Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80 F3.5-4.5 reviews
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
sig 10-20mm & 24-60mm f2.8 |
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price paid: |
£499 [new] |
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positive: |
very sharp esp under the 80mm setting. |
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negative: |
distortion @16mm |
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comment: |
when i first purchased this lense about 10 months ago i nearly returned it because of the level of distortion and also i did'nt get the wow factor when i first used it. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 18-70 kit lens |
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price paid: |
650$ C (new) |
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positive: |
Color |
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negative: |
Zoom creep |
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comment: |
My walkaround lens. Since I upgraded from the Sony 18-70 kit lens, there's always one attached to one of my A700. I actually have two and IQ is very good on both of them. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Sony DT 18-70 Kit Lens |
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price paid: |
660 (used) |
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positive: |
+ Very sharp |
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negative: |
+ Build Quality |
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comment: |
I have just own this lens and make some experience with it. It was a used lens but a very good copy in exellent condition. As soon as I get it I made focus tests whether it has a problem or not. There wasn't any problem. Then I compared it to kit lens and Angenieux 28-70 f/2.6 |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
SAL1870 |
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price paid: |
870.00 (new) |
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positive: |
Fast Focusing |
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negative: |
Zoom Lock should be featured |
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comment: |
I highly recommend this lens. I have not experienced vigneting at 16mm nor have I encountered anything negative with it other then the cost. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 |
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price paid: |
450 EUR (used) |
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positive: |
focal range |
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negative: |
distortion at 16mm |
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comment: |
An almost perfect allround lens: very sharp (even wide open), nice contrast and little distortion (only noticeable at 16mm). Considering it's maximum aperture of f/3.5-4.5 the bokeh is also quite nice. For the price it should have had a metal body imho. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 24-85 |
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positive: |
sharpness |
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negative: |
cannot be used on full frame |
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comment: |
Incredible colors! But vignetting even with a slim filter (this was not a problem with the Minolta 24-85 for full frame) |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Tamron 24-135 |
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price paid: |
part of kit |
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positive: |
sharpness |
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negative: |
slightly expensive |
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comment: |
Not much to add to what has been said; this lens is mostly compared to lenses I don't know (Tamron 17-50 and Sony 16-105), so all I can say is that I am perfectly happy with this one. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
-KM 28-75 2,8 |
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price paid: |
€ 500 in A700Z combo |
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positive: |
-very sharp |
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negative: |
-zoom creep, fixed with rubber band |
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comment: |
Bought the A700Z combo as soon as the A700 came out in oktober 2007. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
17-50 Sigma 2.8 |
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price paid: |
£560 |
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positive: |
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negative: |
Price |
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comment: |
Finally bite the bullet to replace the kit 18-70. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
SAL 18250, Sigma 17-70, SAL50 1.4, Tamron 70-200 2.8 |
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price paid: |
699 EUR |
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positive: |
Excellent colours and sharpness. |
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negative: |
A bit less well built than expected |
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comment: |
A very good lens and considerably better than the SAL18250 and the Sigma 17-70, which last it replaces. As good as the SAL 50 1.4, and that's a prime lens. Less bokeh though, but that is due to 3.5 compared to 1.4. What surprised me though is that it seems a bit less well built than expected. That said, I wouldn't want to trade it for any other lens (except maybe the SAL2470CZ) and it is my standard lens and always on my camera, even indoors. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
KM 28-70 2.8 |
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price paid: |
680 CDN |
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positive: |
Great colours |
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negative: |
Only starts at 3.5 |
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comment: |
Wonderful walk-around lens. On my a700 almost all the time. Good, solid feel and well-balanced. Light and compact, sharp little lens. Replaced my Sigma 17-70; nice to have a little wider, but at the expense of a decent macro. Colours much more vivid compared to Sigma, but build a little plasticky. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
70-300 F4.5-5.6 G SSM |
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price paid: |
550 USD (used) |
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positive: |
Great color |
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negative: |
Doesn't "feel" solid |
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comment: |
This lens was part of a lightly used package deal with an a700. My goal was to use this as a walkaround lens to in conjunction with a longer zoom (70-300G) when needed, and be a significant upgrade over my older a100 with 18-200 F3.5-6.3. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
18-70 f3.5-5.6 DT |
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positive: |
Image quality |
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negative: |
Manual focus control |
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comment: |
I read many reviews of this lens prior to purchasing and was definitely concerned about the apparent inconsistency regarding build quality. I was also very tempted by the good performance reports and decided to risk the possible bother of having to send one or two samples back for replacement. |
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sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
18-70mm kit lens |
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price paid: |
600 USD used |
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positive: |
-Good Range |
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negative: |
-Vignetting in corners wide open |
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comment: |
As most people who bought this lens, I was conflicted with the reports of really good and bad samples of this lens. I bought this lens used and have many good landscape, candids, and portraits shots because of this lens. However this lens is not fast enough for indoor use and requires a use of a flash or really high ISO. I am disappointed with the soft corners, and vignetting for the price. I do manage to flare this lens more than any other lens in my collection which led me to purchase the 24-70 CZ. I wish and wanted this lens to perform better but was disappointed in the end. Maybe I'm too harsh on this lens since I bought and used 70mm-200mm G as my first lens outside the included kit lens and was spoiled by its abilities. The build quality is above average but noticable looser than my 24mm-70mm cz, and focus ring is not smooth with some play. Also the the ribs on the zoom ring collects dust and a pain to clean. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
SAL 18250 |
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positive: |
Sharp |
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negative: |
Manual Focus ring |
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comment: |
This lens was part of a deal (I bought a used A700 together with this lens, a SAL 18250, some batteries and a 56 flash). |
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sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
kit lens |
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price paid: |
550 Euro (new) |
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positive: |
Range |
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negative: |
Soft wide open |
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comment: |
Great walking around lens, covers a great range, 16-24 range is fun to use. Needs to be stopped down for sharpness. Build quality is good for this price, colors are nice. Always carry it with me. Excellent alternative if you're looking for a replacement of your kit lens and don't want to spend too much money. No FF lens!!! |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
KM 28-70 f2.8 |
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price paid: |
710.00 CAD New |
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positive: |
Range. |
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negative: |
Nothing so far. |
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comment: |
I have it for two weeks now, and my copy seems to be perfect. I love everything this lens is producing. It is sharp, and it has beautiful colors and bokeh. I will post some pics when I find out how to do that. Build quality is 5 for me. It is plastic but highest grade and ... Well! I`m very excited. |
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sharpness: 2 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Tamron 17-50 Sigma 28-70 |
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price paid: |
630 euro |
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positive: |
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negative: |
|
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comment: |
Its great reviews and many of the images I’ve seen had me sold. After shooting some images inside and then reviewing them on the computer, I was shocked. They’re unacceptably soft (not just one and not only wide open either). I won’t keep this lens and I don’t think I’ll venture another copy. What a disappointment for what should have been a great lens. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
SAL 18200 |
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price paid: |
630 USD |
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positive: |
good bokeh with proper light |
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negative: |
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comment: |
coupled with a Beercan in my A700 I find this lens to be totally enough for the range which I covers. Focusing is also much better when compared to the previous SAL18200 which I was using. At these F values its a good value lens, compared to other offerings from Sony or third parties. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 16-105 |
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positive: |
Sharp all over. |
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negative: |
Build should be better, like 70-300G. |
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comment: |
I've tried numerous mid-range zooms, looking for one that could hold a candle to my favourite Minolta primes. The CZ 16-80 is the closest I've come. It's got better bokeh, colour and sharpness (noticeably) than the Sony 16-105 and Sigma 17-70. The Tamron has a comparable look but isn't as sharp, doesn't have quite as nice bokeh, and not as nice colour, nor the range, but it's not far off. The Minolta 28-135 is its equal or better in many ways except for flare which is its big issue; and range at wide end on apsc. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 100mm Macro 2.8 |
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price paid: |
US$500 used |
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positive: |
Sharp |
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negative: |
None really |
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comment: |
Sharp lens with good Boket in right conditions |
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sharpness: 1 color: 1 build: 1 distortion: 1 flare control: 2 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
CZ 24-70 SAL 70-300G |
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price paid: |
650 |
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positive: |
NONE |
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negative: |
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comment: |
Poor QC. Always in repair. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
tamron 17-50 |
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price paid: |
629 euro |
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positive: |
sharp |
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negative: |
plastic |
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comment: |
|
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
- sal18-250 |
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price paid: |
750 SGD (used) |
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positive: |
- Sharpness across the whole frame |
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negative: |
- Not as sharp as expected for this price |
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comment: |
Bought this lens 2 months back but sold it off within a month at no loss. :) |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
- 18-70mm (kit lens) |
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price paid: |
800 SGD (used) |
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positive: |
- sharp |
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negative: |
- dusts love my rubber ring |
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comment: |
A happy owner of CZ 16-80mm, this lens cover 90% of my needs. Build quality (especially the rubber ring) is only negative I can think (uhhhm maybe f2.8?), but the image results remind me no regret to have this lens. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta and Sony 24-105/3.5-4.5 |
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price paid: |
700$ (used) |
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positive: |
Universal all in one lens. |
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negative: |
Not great sharpness at wideend |
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comment: |
I think that 16-80 is one of the best (and may be the best) travel zoom avaible on the market at this moment. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
- sigma 17-70. |
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price paid: |
500 euro (used) |
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positive: |
- sharpness |
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negative: |
- build quality |
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comment: |
When my Sigma 17-70 broke, I looked for a replacement. I found the 16-80 secondhand. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
70-300G SSM |
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price paid: |
€550 (new) cash back |
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positive: |
+ Great Colors & contrast |
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negative: |
- Build quility not what i expected |
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comment: |
Great walk around lens in combination with my A350 and my new A700. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 28-80 4-5.6 |
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price paid: |
£479 new |
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positive: |
Crisp |
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negative: |
Small amount of vignetting at the widest angles. |
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comment: |
The colours generated by this lens are superb and the perspective you can achieve allow for some very creative and stunning photos. There is some vignetting at the widest angle and clearly minor distortion, but both can be used to effect. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 2 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 28-75mm |
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price paid: |
550 EURO |
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positive: |
sharp |
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negative: |
distorsion |
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comment: |
I own the 28-75mm and the 17-35mm and was happy so far with this lenses. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
SAL1870 |
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price paid: |
520 USD (used) |
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positive: |
Contrast |
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negative: |
A bit slow AF |
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comment: |
i buy this lens because of the contrast and color. but a bit expensive for the price paid. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
CZ 50mm f1.7 (Contax mount)** |
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price paid: |
Part of a700 kit |
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positive: |
Sharpness |
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negative: |
Zoom creep* |
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comment: |
I use this lens a lot at 16-24mm and am very happy with it . I also like the close focus at 80 which is very handy in the field. |
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sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Tammy 17-50/ 2.8 |
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price paid: |
629 USD (used) |
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positive: |
longer focal length than Tammy 17-50, that's it. |
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negative: |
Vignettes at 16mm, soft at wide open. not a good indoor lens/ night photograph lens. |
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comment: |
traded in the Tammy for this lens, thinking this would be a better one because of the name. It's not. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
28/2,8 |
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price paid: |
450€ used |
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positive: |
- sharp enough |
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negative: |
- quite vineting at 16 mm |
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comment: |
I think visible upgrade from a kit lenses. Its light, compact. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Sony - DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6 |
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price paid: |
619 USD (new) |
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positive: |
+ Light weight |
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negative: |
- Distorsion |
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comment: |
This is a must-buy lens for upgrading from Kit lens. High quaility with affordable price. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Kit Lens |
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price paid: |
999 AUS (new) |
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positive: |
Light |
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negative: |
Build |
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comment: |
I have used this for about 10% of my shots. I have found the color exceptional and it is sharp, I do not use enhancement on 99% of the shots. I was a little disappointed with a rattle in my lens took it back and they told me it was not a fault. It works okay just annoying. The focus adjustment does not feel positive but works OK has a little play in the movement which is concerning. Overall it is a versatile lens with great resolution even when taking photos of insects. You can crop down a great deal and retain the integrity of the shot. It can flare on the wrong angles to the sun but not unmanageable. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 16-105 f3.5-5.6 |
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price paid: |
700 USD |
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positive: |
Almost perfect as a walk around lens |
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negative: |
Nothing worth noting other than a little more reach would be nice |
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comment: |
I love this lens! I want very good IQ (doesn't have to absolutely perfect), light weight and as little total weight as possible to cover most of the photo situations I put myself in. This lens teamed with the Sony 70-300 G and up to two more to fit the specific situation is almost perfect for me. This combination has nearly quelled my lens lust! The most common complaint about this lens is Build. I happen to think its "Build" fits what I want perfectly - light weight & compact. I have the much heavier & bulkier Sony 24-70 f2.8 - it takes somewhat better pictures but it stays home unless I'm after portraits of the family. Next most common complaint is Distortion. If I could give the lens a 4.5 for distortion at 16mm, I would but 16mm is getting pretty wide and distortion should be expected. If you're after the perfect picture, there are better lenses, but if you are wanting an excellent lens without the pro price (and weight/bulk) for an APS format camera, better consider this one. |
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sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 28-70 G |
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price paid: |
699 USD (new) |
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positive: |
Excellent replacement for kit lens. |
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negative: |
|
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comment: |
I've had this lens only a few days, but impressed with it. It's my first real replacement for the kit in my gear. Sharpness is good, but didn't get a 5 because it's no sharper than my 28-70 and only sightly better than the 28-75. With all the rave about Zeiss, I expected a little more. |
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sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 17-35/3,5-4,5 |
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price paid: |
500 EUR (used) |
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positive: |
Very useful focal length, reasonably fast, fast and quite silent focusing, quite sharp at tele end |
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negative: |
Distortion at wide is strong and so is CA and vignetting |
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comment: |
Bought the lens as used some time ago. I have mostly taken test photos to compare with my other lenses. I would not buy this lens as new because the price/performance is then not the best. But when you buy this used it is a good general purpose lens (and the issues will not bother). |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
DSC-R1 |
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price paid: |
650 euros |
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positive: |
- perfect range for travel |
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negative: |
- distortion at 16mm |
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comment: |
I've bought this lens for the A700 and they make a nice couple, relatively compact, fast and image quality is fantastic. Saturation and contrast are sometimes even too high. However if compared with the stunning fixed lens of the DSC-R1, distortion and vignetting at 16mm could have been better. Build quality is also ok but not as good as the 70-300 G. |
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sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Sigma 17-70, Sony 16-105, Tamron 18-250 |
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price paid: |
600USD |
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positive: |
Fast-ish aperture compared to similar lenses |
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negative: |
Expensive |
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comment: |
I stupidly acquired a bunch of lenses at the same time- the 17-70, 16-80, 16-105 and 18-250. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
18-70 kit lens |
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price paid: |
650 euros |
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positive: |
- Super sharp |
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negative: |
- Vignetting wide open!!! |
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comment: |
I love this lens. . . . stopped down. I hate its vignetting. I find vignetting difficult to deal with in post processing and it is major on this lens wide open. Not under all circumstances so you can learn when it's not going to be a problem but still. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
SAL18-250 |
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price paid: |
$550 USD (Used) |
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positive: |
Color, sharpness |
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negative: |
Uhh.. not a 2.8? |
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comment: |
Everything you've heard about this one is true. It lets me worry about the shot instead of the gear, which is what I like gear to do. Very sharp as long as I don't sneeze while the shutter is open. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
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compared to: |
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 |
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price paid: |
800 USD (new) |
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positive: |
+ sharpness |
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negative: |
- built quallity is very good, but can be better for this price |
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comment: |
This is one of the sharpest lenses I own. I din't know that a wide angle zoom can be so sharp. My sample is even sharper then the superb Minolta 50mm F1.7(compared both lenses at F5.6),and can even be compared to a macro lens. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Dt 18-70 |
|
positive: |
-Very sharp even wide open |
|
negative: |
-Sometimes "too sharp" |
|
comment: |
This is the second copy i tried. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
-18-70 Kit lens. |
|
price paid: |
400 Euros (new) |
|
positive: |
-Light lens, ideal for walkaround purposes. |
|
negative: |
-Too pricey unless you get a good deal on it. |
|
comment: |
I bought this lens on June 2008, in order to replace the kit lens on my A100. Since then, I have shot a bit over 6000 pictures in a wide range of conditions. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 28-75 2.8 |
|
price paid: |
550 USD (used) |
|
positive: |
Sharpness from 5.6 |
|
negative: |
Nothing consider the price and the zoom range |
|
comment: |
I have had this lens for a couple of weeks now and I am very happy with its performance. I most of the time use primes, since I have not been too happy with the performance of my earlier zoom lenses. This lens has made me change my mind. The sharpness is excellent at 5.6 and the colors are great! |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 15-30 |
|
price paid: |
450 USD |
|
positive: |
Very sharp |
|
negative: |
Would prefer 2.8 aperture |
|
comment: |
I really like this lens, traded in the above 2 Sigmas for it and don't miss them at all. I do mainly landscapes and was constantly switching between the two. Hiking for landscapes is much more enjoyable now. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 2.8 17-35 mm |
|
price paid: |
729 Euro |
|
positive: |
Sharpness |
|
negative: |
Plastic |
|
comment: |
|
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony SAL-1870 DT 18 - 70mm F3.5 - 5.6 |
|
price paid: |
690 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Very high center resolution |
|
negative: |
Noticeable loss of corner resolution at some large aperture settings |
|
comment: |
My copy has on the Sony DSLR-A300 a center resolution of well above 2000 LPH and corner resolution is typically between 1500 to 1700 LPH, measured in the range of biggest aperture down to f8. One special observation is the very good telephoto performance at 80mm at the wides aperture of f4.5: 2200 center, 1700 corner. The one negative exception is at 50mm and f4.5, where the LPH value falls to 1950 center and 1200 corner. Consequently, center resolution is exceptional, corner resolution is mostly tolerable, with 50mm/f4.5 unsatisfactorily. Here are the focal length/aperture settings that I typically use for my copy: |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 20 F2,8 |
|
price paid: |
400 Euro NEW |
|
positive: |
Very good sharpness 16-50 F3,5 |
|
negative: |
Build quality not typical for Carl Zeiss - but you get what you pay for! |
|
comment: |
This is my best walkaround lens. You can get pretty good results with this lens. Too german Foto-magazines gives 83/100 Points in combination with the APS-C Chip of the Alpha 350 - thats a very good result for a zoom (for a zoom in this zoom range its exellent). |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 28-135mm |
|
price paid: |
680 |
|
positive: |
SHARPNESS! |
|
negative: |
Mediocre build quality |
|
comment: |
This lens is sharp. I mean, seriously, sharp. Combined with the amazing contrast is, quite frankly, astonishing. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
€ 619 |
|
positive: |
Zoom range |
|
negative: |
At wide angle it course a shadow when using built-in flash |
|
comment: |
Excellent standard zoomlens for most pictures |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
BEERCAN |
|
price paid: |
1199 NZD |
|
positive: |
SHARP,GREAT COLOURS VERY VERSATILE |
|
negative: |
VIGNETTING AT THE WIDE END |
|
comment: |
SPENDS 80% OF THE TIME ON THE CAMERA, VERY VERSATILE LENS I DONT SEEM TO SUFFER SOME OF THE PROBLEMS MENTIONED IN POSTS HERE. AN EXCELLENT KIT LENS COMBO WITH THE A700 AND A100 AS WELL. |
|
sharpness: 2,5 color: 2 build: 1 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
700 |
|
positive: |
|
|
negative: |
Poor QC. Always in repair. |
|
comment: |
|
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
28-70g |
|
price paid: |
? |
|
positive: |
Sharp. light, versatile |
|
negative: |
filters take your corners of |
|
comment: |
This lens is used as my travel lens if i don't want to bring the big gun. It is light, quick and sharp and if you don't need the 2,8, it is great. Filters are an issue I have not yet resolves but the range of 16-80 safes you bringing an additional lens with your 28-70. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta AF 100-300 D APO F4.5-5.6 |
|
price paid: |
Kit with Alpha 700 |
|
positive: |
Sharp |
|
negative: |
Annoying back focus around the 24 mm |
|
comment: |
Very good lens, a little bit pricey but if you want something better than usual you always have to pay more than usual. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron AF 28-300 F3.5-6.3 LD AD IF |
|
price paid: |
510 GBP (new) |
|
positive: |
Good quality throughout zoom range |
|
negative: |
Vignetting at 16mm |
|
comment: |
My most used lens for general indoor photos and wide angle scenery. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
50/1.4 |
|
price paid: |
700 USD |
|
positive: |
Sharp |
|
negative: |
Boken ok, not the softest. |
|
comment: |
Sharp lens, works well for architectural photography. I wish it had a wider aperture, also wish the filter size was a little larger. I am getting some vignetting from my “slim mount” protective filter. A 67mm instead of a 62mm might be useful. |
|
sharpness: 3,5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
- Nikon AFS 16-85/3.5-5.6 VR DX |
|
price paid: |
650 EUR (new) |
|
positive: |
- Compact and lightweight |
|
negative: |
- Decentering issues |
|
comment: |
I really, really wanted to own and use this lens, but after testing four different exemplars over a couple of months I finally had to give up without success. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 50/1.4, Minolta 24-105D |
|
price paid: |
600 |
|
positive: |
Small size, weight and sharpness |
|
negative: |
Price, build quality and absence of SSM |
|
comment: |
I have been hesitating to have this one, for the price, for the DT format and for the reasons I have so many alpha mount standard zooms |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 18-70 kit lens |
|
price paid: |
550 USD |
|
positive: |
sharp |
|
negative: |
price |
|
comment: |
I bought this lens to replace my kit lens and wasn't disappointed. Comparing to the kit lens, this lens is a lot sharper. Its extra 2mm at the wide end is very handy for landscape shots. I also find the lens to be sharpest at the long end which is unusual for a zoom lens. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
konica minolta 28/75 |
|
price paid: |
600 euros |
|
positive: |
color sharpness |
|
negative: |
price |
|
comment: |
this is a really fabulous lens re sharpness and color |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 28-70/2.8G |
|
price paid: |
$600usd |
|
positive: |
Very sharp lens with good color. Good contrast. Close focusing. Fast focusing. |
|
negative: |
Bokeh. |
|
comment: |
For being a zoom it is extremely sharp I think. Good contrast, picks up nice detail. I really like the WA shots esp. for landscape types of composition. Another plus is nice close focus, I appreciate that in a lens. I think bokeh is the drawback for this lens, which for WA small aperture it's just not an issue. Build is decent, has a bit of a fragile feel to it though nothing really seems cheap or anything. Narrow rubber focus & zoom grip are indeed prone to collecting grime/dust. Have read there is vignetting with a filter, I have an old Minolta filter and have not noticed a problem, but maybe haven't noticed it yet or something. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 18-70 |
|
price paid: |
NZD 1580 |
|
positive: |
Very sharp |
|
negative: |
distortion and vignetting at the wide end. |
|
comment: |
I was not satisfied with the quality of the shots from the 18-70 kit lens and upgraded (2007) to the CZ16-80. This was a very effective upgrade. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
18-70mm |
|
price paid: |
600 |
|
positive: |
superior optics of Carl Zeiss, very sharp, great colors, fast AF |
|
negative: |
plastic build |
|
comment: |
it has been my standard lens for 3 months and i like its quality, i am planning to get 3 more Carl Zeiss lenses (85mm, 135mm, 24-70mm). |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
cz 24-70, sigma 24-70, 18-70 kitlens, 50/1.7 |
|
positive: |
Very sharp across the range except in the corners at wide. Very useful focal range. |
|
negative: |
Softer corners at wide end. Distortion at wide end. |
|
comment: |
|
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
28-70G |
|
price paid: |
730 CAN |
|
positive: |
awesome range |
|
negative: |
not punchy |
|
comment: |
This is awesome walkaround lenses. Although is always pretty sharp across range it is never razor sharp even stopped down (and strange softer edges at 24mm). Photos are not as punchy as from 28-70G or 35/2, but that expected. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Standard Sony 18-70 |
|
price paid: |
kit with a700 |
|
positive: |
Very usable focal lenght 16-80 |
|
negative: |
Would have been nice with constant aperture, but there's the 28-70/2,8 to look forward to and save money for. |
|
comment: |
I had high expectations on this lens. The sharpness and picture quality had to be not good, but great for me to not lay my photography on the shelf cause of to high demands and to small wallet. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony DT 16-105mm premium kit lens |
|
price paid: |
689 USD |
|
positive: |
inspires confidence in your hands |
|
negative: |
bad in low light |
|
comment: |
i thought i loved this lens until i did some meticulous comparison tests against the Sony DT 16-105mm kit lens. over and over again the kit lens out-performed the CZ - especially in low light. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
minolta 28-75mm 2.8 |
|
positive: |
Sharp, good color and contrast. |
|
negative: |
price |
|
comment: |
Great lens but expensive. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 28-75 2.8 |
|
price paid: |
650 usd (new) |
|
positive: |
Good range |
|
negative: |
Build (although it's pretty good) |
|
comment: |
This lens is a great replacement for the kitlens. It is sharp wide open through the entire range. I am not sure about corner sharpness, I haven't done enough research. The colors and contrast are really nice. Definitely not Minolta colors, but very nice anyways. It is a little slow, but has enough other benefits to compensate for it. People complain that the build quality isn't great (it is plastic), but I disagree, it has a heavy quality feel. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron AF 2,8 17-50mm |
|
price paid: |
£ 500 |
|
positive: |
sharpness |
|
negative: |
lens rattles slightly when shaken |
|
comment: |
I guess I was lucky with my lens as it is sharp throughout all apertures. I just love it and it is the lens that I usually have on my body. I did like my Tamron 17-50mm a lot but am happier with the CZ due to the 80mm instead of only 50mm. It does rattle somehow when shaken but frankly I don't bother as it does its job fantastically well and I would not want to exchange it for another one. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
4-4.5/28-135 |
|
price paid: |
600 euro (new) |
|
positive: |
sharp, lightweight |
|
negative: |
construction OK, but expected more for the price. |
|
comment: |
This lense is quite sharp in the centre, but I was disappointed with the lack of sharpness at the edges wide open. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 3 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
10-20mm Sigma |
|
price paid: |
£479 |
|
positive: |
Sharper at tele end |
|
negative: |
Struggles to focus at wide end |
|
comment: |
I was really expecting a lot from this lens after reading a lot of positive reviews, although I had heard about a few quality issues. When I finally got my lens after waiting 6 weeks for it to arrive (back in June last year) I was somewhat dissapointed. The build quality was not what I was expecting from a £600 lens! |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 3 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II |
|
price paid: |
500 |
|
positive: |
Build |
|
negative: |
Price |
|
comment: |
I read up on this lens extensively before purchasing. The one thing that was consistent was that the reviews were not consistent, because the quality of the individual lenses seems to not be consistent. Still, the people who love this lens rave about it, so I took the plunge. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
680 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Sharp! |
|
negative: |
Vignetting |
|
comment: |
A great lens! However, I had a problem with vignetting with a UV filter on the lens. Much better without the filter. My copy of the lens doesn't control flare very well. However, in most situations, this lens is a joy to use and provides excellent results. Recommended. |
|
sharpness: 3,5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL 1870 |
|
positive: |
Useful range |
|
negative: |
Vignetting |
|
comment: |
For a lens worth 650€ (in Italy), I'd honestly expect something (much?) more. As others have said, build is not faulty by itself, but surely not a very high standard; the plastic fine grips for zoom and focus rings are badly thought, they just collect dust. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 24-105 |
|
price paid: |
1100 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
- Sharpness |
|
negative: |
- Vignetting |
|
comment: |
*** Image quality: *** |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony SAL1870 Kit lens |
|
price paid: |
$950 NZD (new) |
|
positive: |
Look, feel & weight |
|
negative: |
Manual Focus ring (minor) |
|
comment: |
Why on earth did I wait so long to get this lens?? Picked it up yesterday on short notice as a deal too good to miss came my way. Have only played with the lens this morning but so far my opinion is WOW!! |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
16-105 SAL |
|
price paid: |
620 USD |
|
positive: |
Very sharp |
|
negative: |
Build is just OK |
|
comment: |
This is a must have for anyone with the A700. It provides a good range and very sharp images. I turned down the contrast (in camera) down 1 from where I set it for the other lenses. The color is a little colder than the Minolta colors from the legacy Maxxum lenses, but still much better than from the third party lenses. The only negative is in the build, which although solid, does not have the feel of the old generation 1 maxxum lenses. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
50mm 1.7, SAL-85F14Z |
|
price paid: |
659 USD NEW |
|
positive: |
Sharpness, AF speed, Color accuracy |
|
negative: |
none |
|
comment: |
I just might have found my new favorite lens. Fast, accurate, amazingly sharp. Yes, the build quality isn't the same as the Zeiss 85mm, but then this is an APS-C lens, and it cost a fraction of what the other Zeiss' run. The only thing that keeps this from being the perfect lens is a bit of vignetting wide open, but totally acceptable IMHO. The days of constant lens changes are over for me, this will spend most of it's time attached to the body. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
28-75/2.8, kit lens |
|
price paid: |
1100 USD |
|
positive: |
Superb sharpness, contrast, color, much better than 28-75 |
|
negative: |
some distortion at 16mm, serious focus problems at 16-24mm ! |
|
comment: |
I was looking forward to get this lens and was shocked by image quality! It's great! Build is good, reminds me of old 24-85, no zoom creep (my 28-75 has this). |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 28-70 2.8 (Pre Zen) |
|
price paid: |
609 USD (Used) |
|
positive: |
Sharp, Very Sharp |
|
negative: |
Hood not great, but not always needed |
|
comment: |
==== Edit Dec 09 ==== |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony: |
|
price paid: |
700 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Sharp |
|
negative: |
Build Quality could be better (See comments) |
|
comment: |
This lens is as sharp if not sharper than my 50mm f/1.4 prime lens which I feel is a sharp lens to begin with. The range is awesome and will stay on my camera most of the time unless I need the 1.4 from my prime for low light conditions or smoother bokeh. Only issue I have but very minor IMO is that at 16mm and at full zoom @ 80mm, something seems to be loose inside. Anywhere in the middle, it's fine. Doesn't effect the photo taken which is the main thing. Very happy with this lens! |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 28-75/2.8, |
|
price paid: |
700 USD |
|
positive: |
Sharpness !!!! |
|
negative: |
if i have to say something negative its the build quality, but considering it as a DT zoom lens its ok ! |
|
comment: |
the built quality is better than most of the lenses i compared it to, but its not like the 100-400 APO or 85/1.4 CZ... |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
24-70SIG |
|
price paid: |
650 USD new |
|
positive: |
Good range |
|
negative: |
build is just OK |
|
comment: |
Very happy with this lens so far, the plastic build doesn't bother me for now, just wonder how it will holdup down the road 10 years from now. I was surprised with the bokeh, its not great but good. I held off buying because of the net chatter about poor build quality wish i had got it a lot sooner, if you are a pro I could see how the build quality is not up to par, but for my use it is fine. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 24-105 |
|
price paid: |
70000 JPY |
|
positive: |
- Sharpness |
|
negative: |
- Distortion at wide end |
|
comment: |
I use CZ16-80 as my travel lens(my favorite for now) instead of the old Minolta 24-105D. On my A100, the zoom range is much better than 24-105D as I got precious wide angles of 24-36mm(16-24mm on APS). I am greatly satisfied with its color and sharpness. Also the flare control is very good with T* coating. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Tokina 17 3.5, Min 20 2.8 RS, Min 28 2.8, Sig 18-125, Min 24-105, Min 50 1.4 |
|
price paid: |
700 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Sharp, wide MF ring |
|
negative: |
vignetting at wide end |
|
comment: |
I am very happy with this lens. What I was looking for when I got this was |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
18-70 kit, 70-210 f/4, 50 f/1.7, 28 f/2.8 |
|
price paid: |
640 USD |
|
positive: |
Sharpness better than some primes. |
|
negative: |
Slight focus issues at 16 mm wide open. More an issue with A100 than the lens. |
|
comment: |
This lens is one my camera all the time. The images that the a100 produces with this lens are special. Color saturation, contrast and image sharpness are all superb. Well not mentioned a lot, this lens is a very good portrait lens. I have taken some home studio shots of my daughters and have been extremely pleased with the results. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 17-80 kit lens |
|
price paid: |
US689 |
|
positive: |
good built, sharp at times |
|
negative: |
center blurr wide open at 16 mm |
|
comment: |
I was excited having bought this lens after reading all the positive reviews. Having tested it for 2 weeks, I am now disappointed. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 18-200 |
|
price paid: |
600 EUR (new) |
|
positive: |
- Sharp, very sharp |
|
negative: |
- Distortions at the wide end |
|
comment: |
I bought this lens, because I was a bit disappointed with the Sigma in terms of sharpness and colour. And because the Sigma showed quite a bit of vignetting at 18 mm. Well, this lens certainly is much, much sharper and its colours are great! It also is even more prone to vignetting than the Sigma. But then again, the extra 2 mm at the wide end really make a difference. All in all, I'm glad I bought it. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
SONY 18-70 kit |
|
price paid: |
~600 USD |
|
positive: |
Fast AF |
|
negative: |
As always with my quality you have to pay a premium price |
|
comment: |
Excellent everyday zoom! I really like the build quality and the feel on the lens. I don't know where all the complaining comes from. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
sal 18-70 (kit) |
|
price paid: |
680euro (new) |
|
positive: |
front end does not rotate, corner sharpness |
|
negative: |
price, build |
|
comment: |
not worth the price at all. a little wider then the kit, colors are the same as the kit, center sharpness also (edges are sharper, but not that much). only worth if you cant live without circ polarizator filters, since the front element does not rotate. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL 18-70 (kit lens) |
|
price paid: |
699 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
- excellent colors |
|
negative: |
- price |
|
comment: |
After reading many reviews, I decided to buy this lens as a replacement for the kit lens (18-70). I've been using this lens since last week, and I've taken around 1000 pictures so far. I must recognize that this lens really makes a huge difference when compared with the kit lens. The color and the sharpness are outstanding. Now I was able to see what a 10MP camera is capable of. I find the wide end (16mm) excellent for photojournalism or architecture. Yes, there is some vignetting at 16mm, but it disappears when the lens is stopped down a little bit. The build also could be better. But the quality of the Zeiss glass is excellent, the lens focuses fast, and the overall results are impressive. I recommend this lens to any Sony Alpha system user. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
- 28 2.8 (sold) |
|
price paid: |
600 Euro |
|
positive: |
- Sharp; |
|
negative: |
- I had to get used to the place of the Zoom ring |
|
comment: |
It's my first Sony lens and first CZ :-), and the first none Full Frame lens I bought. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
positive: |
|
|
negative: |
|
|
comment: |
|
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
24/2.8, 28-85/3.5-4.5, 35-70/4, 35-80/4-5.6, 35-105/3.5-4.5 |
|
price paid: |
650€ new |
|
positive: |
Very very sharp; Brilliant colours; Great zoom range; Compact for its range; Min focus distance; close-up (sort of macro with with autofocus) |
|
negative: |
Build; Price (but worth it) |
|
comment: |
I bought this one because my 24mm was not very wide anymore on APS-C and I was going to South-West USA (Grand Canyon and the like). The 16-80 is a great travel lens, and due to the large zoom range I am happy not to have to switch lenses so often. In the past I have had trouble with dust when travelling in Africa in an open truck and switching lenses. The red dust on those dirt roads is going everywhere (into your nose, ears and camera). |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
16/2.8, 24/2.8, 28/2, 28/2.8, 35/2, 50/1.7, 50/1.4, 85/1.4 |
|
price paid: |
699.99 |
|
positive: |
Sharp and fast focusing. Start at 16mm. Legendary CZ image quality. |
|
negative: |
Built could be better |
|
comment: |
Folks it is true. A CZ is a CZ is a CZ. This is a very very sharp zoom lens and it is the ultimate kit lens for Sony/KM. I have tested it against my collection of primes and this CZ 16-80 is almost as good wide open and has same sharpness stop down. Very impressive! This is now my new kit and travel lens. I was trying to decide between the CZ and 16-105 but at the end image quality takes over. If you are looking for the best zoom lens that covers 24-120mm (equiv) for your APS-c DSLR, look no further. Highly Recommended. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
18-70, 75-300 KM Kit lenses |
|
price paid: |
699.99 |
|
positive: |
build |
|
negative: |
price |
|
comment: |
I don't understand what all the complaints are regarding build for this lens. I think it is very well built, compared to the EX series from Sigma, for example,which have good build reputations. Not as beefy as the SSM G, but to me as solid feeling and much lighter in proportion. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 18-200, Minolta 70-210 f4, Zeiss primes at 85mm & 135mm |
|
price paid: |
599 |
|
positive: |
Outstanding sharpness, color and contrast. Focuses fast and accurately. Nice zoom ring feel. Very good mount tolerances. |
|
negative: |
Manual focus ring sloppy. Barrel distortion and viginetting at 16mm. |
|
comment: |
It's a great lens. Not as good as the Zeiss primes, but superior to any zoom I've used. I think it'll be my primary lens from now on. Very wide angle shots will need distortion correction in post and I'll have to watch viginetting, especially with filters attached. Mechanically, this is the worst Zeiss SLR lens I've ever seen, which still makes it above average. Optically, it's outstanding, better than any Canon, Nikon, Minolta or Sony zoom in the under-$1800 price range. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
positive: |
|
|
negative: |
|
|
comment: |
For the most part, this lens has replaced my 28-70 Minolta lens (which I also love using) due to it's reduced weight, outstanding color and sharpness and wider angle which makes it a close replacement on the 7D for the 28-70 on my Maxxum 9. A great lens. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Beercan, 50 f/1.7, kit lens |
|
price paid: |
549 USD |
|
positive: |
Excellent color |
|
negative: |
Some quality control issues |
|
comment: |
I think I have found lens nirvana. I do not like changing lenses a lot (nor does my wife like to wait for me!) so the range on this is great. This lens is fantastically sharp wide open at all focal lengths. Pictures with this lens are excellently saturated and dripping with color. Very natural color rendition that gives a sense of clarity to photos. I don't think I knew what my A100 was capable of until I got this lens. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
17-35D, 17-35G, 20 2.8 |
|
positive: |
sharp sharp zoom |
|
negative: |
build is not G class (but then price is also not G class) |
|
comment: |
Excellent range.. the perfect travel range IMO :) |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 zoom 'kit' lens; KM 17-35mm f2.8-4.0 zoom; KM 24-105mm f3.5-4.5 zoom. |
|
price paid: |
660USD |
|
positive: |
Great brilliance, clarity, sharpness. |
|
negative: |
Dirt trapping grooved rubber zoom and focus grips. |
|
comment: |
Compared to other other lenses I've used on my Sony Alpha DSLRs, this lens delivers strikingly sharp, naturally coloured and well saturated images. Equal to those I get with my Sony 50mm f1.4 prime. The photos are life-like and brilliant. At times almost a polarized filter level of crispness and saturation. Great bokeh. Feels solid and well balanced in use and marries well to the Alpha body, both physically and in terms of photographic results. Great zoom range and will now be a permanent fixture on the camera except when I need the extra reach of one of my tele lenses or the 50mm f1.4 for low light situations and portraiture. Very highly recommended. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
SONY 18-70 3,5-5,6 |
|
price paid: |
Proof from Sony IT |
|
positive: |
Very low distorsion from 24mm to 80. |
|
negative: |
Plastic build. |
|
comment: |
This lens has a very low distorsion from 24mm to 80 (from 35 to 60 the distorsion is virtually absent) and also at 16mm it is not too noticeable considering the focal lenght. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 24-105 mm. |
|
price paid: |
Circa EUR 735 (new, local shop) |
|
positive: |
Everything I wanted from my Minolta 24-105 mm - and more. |
|
negative: |
Nothing at the moment, but being APS-C only, it won't be much good on a future full frame camera. |
|
comment: |
Results on full frame are just as good as on APS-C, and because the camera automatically switches to the smaller format there's no circular images; but a 24-120 mm full frame would be better. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Kitlens, KM17-35, KM 28-75/2.8, Tamron 17-50, 28/2, 35/2, 50/1.4,.... |
|
price paid: |
635 Euro (new) |
|
positive: |
sharp, colour, weight, autofocus speed, range |
|
negative: |
Build, Manual focus ring ( not tight, hard to use) , vignetting wide open at 16mm |
|
comment: |
I had to get used to this lens, especially the speed 3.5/4.5 after using the tamron, The more I use it the more I like it. A lot is said about the build and it's true it's not that solid, but on the other it's small & light and I find that important too |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
630€ |
|
positive: |
Very sharp, nice colours, pretty fast, wide end (16mm). |
|
negative: |
MF ring awful. Build quality not |
|
comment: |
I like this lens a lot. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
RM3250 New |
|
positive: |
sharp, very very sharp. |
|
negative: |
f3.5-4.5 |
|
comment: |
No regrets paying for it and it's definitely gonna be my keeper DT lens. Colors are great, handles flare very well. Apparently I got a good copy. There is no vignetting at its 16mm widest opening. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
729 Euro |
|
positive: |
|
|
negative: |
|
|
comment: |
The best zoom lens I ever had! |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta AF 2,8 17-35 mm |
|
price paid: |
729 Euro |
|
positive: |
|
|
negative: |
|
|
comment: |
|
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 18-200, kit lens, Minolta 50mm, Sigma 105mm, Sigma 30mm |
|
positive: |
Amazingly sharp, compact, great range, flare resistant, good at any f stop and great corner to corner. |
|
negative: |
Don't like the ribbing because it catches dust like you wouldn't believe. Could be faster. I didn't love having to buy a new ultra slim CPL and UV but had to because of vignetting. But i'm just nitpicking. Iffy build. My manual focusing ring came apart a year out of warranty. |
|
comment: |
This lens rocks! Beg, borrow, and steal to get it. I had read tests that showed that this was the sharpest standard zoom out there in MTF tests and it is amazing. Stunning corner to corner sharpness at any f stop that rival (and probably exceed) my primes. Even my macro can't out class this. The range is very useful too on APS-C. 16mm is pretty wide. I like the colors too. Very rich and better than other zooms i've used. Blows away the superzoom I used as a walkaround before this in that (and every) regard. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Various canon lenses. |
|
positive: |
Sharpness |
|
negative: |
Manual focus ring is very sensitive - need to be very precise. |
|
comment: |
This lens was one of the reasons I moved to an alpha and I'm yet to be disappointed with it. Its very sharp with good contrast. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 17-50 f2.8 |
|
price paid: |
700 USD new |
|
positive: |
Sharp |
|
negative: |
Build could be better |
|
comment: |
I'm very happy with this lens. The colors, contrast, and sharpness of this lens make the photos look more vibrant and 3-D. It's my new walk around lens. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 18-70 |
|
price paid: |
720€ |
|
positive: |
Sharp |
|
negative: |
Short range manual focus ring |
|
comment: |
High quality compact all roads lens , expensive but not so much . |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
17-35/2.8-4 Minolta AF D |
|
price paid: |
690 euro |
|
positive: |
*Sharp |
|
negative: |
*expensive |
|
comment: |
This is the ideal lens for reportage photography on a dslr. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
sigma 10-20 |
|
price paid: |
720 EURO (new) |
|
positive: |
sharp |
|
negative: |
build quality |
|
comment: |
excellent |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 105mm 2.8 EX, |
|
price paid: |
900 CAD + tx (new) |
|
positive: |
- Sharp sharp sharp, wide open or stoped down (close to my macro lens, really) |
|
negative: |
- Slowish (3.5-4.5) |
|
comment: |
This lens is amazing... I was sckeptical at first about the value of dishing out 1000 bucks for something that is speed-wise is not much better than the kitty, but I really wanted a wider-longer lens for my incomming trip (and had awful experience with IQ of cheaper superzooms in the past), so I took a plunge. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Konica Minolta 11-18mm, Tamron 14mm f2.8 SP, Konica Minolta 17-35mm, Sony DT 18-70mm, Konica Minolta 18-200mm, Sigma 18-125mm. |
|
price paid: |
465 GB pounds (new) |
|
positive: |
Despite a high retail price in the UK, the real cost to a pro (VAT reg) user is about $800 equivalent - not too steep. |
|
negative: |
I took me three lenses before I found one which was free from serious manufacturing faults. |
|
comment: |
I have written a full review of this on photoclubalpha.com - |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Tam 17-50 2.8 |
|
price paid: |
$699 |
|
positive: |
Sharpness |
|
negative: |
some vignetting at 16mm with a polarizer otherwise none |
|
comment: |
Much much better than the kit and IMHO better than the Tam 17-50. The extra focal length, the colors, contrast, the IQ (almost never hunts unless its dark or I’m aiming at water in spot focus), just about every aspect except speed is better. I don't seem to notice that it's not a 2.8 so...no worries. I agree with the review below mine that the build doesn't bother me a bit, I think it feels good on my a100 and am not worried about it falling apart any time soon. The only problem I see with it is the vignetting at 16mm with a circular polarizer on. Strange........there's none without the CP. But really as long as you know what to expect it's not too big a deal. The color and cotrast is fantastic, just amazing and this lens is very very sharp. Really glad I made the decision to fork out $700 for this fine lens. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 28-75 |
|
price paid: |
699 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Excellent range |
|
negative: |
Corners clipped at 16mm with polarizer and hood mounted |
|
comment: |
I've held off on doing any lens reviews in Dyxum and am glad I did. This lens now sets the standard for which to compare my other zooms. This lens is about to cause some upheaval in my lens collection and threatens to reduce their lot. It's that good, and even some primes now no longer hold the same mystique they once had. I put this one in a class with my 100/2.8 macro and 28/2. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
A$1000 (new) |
|
positive: |
excellent range, excellent quality, very fast AF. |
|
negative: |
zoom ring is too close to camera body? |
|
comment: |
Lens performance is excellent, and is everything I expected it to be. Photo quality has been outstanding. The only criticism I can think of is that the zoom ring is quite close to the camera body so can be hard to use if you have big hands. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 17-70mm |
|
price paid: |
659 USD(new) |
|
positive: |
1. Good color (cooler than warmer) |
|
negative: |
1. Light fall off (dark corners) very obvious at 16mm f3.5 |
|
comment: |
A great but expensive kit lens! |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Kit 18-70, 50 1.7, 100 2.8 macro |
|
price paid: |
685 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Very sharp, excellent colors |
|
negative: |
So sharp you have to be careful where you focus. |
|
comment: |
This lens will do most of my normal stuff and will make a good travel lens and a perfect "party", "grandchild event", etc. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM28-75D, KM18-70DT, Minolta 100/2.8 macro, KM17-35D, Tamron 17-50, Minolta 24-85 |
|
price paid: |
459 UKP (new) |
|
positive: |
Excellent zoom range (ideal) |
|
negative: |
Sometimes a bit hesitant at getting AF on my A100 - wideangle AF accuracy is poor. |
|
comment: |
Exceeds my expectations for a 5X zoom range. This has become my favourite lens for everyday use. I previously had to carry a couple of lenses to cover this range. |
|
sharpness: 4,5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 28-75 f2.8 |
|
price paid: |
1149 AUD |
|
positive: |
Great zoom range |
|
negative: |
Already at f4.5 by 35mm |
|
comment: |
I love this lens. Such a great zoom range in a small package with excellent sharpness to boot! I'm used to using a KM 28-75 f2.8 and mostly shoot at f8 for best sharpness. The Zeiss offers very similar sharpness at f8 from 35mm upwards. The KM 28-75 is slightly better at 28mm, but the Zeiss of course can go right down to 16mm. Shots taken at 16mm and f8 are very crisp. At all focal lengths this lens should be sharp enough at f8 for the most discerning users (me being one of them!). Performance at larger apertures is still very good and should satisfy most users. There's a bit of noticeable light falloff with large apertures at 16mm, but not enough to concern me. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 24-105D, Minolta 70-210 f4 (beercan) |
|
price paid: |
659 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Sharp, good color and contrast. |
|
negative: |
Distortion at wide end |
|
comment: |
Beautiful lens, very sharp in the center, a little softness is visible in the corners at the wide end, but sharpens up on stopping down. I have seen very little evidence of flare or CA. There is some distortion at the wide end. Very reasonable bokeh. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:25MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 17-50, |
|
price paid: |
660 USD (New) |
|
positive: |
Sharp, even at wide open |
|
negative: |
Expensive than Tamron and Sigma |
|
comment: |
Having been waiting it for such a long time that I bought the Sigma 17-70 and later the Tamron 17-50 to replace my KM kit lens. |
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; 14MP: