-5.6 II
75-300 f/4.5-5.6

price paid:

part of kit

positive:

Sharp!, Cheap, Good flare control, weight

negative:

Slow: f/5.6 for most of the range

comment:

The picture quality is really good for a kit lens!
Sooooo much better than the 28-80 f/3.5-5.6.
The 50/1.7 is better on sharpness but the difference is not huge.
Flare control is better than on the 50 /1.7. And that is amazing: a kit zoom beating a prime lens!

The main disadvantage of this lens is that it is slow: f/5.6 for most of the range (~35-70mm), but with AS and 3200 ISO this is not a huge problem.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: jefutter   review date: March-23-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Manual Focus Lenses: Minolta 50mm f1.7, Minolta 50mm f1.2, Vivitar 28-70mm zoom, Vivitar 20mm lens, Phoenix 19-35mm zoom lens, Minolta 70-210mm zoom lens
Auto Focus Lenses: Sigma 28-105mm zoom lens, Sigma 70-300mm zoom lens, Mionlta 50mm f1.7 lens, Minolta 70-210mm zoom lens.

price paid:

$100

positive:

Leightweigt, Fast Focusing, Low priced, sharp, little distortion,

negative:

plastic, filter ring turns when focused

comment:

I was very impressed with this lens. It is very lightweight, not sure about it's durability, however. It's focus ring is very short so it focuses very quickly. It has a pretty good range for a kit lens, most others are in the 18-55mm range. It's also pretty sharp.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: lazycat   review date: March-20-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- Canon Kit Lens 18-55

price paid:

kit lens

positive:

- light weight
- good range : 18-70mm

negative:

- as expected from kit lens

comment:

It's still better than the Canon Counterpart, from image Sharpness and Distortion.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: Spacelord   review date: February-27-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 24 - 135

price paid:

Came free

positive:

- Lightweight
- Small
- Simple

negative:

Focus ring rotates

comment:

This lens is good as my Sigma 24-135 (for which i i paid 500$!!). Compared to my heavy Sigma, this little guy follows me around = more pictures.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Photobyronnie   review date: February-11-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 18-200mm
Minolta 50mm 1.7
Vivitar 100mm 3.5

price paid:

100.00 USD

positive:

Lightweight, good range and aduquate auto focus.

negative:

Plastic body and slow lens.

comment:

For an kit lens I think it is an good lens

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: calpon   review date: February-08-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

0 kit

positive:

Cheap
light weight
useable

negative:

cheap
light weight
needs to be stopped down

comment:

It's a kit lens, but a very capable one at that. I have only used it for landscapes, so stopping it down to f/8 or more is the norm for me. I have plans to upgrade this at some point, but it is last on the list because I can get what I need with it at this point.

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 2 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: BrownJenkin   review date: January-15-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

other kit lenses

price paid:

came with Dynax 5D

positive:

Kit lens with good range from wide angle to tele.

negative:

useless manual focus

comment:

For a kit lens, it's a good lens. Of course, it's pure plastic and quality is not great. Compared to other kit lenses it's not too bad.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Innox   review date: January-01-07  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tokina 20-35/3.5-4.5
Minolta 28/2.8
Minolta 50/1.7
Minolta 70-210/4
Minolta 35-70/4

price paid:

Came in Kit with 5D

positive:

Great Allround lens.
Pretty Sharp (esp. @ 18mm).
Cheap.
Good "macro"
GREAT Colors!
Very narrow turning range of the focusring.

negative:

Plastic mount.
Very narrow turning range of the focusring.
Rotating front element.

comment:

This lens really grows on you, when you learn to handle it correctly it is pretty good.
It performs best at 18mm, even wide open.

The colors this lens produces are very good, the "macro"-ability is very nice as well.

My lens handles CA very well.

The build quality is quite cheap, but not that bad considering it's a cheap kit lens.

I still keep this one as an allround lens for traveling light.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: ravenspaced   review date: December-26-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-75D f2.8

positive:

Cheap, useful range. Well-built compared to CaNikon 18-55 kit lenses.

negative:

Flare, distortion

comment:

You can't expect too much from a kit lens. That said, compared to other kit lenses like the Canon and Nikon 18-55, this lens is better in terms of construction (the Canon 18-55 will crumble in a stiff breeze) and IQ. A solid kit offering all things considered.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mark victor   review date: December-22-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

0

positive:

Very low distortion both end..
Good Color
sharpness is very acceptable in this price range.

negative:

low build quality- plastic
F 3.5 is only for 17-18mm...

comment:

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Chris J   review date: December-20-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 28mm 2.8
Minolra 50mm 1.7
Minolta 28-85mm 3.5/4.5
Minolta 35-70mm 4.0

positive:

good general range
lightweight

negative:

plasticky build

comment:

Not expecting too much from this kit lens supplied with my KM 5D. However, pleasantly surprised at the general image quality I`m getting with this lens on the 5D. Need to stop down a bit to get sharp images so not so good in low light conditions otherwise fairly happy with this lens. I think I may have got a good copy. I bought my 5D with kit lens just as they were beginning to disappear from the shops so I may have got one of the later versions of the lens.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 3 

user: kimare   review date: December-11-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50 1.7, 24 2.8

price paid:

Kit

positive:

Cheap
Nice zoom area

negative:

plastic
soft

comment:

I hardly use this after I got 50 & 24. And as I recently bought 11-18 and 24-105 I'll be selling this.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: blockbuster   review date: December-10-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

cheap, relative good kit lens, pretty sharp

negative:

slow AF, f3.5-5.6, not that superb sharp at 5.6

comment:

I have used this lens a lot on my 5D, and all I can say is that this is a brilliant kit lens.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: erix   review date: November-23-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

35-70/4
28-85/3.5-4.5
70-210/4
tamron 28-200 XR
28/2.8, 50/1.7,
sig 50/2.8 macro

price paid:

kit

positive:

Really good at wide angles, fast AF

negative:

Soft from 50mm, even stopped down, CA!

comment:

Quality:
I did non scientific test against Tamron 28-200 and 50/1.7. Kit lens has better contrast than tamron. Is quite sharp at wide angles. At 28mm kit is sharper than Tamron 28-200. At 50mm tamron performs better (at all apertures). At 50mm there is big difference between kit and 50/1.7. At the long end it should be stopped down to f11. Good colors, CA can be disturbing.

Buid:
Looks plastic, but is durable. Felt on concrete floor from 1.5m - without noticable consequences. Lens hood looks cheap. Even hood from my old kit 28-80 3.5-5.6 seems to be more solid.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: briandaly   review date: November-22-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Reasonable lens when not challenged

negative:

Severe chromatic aberration in contrasty situations.

comment:

For small prints, its limitations will not be apparent.
Worth having if offered cheap as kit lens.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 3 

user: Logan   review date: November-22-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 28-70

price paid:

In kit with 5D

positive:

Small price
Light
It's a ZOOM indeed

negative:

Light but in plastic
distortion sooo much at 18mm
distortion high also at 70mm (but better)
Build not so best
Hood unuseful

comment:

If u have to buy it, don't do it :) Simple. If it is on kit, ok, but not to buy. Distorted a lot and flare control not great.

Anyway it can do decent waterscapes. Only problem is u can't use perfectly filters for rotation in focus :S

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: damian.bradley   review date: November-16-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- Sigma 15/2.8 fish
- 24-85 f3.5-4.5 RS

price paid:

120 usd (returned)

positive:

- small
- light
- cheap

negative:

- plastic
- dark
- soft-ish

comment:

I only tested this for a week, it wasn't bad, but I'm not a zoom user. I prefer the sharpness of the 24-85mm although the 17mm wide end is obviously nicer. I'm not a fan of the f5.6 max aperture at the long end...that means you're stopping down to f8 to sharpness...and shooting at 70mm/f8 instead of 100/2 or 85/1.4 is just not the same. Obviously you can't compare the kit to these lenses, but creative possibilities are somewhat limited by this lens. I guess that's my main gripe. For general use though, it seems decent, but I'd probably take a sigma 17-70 over this based on reviews. There are a couple of options in this range, so try them or research them before making your decision

sharpness: 2 

color: 2 

build: 1 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 2 

user: maxfarphoto   review date: October-12-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 17-35 f2.8-4
Minolta 70-210 f4
Minolta 50 f2.8 macro

price paid:

Kit lens

positive:

Price
Weight
Range

negative:

Soft,
Dark
Plastic mount

comment:

It is sad to say it produces awful images even stopped down. All pictures are dark and soft, soft, soft
Plastic mount is really disappointing.
Zoom range is positive and it deserves a better quality (maybe Zeiss one?)
Maxfar Photo
www.pbase.com/maxfar

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 3 

build: 2 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 2 

user: stefanDynax   review date: October-11-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Konica Minolta 28/75D 2.8

positive:

Price/Performance ratio
AF speed
Good lens measure 17/70!

negative:

Sharpness
rotating ring focus
plastic construction
3.5 aperture only on 17

comment:

This lens offers excellent value for money. Sharpness is not ok, but for entry level user is all ok.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Dumont   review date: October-06-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-85/3.5-4.5
Sigma 28-105/2.8-4

price paid:

100 USD (new)

positive:

Cheap (came as kit lens with 5D) for a wide angle lens, decently sharp and light to carry.

negative:

Plasticky, not very fast.

comment:

What can I say that hasn't been said already. A no brainer option to buy if you already don't have a medium wide angle zoom, although worth looking into the cost of some faster lenses for a couple hundred more if you have the extra money.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: lionoche   review date: September-05-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 24-85

positive:

Low price

negative:

Not a very good sharpness compared to Minolta AF 24-85.
Only f/5.6 at 70mm !
Very cheap build quality

comment:

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 3 

user: Spaceguy1   review date: August-29-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Colour is quite nice, I love the range.

negative:

Build, distortion, plastic mount.

comment:

Got it with my 5D. Not the best lens, but good enough for now.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: Dirk   review date: August-19-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM 28-75 2.8 D

price paid:

60 EUR

positive:

price-performance ratio
weight
AF speed

negative:

sharpness at wide and tele
build
distortion

comment:

This lens offers excellent value for money for starting DSLR shooters and snapshot/walkabout photographers. If you damage the lens during some difficult position, don't care, you can find another one at a fair price almost everywhere.
Like the AF speed. The sharpness, at max apperture and tele/wide is the biggest disadvantage imo.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: dekie   review date: August-15-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

28 2.8, 24-85 RS

price paid:

60 €

positive:

Very good in the 24mm-40mm range. Softer at the tele end.
Very cheap for this lens performance.

negative:

Build quality, plastic mount

comment:

Compared the lens with the 28mm 2.8 and the 24-85 at 28mm.
Wide open (f4) as good as the 28mm at 2.8 - very good in the center and acceptable in the corners.
Ar 5.6 as good center sharpness as the prime, good in the corners.
At 28mm very similar performance as the 24-85 at 28mm (f4 and
f5.6)

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 5 

user: trams   review date: August-08-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20

price paid:

7D Kit lens

positive:

Sharp, lightweight. Acceptable colour.

negative:

Barrel distortion

comment:

I live beside the sea so the horizon gets into a lot of my pics. Its easy to see the barreling when the horizon is at the top or bottom of the frame. I know it can be corrected in Photoshop, but why should I have to go to the trouble. The new Sony 18-70 does not seem to suffer from Barrel distortion.

I have shot directly into the sun without flare.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Bryman   review date: August-08-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 EX, Min 50mm F1.7 70-210mm Beercan

price paid:

"free " with camera

positive:

Lightweight- reasonable sharpness but very good acutance and contrast at the wide end with small apertures. Softer at 70mm (good for some portaits!)
Price cf the new Sony kit lens. Useful range.

negative:

Can't really complain as it came free with the camera - but much sharper glass is available (at a price!)

comment:

I tend to carry this lens around most of the time but only use the wide end for overviews of the environment - details and "arty" shots, closeups etc. are usually better rendered by the sharper lenses.
But, everything has its place, and I've used this lens to take "kinder" portraits - I'm still trying to overcome an obsession with sharpness so as to better exploit the creativity seen in others' excellent use of soft lenses.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Revolver   review date: August-08-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Cheap
Good range

negative:

Plastic mount
Not very sharp wide open

comment:

Well it is a cheap kit lens but I still like it. It has a good range and if you step it up a little you can get quite sharp pictures.
Good lens for a beginner like me.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: harumpel   review date: July-05-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

M 28-85/3.5-4.5, Sigma 28-105/2.8-4.0, KM 28-75/2.8, Tamron 24-70/3.3-5.6, KM 17-35

positive:

light, cheap, good range

negative:

poor sharpness if not stopped down to F8.0 or more, build

comment:

Well its a good zoom for its price. If you dont often make wide angle shots, you may use this lens in the wide end (its sweet spot) and get a much better KM or Tamron 28-75/2.8 for you mainstream shots.

sharpness: 1 

color: 3 

build: 2 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 4 

user: Eyal   review date: July-04-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-85 F3.5\4.5

positive:

Good Range

negative:

Feel Very "Plastic" and Chip.
Sharp at F11 Only
Bad Colors and Contrast

comment:

I Got It With My KM5D And Sold it After 2 Days.
All the Photos Looks Like Taken With Very Chip PS Camera.

Plastic Body And Bad Building.

MADE IN CHINA.....

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: tmoreau   review date: July-03-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 100-200 f/4.5
Minolta 50 f/1.7
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro
Tamron 28-300 XR
Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX Pro

positive:

Lightweight, cheap, acceptable performance

negative:

Poor build, no focus scale, not standout image quality

comment:

Not too shabby, auto focus is good. Mostly used f/8-f/11 for best results, but this lens lacks the pop of my better lenses. I'd guess its a contrast issue as much as sharpness. Build/feel is very cheap, manual focus is frustrating probably due to the small aperture. When manual focusing I find its easier to grab the hood, but often end up zooming inadvertently too. Not user friendly. Not the tool of choice, but if pressed you can get great results in a huge variety of conditions so its really not bad for starter or low-cost solution. Seems to perform better at wider ranges than at its longer settings.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Joseph   review date: July-02-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM 28-105; 70-210 (4.5-5.6), 50 (1.7); 28-75 (2.8)

positive:

Lightweight (though good-enough build quality), inexpensive, ADI flash control, great color and sharpness

negative:

None for the money; plastic mount, but if you're not changing lenses every day, no problem.

comment:

I think this lens is very underrated. It's light, but smooth operation, very fast focus, beautiful color, excellent sharpness, and great zoom range. Among consumer-level lenses, if one didn't come on my camera (it did), I'd buy it separately for sure.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Alex 007   review date: July-01-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 24/85mm,Tokina 35/200mm,Sigma 70/300 Apo. Last week I acquired a Sigma 10/20mm...,superbly ultra wide angle lens.

positive:

good made, light, focus very fast with my Dynax 7D. I really love it!.

negative:

Little bit flare, but can be better; the supplied lens hood is to small at normal/tele position.

comment:

As I always "post process" with my free software, Picasa 2.2, before I e-mail or copy to a Cd if...its needed to make paper prints; sastify my needs. All my lenses are protected with a Hama brand C-14 "Ultra-Wide" & very thin UV filter...which I think that help to obtain better final results.

For such low price very..very highly recommended!

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 2 

flare control: 4 

user: kusa   review date: June-30-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- Minolta 24-50/4
- Minolta 28/2.8
- Minolta 50/1.7

positive:

- light, affordable for a mid-WA lens
- range

negative:

- distortion at 18mm
- soft at 70mm

comment:

I got this lens with the 5D kit. For its price it is quite good but has several flaws, mainly distortion in the 18-20mm range and softness in the upper range (60-70mm). The build quality is not that good either.
A good lens to start, but you'll surely move to better lenses if quality is important for you.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: absolutdi   review date: June-21-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

70-210 f4, 50 f1.7

positive:

Cheap (w kit), wide, quick AF, light

negative:

Not sharp, plastic

comment:

It's a kit lens. I still have it in my bag, but mostly because it is light and I haven't replaced it's range yet. It spends much more time in my bag than on the camera, and I opt to use my beercan or 50 prime more. Only put it on when I need wide. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. I'll replace it soon.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: gustavjensen   review date: June-16-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma - 70-300 4-5.6 DG Macro
Minolta - AF 50 / 1.7
Minolta - AF 28 / 2.8

positive:

Cheap
Good zoom (approx 4x)

negative:

Sharpness
Contrast
Slow (aperture)
Plastic mount

comment:

Reagarding the focal length this is a good work around / travel lense. Because I haven't got a good wide angle lens, I mainly use the 18-70 as wide angle for landscape pictures. Otherwise I shift to the 28/2.8 or 50/1.7
If I should only bring 1 lens (e.g. on travel) I use this lense too.
Not very sharp, slow (aperture), it uses aperture 4 already at 28mm.
Compared to the price this lens is pretty good
I tested the lens on Dynax/Maxxum 5D

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Aleq   review date: June-05-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

28/2.0, 50/1.7, 17-35/2.8-4.0

price paid:

Kit

positive:

Range, lightweight, cheap

negative:

Softness and build quality

comment:

For its price, it does acceptable job, however if you aim higher, change it...

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: Grubeater   review date: June-02-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 F1.7, Sigma 28-70 F2.8 Old Version, Sigma 70-210 F3.5-4.5 pushpull.

price paid:

As kit with 5D: +/- 75 euro

positive:

Light, compact, price, wide angle.

negative:

Plastic and loose feel, plastic mount, already at F5.6 just before 35mm.

comment:

Great price/preformance but after a while you want a faster lens. Nice if you want to carry few weight.
Gives vignetting on film camera on 18mm to 24mm.

sharpness: 3 

color: 3 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Tsja   review date: May-31-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM 17-35mm f2.8-4
KM 28-75mm f2.8
KM 50mm f1.7
Minolta 70-210mm f4

Olympus OM 28mm f3.5
Olympus OM 35mm f2.8
Olympus OM 50mm f1.8

positive:

Light,
Cheap,
Perfect zoomrange for general purpose,
CHEAP!!!!

negative:

Not too sharp,
Not too contrasty,
Slow (aperture),
build

comment:

== Contrast ==
Moderate contrast wide open, okay when stopped down 2 stops. Not the same league as 28-75 or 17-35.


== Flare ==
The hood is pretty nice as it is included and more effective then those of the 28-75 and 17-35 because it is optimized for DT and not 35mm. Wide open it is a little suspect to veiling flare.


== Sharpness ==
Well, when stopped down it is decent. Wide open it is not to good at longer focal lengths. At shorter focal lenghts it only needs one stop down for reasonable sharpness. Not too good, but not entirely shabby either.


== CA ==
CA can be a problem with this lens, in contrast to the more expensive 28-75 and 17-35. It can be easily fixed in software.


== Build ==
The build is too light for my liking. The front rotates while focusing, but I don't mind, just as I don't mind the extremely shabby focusring. It's simply not important for how I use this lens (travel and general purpose use). I always AF and don't use a polarizer with this lens. It's rather anoying that the maximum aperture is already f5.6 at 28~35mm.


== Purpose ==
I use this more often than I like, having also the excellent 28-75 and 17-35. It especially keeps the 17-35 more in the bag than it should. This is mainly because the focal length range is perfect for my travel and general purpose needs.


== Price/perfomance ratio + Conlusion ==
It takes decent pictures, so for the price you pay second hand or in a kit, it's just perfect! However, I like my lenses a little heavier, a little better build and a lot more consistent throughout the zoom- and apperturerange. I simply don't like stopping down for image quality, for depth of field yes, for image quality no. So I'm looking at replacing this and my 17-35 for a Tamron 17-50 2.8 or Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5. For the price and as a place to start/beginnerlens it's pretty perfect!

Recommended!

sharpness: 3 

color: 5 

build: 2 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: CTYankee   review date: April-25-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

28-75/2.8, 28-70G, 28-85/3.5-4.5, other assorted ...

positive:

Great for price; nice range; compact; light; 55mm filter threads.

negative:

Build (see below), next-to-useless shade, doesn't resolve much detail.

comment:

This is the first lens I've owned that I've ever wanted to call "cute" ! It's small & light. Build is cheap, but adequate and fine for a $99 lens (I know that's a discounted price). The only practical negative on build quality is when the AF drive rotates the lens to one extreme or the other, it tries to overrotate and the results is a disconcerting shift in the VF image that makes you wonder if the lens is ok ... it's pretty normal, from a thread on dpreview, and nothing to worry about, I imagine.

Sharpness is interesting ... with an APS-sized image circle, this lens doesn't lose much contrast to excess light bouncing around and images look crisp and sharp. Michael Reichman wrote about apparent sharpness from clean images and "accutance" or edge sharpness. Images from this lens have plenty of apparent sharpness. What they don't have is detail. Photograph grass with this lens and something like the 35/2, both stopped down to f/8 and you'll see considerably more detail in the shot from the prime. Not surprising to some; surprising to me, as most zooms, even consumer grade zooms, compete fairly well when stopped down ... I'd say this one offers maybe 70% of the performance at f/8. Too soft for a poor man's ultrawide for landscape use or anything where detail is important (and this is on a 6MP sensor !)

On the other hand, if lots of small detail isn't important; for candids, snaps, vacation shots, stuff that will be emails, posted, printed in albums, this is a great little lens that should generate fine results due to that apparent sharpness. The range is great, the lens has little to complain about for the price ... the only other major negative is its speed, but that's not a knock against the lens ... a slow lens is a slow lens.

I'd happily use this lens for everyday snaps, but I'd rather carry a compact digicam. When I need the capabilities of a DSLR, I also need the capabilities of a sharper and/or faster lens.

I bought mine for $99 and sold it for $75. Not because the lens is bad; it's fine for the price and great for certain things; just not what I wanted it for.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: bharnois   review date: April-25-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm 1.7, Minolta 35-105.

positive:

Good range on digital. Can be good at times. Lightweight! Suprising for kit lens.

negative:

Lightweight. Nothing spectacular. Slow. Slow. Plastic mount ring.

comment:

Had some good experiances with it so far. Can be a fun lens indoors. Almost afraid of the lightness of the thing.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: kvinaud   review date: April-19-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

17-35 D

positive:

Cheap
Light
Quit fast AF

negative:

Feels like a toy its the first time I have owned a lens with a plastic bayonet!!
Is it a lens hood or is it a UV filter bumper.

comment:

Since I bought my 7D with a kit lens it was not a question of buying it or not.

But for the low cost I think its a great piece of glass.
I was just on a vacation in the mountains and was not afraid of taking it with me out skiing.

Pretty good colours and due to the snow I needed to step down so the sharpness was pretty good.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: hiGh   review date: April-17-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f/1.7

positive:

Cheep!!
Light.
AF speed is quite good.

negative:

Rotating front element.
Not very sharp.
Small hood.

comment:

Sharpness is not very good especially compared to the 50mm.
It does focus quite fast but does occasionaly hunt for focus. For the price and the weight it's a very nice lens to start out with when first buying a dslr.

sharpness: 3 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: gitarzysta   review date: April-12-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM Z5 built-in lens, Nikon D70s with dedicated Nikkor 18-70mm

positive:

Cheap and gets you started in dSLR business, light, AF speed is OK, good, in my case covering 80% of needs, zoom range

negative:

Soft, noisy AF, rotating front element, slow (you'll hit F5.6 sonner than you may expect)

comment:

Tested with KM 5D it was ok as a kit lens but no way it could be compared to more expensive lenses (unless you close it down to F8 or so) - I want something brighter without loosing too much sharpness. AF is ok but slower than Nikkor 18-70 and much noisier. In low light and longer focal lengths hunts a lot. Front element rotates and there's no AF override. It also feels cheap but not too cheap given its price. The sad thing is that I feel my point-and-shoot KM Z5 has much better optics and I wanted a better camera without sacrifying optical quality. I guess you can't have both unless you spend lots of $$.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: daxre   review date: April-04-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

MINOLTA:
AF 80-200 F2.8 HS APO G
AF 100-300 F4.5-5.6 (D) APO

SONY:
AF 50 F1.4 (D)

SIGMA:
AF 10-20 F4-5.6 EX DC

VOIGTLÄNDER:
AF MACRO DYNAR 100 F3.2-3.5

price paid:

Kit Camera

positive:

Lightweight & compact
Excellent zoom range
Good color

negative:

Not very bright
Poor sharpness until f8

comment:

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: terrylloydsmith   review date: March-30-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Lightweight and cheap

negative:

comment:

This kit lens is surprisingly versatile and good. Sharpness is better than I expected and color is good. Cheap and good, especially stopped down.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrylloydsmith/

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: andapp   review date: March-28-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 28-85 3.5-4.5

positive:

Good colour
Excellent flash control

negative:

Small focus ring

comment:

I picked this lens up on Ebay as my 7D was a body only. Very impressed with the flash control, much better than TTL with the 28-85. Lens does feel a bit light compared with the older lenses. Amazingly sharp at f11 upwards. It's growing on me.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Bob J   review date: March-27-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 35-80 macro, Tamron 35-90, Minolta 50 f1.7

positive:

Good value for money, nice zoom range, very good at wide end

negative:

Plastic bayonet, quicky geta to f5.6 max ap.

comment:

Very good value for money, sharpest at the wide end even wide open), but still OK at 70mm.

Focuses down to 38cm. f3.5 maximum ap. only extends to 19mm, f4 goes up to 24mm, f4.5 to 27mm and f5.0 to 34mm. Everything from 34mm upwards is f5.6

Full observed results across range (centre/edge):

18mm: f3.5 centre=4(sharp)/edge=4(sharp), f4.0 4.5/4, f5.6 4.5/4, f8.0 4/4, f11.0 4.5/4
40mm: f5.6 4/3.5, f8.0 4/4, f11.0 4/4
70mm: f5.6 3.5/3, f8.0 4/3.5, f11.0 4/4

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: lagaffe   review date: March-22-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

28-80mm D f3.5-5.6

positive:

- Light.
- Small.
- Cheap.
- Nice color rendition.
- Good, useful range: 27-105mm

negative:

- Distortion at both ends.
- Rather slow.
- No DOF scale.
- Laughable hood.

comment:

Even though it is slow, not that sharp and has noticeable distortion at both ends, I still like it as it is an ideal "walk-around" lens with it's equivalent 27-105mm range. This is one lens to take out when you are restricted in terms of luggage. It will cover most street and landscape photography requirements. They are pretty cheap now on Ebay (around 100$) and are a good deal at this price.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Bernie_King   review date: March-22-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM 17-35 D

positive:

Cheap
Good sharpness when stopped down
(way down)

negative:

You really need to stop down to f11 for sharpness
Cheaply made
Light loss at wide end
Poor detail
Plastic Mount

comment:

I did not get along very well with this lens. I had a difficult time getting it to meter correctly and it was just not sharp unless it was stopped way down. That being said, you can buy one for $100.00 or less which probably makes it the best lens in it's class. At this range, however, the class is very narrow. I also found that detail seemed to fall off quite a bit at the edges at 18mm. I was truly ready to give up on wide angle because this lens was really frustrating. After buying the 17-35 I went back and reshot some things and found that the lens was definately the problem. If you need the range, and all you have is $100 or so than this is your lens. If you can shell out a couple hundred more (or wait until you can) than buy the 17-35, it's worth it.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: retromafia   review date: March-11-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

positive:

Cheap as part of the 5D kit, excellent focal length range for walk-around lens, excellent images for the price (a great value)

negative:

Sloooow, small focus ring, noisy focusing, lack of sharpness at wide apertures

comment:

Good for those just starting out in DSLRs, but not a piece of glass to stick with long-term if photography is a significant hobby.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: PeterP   review date: March-10-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

light, good range

negative:

would like more reach and faster - 3.5 is only at 18 mm

comment:

Very useful lens, new to SLR so it gave me similar range to a compact. No complaints except it's range is so useful that it stops me buying anything else in this mm category!

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: azzkikr   review date: February-20-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

70-210 f4, 28-75 f2.8, 100-300 f4.5-5.6

positive:

Sharp when stopped down a few steps, very usable wide angle, sharp until zoomed to 55mm. Not bad for a kitlens. Everyone should have one.

negative:

Well, actually not much to complain about for a lens this cheap.

comment:

Great! just great! Amazed and surprised.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: Turerkan   review date: February-12-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

- Almost free along with the camera
- 18mm wide
- seems to be optimized for the wide end, which is a good choice imho.
- lightweight

negative:

- you loose many stops to get good sharpness
- build quality

comment:

Well, its good to have this lens actually. good wide angle performance, it seems ok around F5 at 18mm, at tele make it F8. Its a good walk around especially taking into account the price you pay (or almost dont pay at all) for it

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: qw3r   review date: February-12-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

good kit lens - i think
value for money
cheap

negative:

comment:

I didn't write negative because i knew what i get for the money and i didn't spend a lot for this lens =] if u want a bright, fast, quiet, sharp lens than you have to pay for it.
I used this lens only for wide (until tam11-18 was arrived :)

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: PhotoManiac   review date: January-31-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM 28-75 2.8

positive:

Value for money, 18mm wide end

negative:

Soft unless stopped down

comment:

I bought this along with my 7D, I paid about 100 dollars for it. For that price it is very good. It's a useful outside lens in good light, and is quite sharp when stopped down to f/8 or so. The 18mm wide end has distortion, but landscape shooters will appreciate this focal length, which is absent on many FF lenses.

Hood is absurdly small.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: finnt   review date: January-22-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

AF 35-70 3,5-4,5

positive:

Value for money, sharp, nice zoom range

negative:

comment:

Good kit lens with a nice zoom range. Not very fast at the tele end - f5,6. Build quality is good for a lens this cheap

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: bleonard100   review date: January-11-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Inexpensive with Kit Great Pics with my ability level

negative:

None

comment:

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: Priit   review date: January-04-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Canon KIT 18-55, Canon 17-40, KM 50/1.7 and KM 28/2.8

positive:

It sharp at 18mm
And its cheep

negative:

At 70mm the sharpness is really poor

comment:

The main risen why I bought the 5D (and not the 7D) - it’s the KIT lens

It sharp at 18mm!
But at 70 mm it’s really fussy –I really did not expect that!
But overall I’m happy whit the lens the AF speed is acceptable

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Mink   review date: January-01-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 17-35mm f/3.5 G

positive:

Amazingly crisp and bright results, light, compact, fast and quiet focus, smooth zoom operation, inexpensive

negative:

f/3.5 is only available at 18mm, and it's a bit soft at that aperture, especially in the corners. The lens is prone to flare.

comment:

I've been testing this lens against the G lens for the past couple of weeks in Antigua Guatemala (talk about a photo opportunity!) For a while I was planning to send back the G, because the kit lens was so good, and I was having difficulty justifying spending twice the price of my new 5d and kit on the G lens alone.

But gradually the benefits of the G lens became clear - like the truly usable f/3.5 at all focal lengths, better shadow and highlight detail, and more neutral colours. There's also less distortion and CA. But the reason I mention all this is because it's not a slam dunk by any means - the kit is pretty good in most of these areas.

Perhaps the only real issue with the kit, apart from the lack of usable wide apertures (but didn't you buy an image stablized body so you could use smaller apertures with your wide lens for the better depth of field?) is flare, and I had difficulty in some tricky lighting situations in getting a usable image. But this only manifested in certain glary outdoor conditions - most of my backlit shots are great.

If you see the kit as an f/5.6 lens, with the wider apertures provided to help composition and focus, then you can't help but be impressed by it. I don't think saying 'not bad for the price' does justice to this lens - but maybe I got a particularly good copy.

It may not feel like a pro lens but, apart from the wide/wide combo, it sure behaves like one!

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Andy J.   review date: January-01-06  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Light, nice zoom range for kit

negative:

Slow, rather soft

comment:

It's a nice lens for a KIT. Sharpness is OK when stopped to f/8. Well, you get what you pay for.

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: alex66   review date: December-28-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tokina 28-70 2.6/2.8 canon 18-55

positive:

Cheap, light, usefull range,

negative:

for the price no

comment:

I was going to get just a 5d body but the kit with lens cost a whole £30 more so I bought it anyway. I have been very surprised at how good this lens is after having the very poorly built canon I reacon this is a true bargin. Whilst the Tokina remains my lens of choice I have and do still use this lens for the times i want the range and or nead to go wider. I found the af tends to hunt a bit and there are some distortions on close inspection, but it does what it has to and for less than a tank of fuel here in the uk its a bargain!

sharpness: 3,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: jstartin   review date: December-24-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

24-105 (D)
100-300 APO (RS)
50 1.7

positive:

Nice handy range
Decently sharp (stopped down)
Light and easy to carry

negative:

Slow
Feeble hood
No focus scale

comment:

I'm not a lens expert and have nothing really good for comparision. I wasn't expecting much, but this kit lens was a pleasant surprise. Despite a bit of barrel distortion the wide end works well for landscapes. If I'm out expecting to use mainly a longer lens then I appreciate the light weight of the 18-70 to take along "in case". For what it costs in a "kit" outstanding value and well worth having.
Edit after nearly one year of ownership - I have used the wide end of this lens a lot over the summer for landscapes and other "scenics" at small apertures. It has given really pleasing results, even in direct comparison with the 24-105. A real gem!

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: popoloni   review date: December-23-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50/1.4-1.7, 70-210/4

positive:

- small
- good range for a KIT lens
- not so slow AF

negative:

- distorsion
- sharpness decreas with focal length
- not so fas AF

comment:

A good kit lens, better that canon 18-55.

Have a look at my full review here: http://www.pophouse.it/minoltalenstest/

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Blind Boy   review date: December-22-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Old Minolta 35-105, Old Min 50/1.7

positive:

Cheap
Light

negative:

Cheap
Seems flimsy compared to the real thing

comment:

If I wanted to travel light and knew I'd face several different shooting situations I'd bring this lens. It can produce some fairly nice shots on occasion, it doesn't compare in any way to my 50 mm though. Overall, a good lens for vacation shooting in cities. On a sunny day...

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: Cleanmaxx Brian   review date: December-17-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Price! Nice and light. Pretty sharp if stopped down

negative:

Build quality. Knowing it is a "kit lens"

comment:

This lens performs really well for a kit lens! Stop it down to say f8 and it really sharpens up.Color is good and distortions are only at the wide end. This is a good lens and should be purchased with the body...even if you do not use it. It is much easier to sell a body with a new kit lens!

sharpness: 3 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Radeon   review date: December-10-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 18-125mm
Sigma 24-70 EX
Canon 24-70L

positive:

Light and inexpensive

negative:

Poor AF, plastic mount, very slow - F/5.6 by around 35mm focal length

comment:

Came with the camera so I kept it but its not very good unless stopped down to f/8. After using Sigma EX glass, I could never use this lens again. If you just got one though its a great lens to learn about photography and 18mm is nice for panoramic shots. Its very slow hitting f/5.6 by around 35mm of focal length, thats not very good. Anyone can get good shots with this lens stopped down but AF is not reliable and you need to trust your gear.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: Maffe   review date: November-28-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Light, cheap, wide angel, ok macro

negative:

slow, plastic, noisy, rotating front lens

comment:

Good start lens, light easy to carry

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Vagabund   review date: November-26-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

-cheap

negative:

-range is too short

comment:

Kit lens - when it's you first DSLR and you still don't know what you really need it can be your choice. I use it with 7D about month, and didn't have chance to compare direct with something other, but i'm not sure that all with what i don't satisfied in my first shorts are results of my own mistake only, because of this i've set all rating to 4. I think it'll be very difficult to find for this lens place in the bag of a "photographer with experience" because of for only one possible role - all around travel - it has too short range.

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: trondeh   review date: November-24-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50mm/1.7, 35-75/2.8, 35-70/4

positive:

Very inexpensive, light, long zoom range.

negative:

Flimsy, unsharp at the long end

comment:

Light inexpensive lens. A kit-lens, but it is usable, especially stepped down. I like it as a wide-angle lens, At 18mm, it is relatively sharp and fast (3.5). At the long end 70mm it is useless unless stepped down to at least f8. All in all, it is an OK started lens until you can afford something better.

Update:
I have had a look at some of the pictures taken at 18mm, and I notice quite a lot of distortion at the wide end.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: aleksandr   review date: November-03-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Cheap.
Good zoom range (wide to tele)

negative:

Slow.
cheap.

comment:

Hey, it's a hundred-dollar lens. Those migrating from digital cameras should love this lens and it's a good place to start. Those that have shot with fast and SHARP primes will see the difference. It's really that simple.
Still, it's a nice lens to have at the bottom of the bag and if you damage it - hey, it was only a hundred (or less!) bucks.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: Sanjuro   review date: October-25-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Cheap, OK at wide angle,
A pretty good al around lens.
Macro capability.

negative:

Seems cheap builded.

comment:

It is what you expect of a kit lens, not so good, not so bad.
You get 3.5 aperture only at wideangle, so it is not a so luminous one.

Barrel distortion at wide angle.
It is sharp, and you can get really good close ups wiht it, but not 1:1.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: JulienHG   review date: October-22-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Cheap (Kit Lens), good macro, good sharpness, light, nice design, Wide Angle

negative:

Some time a bit slow to focus.

comment:

A very nice Kit lens, that is still surprising me every time I use it. It has a nice sharpness, and covers a range from wide angle to tele 70 (105mm in 35mm world). The colours are well rendered. It can also makes pretty sharps macro.
If you want to have a look on some of the shots taken with it, then look at http://www.photosig.com/go/users/userphotos?id=221264

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: gm4jjj   review date: October-21-05  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Af 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5

positive:

cheap, light, good wideangle coverage

negative:

wideangle distortion

comment:

Sharp if stopped down to about f/8. Wide angle noticeable distortion. A good general purpose lens, but a bit slow at the telephoto end. Fairly rapid autofocus.
I prefer my AF 24-85mm, but shall keep this for wideangle use until I get something better.