Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80 F3.5-4.5 reviews
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:24MP |
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compared to: |
SAL2470z |
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price paid: |
550 USD (used) |
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positive: |
Fairly sharp — even wide open |
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negative: |
Plasticky build |
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comment: |
Works well on both the A77 and A99. However, with it's APS-C design it is really not made to be used with the A99. In my opinion, this lens has better color/contrast than the 2470z. Since there is no SSM or SAM, the lens is not very good for video in AF mode. Build quality could be better as well. |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
KM 18-70 kit |
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price paid: |
400 EUR |
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positive: |
+ great range |
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negative: |
- zoom creep |
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comment: |
I have a rather beat up version of this lens. The original cap is broken and I received the lens as-is without a pouch/box. The focus ring is not completely smooth, but AF works without any problems at all. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Tamron 28-75 f2.8 |
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price paid: |
$580 (new) |
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positive: |
Sharp |
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negative: |
Build quality is the only negative I have, but even that is not bad just a little barrel "rattle". |
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comment: |
This lens used to sit permantly on my A700 now it sits on my A77. It is such a versatile and reliable lens. I have thought of changing it for the 16-50 f2.8, but I love the extra reach of this lens, and of course the price was better. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
KM 18-70 kit for KM5D |
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price paid: |
800 euro (new) |
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positive: |
Great and enough fast standard zoom with longer reach |
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negative: |
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comment: |
The greatist zoom I had for KM5D and A700 from 2006-2012. Owned one of the very first copies in Estonia and it was mounted all the time I needed zoom lens. |
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sharpness: 4 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:24MP |
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compared to: |
MINOLTA 24-85 3.5-4.5 |
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price paid: |
750 euro (new) |
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positive: |
Sharp in the center |
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negative: |
Strong Fringes in the corners |
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comment: |
Always a good companion and my standard lens to my A700. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Tamron 17-50 |
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price paid: |
600 (used) |
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positive: |
Perfect colours |
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negative: |
Fragile construction |
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comment: |
Finally made the jump to try this lens, despite its mixed bag build reputation. |
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sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 2 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
sony 16-105 |
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price paid: |
350 eur, used |
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positive: |
colours are great |
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negative: |
build quality |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
- Minolta AF 28-105 RS |
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price paid: |
550 USD (used) |
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positive: |
- Excellent zoom range |
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negative: |
- Price |
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comment: |
I have had this lens for a couple of weeks now and I am very happy with its performance. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sigma DC OS HSM 18-50/2.8-4.5 |
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price paid: |
600 (Used) |
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positive: |
Nice Range (great walkaround) |
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negative: |
No SSM |
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comment: |
Very good lens, a nice step up from the Sigma DC OS HSM 18-50/2.8-4.5 I had before especially on my 24 MP A65 (the Sigma was fine for my previous 10MP A200). |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 16-50 f2.8, sigma 17-70 |
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price paid: |
£400 |
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positive: |
Colours, bokeh, flare control, sharpness, weight |
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negative: |
Aperture |
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comment: |
Excellent lens. A great walkabout with perfect APS range making it suitable for landscapes to mid-range telephoto. Of course a constant f2.8 would be great but then it would weigh and cost more. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 70-300G, Sony 100/2.8 macro, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 |
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price paid: |
£520 |
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positive: |
An ideal compromise between IQ and zoom range, making it an outstanding lens for general-purpose use. |
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negative: |
Some zoom droop does occur but that is not a major concern for me. |
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comment: |
I bought my first Sony DSLR for use with this lens, having enjoyed the excellent performance of the Sony DSC-R1 with a similar, though not identical, Zeiss lens. I’ve now owned the CZ16-80mm for nearly 4 years and use it for over 90% of my pictures. Its performance on the A77 in terms of IQ and AF precision is even better than on the A700, though that was good. Highly recommended. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
|
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price paid: |
550 (used) |
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positive: |
sharpness |
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negative: |
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comment: |
This is a great walk around lens. The zoom range is perfect! 16-80mm, and with the digital tele converter on A65, it extends up to 160mm. I am not a fan of digital zooming, but that has made otherwise impossible shots possible. This lens is so sharp that even at 2x digital zoon on A65, the loss on quality/resolution is hardly noticeable. Produces excellent saturation and contrast and I hardly ever used post processing. Take the lens out in the sun and you get stunning images. |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
|
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price paid: |
730 USD (new) |
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positive: |
-Sharp |
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negative: |
-Not SSM |
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comment: |
Not sure why everyone complains about the build quality, I mean it is not as good as other Zeiss lenses but overall it is fine. Problem for me is not SSM and focus ring do not provide good travel, which is important for video. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 16-105, 18-70 |
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price paid: |
500$ |
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positive: |
Sharpness, color, contrast, range, speed |
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negative: |
too many build issues |
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comment: |
I have bought this lens occasionally second hand, but very little used. It gives excellent picture quality in almost every aspect. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
SAL16105 |
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price paid: |
625 |
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positive: |
Carl Zeiss Lens! Sharp! |
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negative: |
Zoom Creep |
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comment: |
I bought this because I was curious about what was so special about this lens compared to the SAL16105. I was already impressed with the SAL16105 so, it being a CZ, it should've been even better. The plastic construction does not justify its price. It occasionally squeaks when zooming in and out, maybe it was with my copy. The sharpness seemed about the same as the SAL16105. Walking around with the camera hanging off my neck, I quickly realize that the zoom creep happens too easily. It is a sharp lens, but I'll switch back to the SAL16105. |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
minolta 28-80 plastic fantastic |
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price paid: |
950 AUD (new) |
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positive: |
very good range , love the colours and contrast, on aps-c covers almost every most used focal lenght, acceptable bokeh between 50 and 80 mm wide open |
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negative: |
build quality - is it zeiss or what ??? zoom creep , heavy vignette at 16 mm with cpl filter |
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comment: |
have used it for almost three years now , and is about time to let it go... still almost perfect , just little bit too slow for my taste and I really don't wanna use it on a full frame ( lucky me ! ). from exif data I can see that it was mostly used on both ends and on about 50 mm in 35 mm SLR terms. anyway it was ( and still is ) well worth purchase - as a good walk aroud lens - nothing comes close to it ( but , take it with grain of salt - it just my personal experience and opinion ). |
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sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 2 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 35-105 |
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price paid: |
548 USD (Used) |
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positive: |
- Light weight |
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negative: |
Build quality is very bad. |
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comment: |
Besides fungus, my copy unable to provide me good sharpness. Most of the time is mis-focusing when having a portrait. Total of 2 bodies (A580 & A33) I had tried and confirm is mis-focusing on the lens. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 18-55 3.5-5.6 |
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price paid: |
650 EUR (new) |
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positive: |
- good range |
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negative: |
corner sharpness could be slightly better on the wide end |
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comment: |
Coming from the R1 this was a logical choice and it became my default walk around lens. The range is perfect as is the image quality and the distortions at the wide end can be easily corrected in post processing. The build quality may not be comparable with the full format Zeiss or the all metal Minoltas but it is not bad and the plastic makes the lens very light. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Tamron 17-50 2.8 |
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price paid: |
440 USD |
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positive: |
Contrast |
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negative: |
Price |
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comment: |
Greay range, I would have liked more switches and tighter build. Good contrast and sharpness for a zoom. A lot of money for a blue crest, though. Great walk around lens, but distortion could be better on the wide end. Colors are nice and the lens isn't huge, also a plus. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
SAL16-105DT, 24-70Z, KM17-35D, SAL18-250, KM24-85RS, KM24-105D, KM28-105RS, KM28-135 |
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price paid: |
AU$585 - New |
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positive: |
Very Sharp, Fast AF, Great Colour and Contrast Straight Out of Camera. |
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negative: |
None for what this lens is designed for. |
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comment: |
I started off with the 16-80z and then scored the SAL16-105 as part of an a700 Kit bargain package. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
sony 18-55 |
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price paid: |
Rp 6250000 |
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positive: |
sharp |
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negative: |
no swich af/mf |
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comment: |
more heavy and better build than people said. best colour lens that I ever had but not sharper than sony fix lens |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
|
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price paid: |
300€ (used) |
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positive: |
very sharp , great IQ , very light |
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negative: |
its not FF |
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comment: |
I had this lens with my a700 , now with a900 I saw one at good price in excellent condition , and I think its a perfect copy too . |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 1 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 18-55 kit lens |
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price paid: |
500 CAD |
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positive: |
Light weight |
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negative: |
Unreliable (longevity) AF |
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comment: |
This is a great lens! I never really used my 18-55 because the range just didn't fit my needs (it was a bit short on the long end) and so I found myself having to carry multiple lens. The build quality of this lens also feels much better and it seems to feel much nicer in your hands when shooting. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 18-250 Superzoom |
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price paid: |
375 GBP (S/H) |
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positive: |
SHARP!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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negative: |
A little expensive brand new. |
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comment: |
A classic walkabout lens. I was offered a s/h copy at a good price but I took a long time to decide to buy, mainly due to the many well documented 'problem' copies out there. However, a quick play with this one convinced me it was a good copy and I was blown away at how sharp my photos looked with a little sharpening in DXO optics (its a supported lens on my a55 body). If you can get a good copy (and some now state that the the issues were mainly with early samples) for a good price, go for it. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
minolta 24-105 3.5-4.5 |
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price paid: |
850 USD (new) |
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positive: |
great range for aps-c |
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negative: |
at wide angle too soft in angles |
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comment: |
16-80 makes 24-120 at aps-c - great range I guess. For me this lens is well built, makes sharp enough images wide open. Maybe it's too soft in angles, and gives much vignetting with any of non-slim filters, but it's worth it. But not worth the price though - it's slightly overestimated for there is no alternative for it in the system. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
|
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price paid: |
400 € |
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positive: |
sharp |
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negative: |
AF / MF button on lenses |
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comment: |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 24mm RS f2,8 |
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positive: |
+good center sharpness |
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negative: |
-distortion at 16mm |
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comment: |
The size & shape, weight, and zoom range fits well with my A55. Build quality is good, but nothing that should be compared to old school GMinolta lenses. Center sharpness is very good wide open, but for corner improved corner sharpness you need to stop down. My primes are better in this respect. I don´t think there is a better lens in this zoom range for Sony, but there is still room for improvement. |
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sharpness: 4.5 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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sigma 28 - 105 F2.8-4 |
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price paid: |
360 Eur (used) |
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positive: |
- 16 mm |
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negative: |
- price if bought new |
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comment: |
As for many this is my main walkaround lens and has been there since as kit lens upgrade. Definately best walk around zoom lens in Sony range for begginers. When this is on, you hardly find a need to change your other lenses as it contains all - range, speed and colours. Was happy to find used one for resonable price, as I guess new is little to expensive for what it delivers. |
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sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Canon 17-55mm 2.8 IS |
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price paid: |
$550 USD |
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positive: |
5x zoom range |
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negative: |
corner sharpness at 16mm |
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comment: |
First with the negative. I would have liked for this lens to have a zoom lock as it slides to 80mm when hanging from my neck. Also, the corner performance is lacking at 16mm however considering the range this lens covers, I think it does an excellent job. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Nikkor 16-85vr |
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price paid: |
749.95(new) |
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positive: |
Superb sharpness, color and contrast wide open. Quite fast to lock focus and is very accurate in doing so. I rather like the solid feel of the materials and it balances very well with a A55. Resistance to flare is very good. Next to no CA present at all times regardless of situation where it's used. |
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negative: |
Price |
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comment: |
Much has been said about this lens in regards to it's lack of consistency of build. Well, the 1st copy I bought was indeed faulty as it had poor sharpness on the left side of the frame. A 2nd copy now gives me ideal performance across the entire frame. I find it near instant to focus, even in lower light scenarios with a A55 body. Colors are so very rich as is contrast, which is high even wide open. Stopped down things only reach a higher level yet. My 2nd copy has no slop in the build and it is tight and accurate. Resistance to flare is exceptional with this lens as well as near non existent CA. It is expensive but in the end if it is going to sit on your body most of the time it can earn it's keep quickly. A sample can be seen here: |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Minolta 28-135mm |
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price paid: |
540USD |
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positive: |
Versatile range |
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negative: |
ZOOM Creep |
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comment: |
The Zeiss 16-80mm is a terrific lens, producing the best IQ I have seen on an APS-C sensor (a700). The resolution is extremely high and the color and contrast produce images that need very little post-processing. I did side by side comparisons of this lens with those listed above. At 24mm the minolta prime and Zeiss were indistinguishable except for a slightly better resolution in the extreme corners of the Minolta 24mm. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
kit lens |
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price paid: |
700 USD |
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positive: |
Highly practical: |
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negative: |
Occasional misfocus on a100 wide+close |
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comment: |
90% of my pictures are taken with this lens now. I'm very happy with it. Contrary to the negative reviews, I'm happy with the build and haven't noticed any lens creep yet. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
16-105 |
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price paid: |
sal 11-18 + SGD100 |
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positive: |
+ sharpest lens i ever used |
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negative: |
+ dusty rubber ring |
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comment: |
my 16-105 has never exceed expectation in terms of sharpness but this CZ lens did. Traded my UWA for this lens for travel purpose ( which i believe at 16mm is good enough for landscape.. beside 11-12mm almost not usable in most situation ). |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 18-55 kit lens |
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price paid: |
699 (new) |
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positive: |
Great results |
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negative: |
Heavier than kit lens |
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comment: |
There is a noticeable difference between the photos taken with the kit 18-55 lens and the Zeitz 16-80 lens when taking the same subject at exactly the same settings, without magnification. The results are just sharper, the color rendition better and the photos just more precise. yes it is more expensive, yes it is heavier, but the results are significantly better. |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 18-70 DT |
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price paid: |
forgotten (new) |
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positive: |
Sharpness |
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negative: |
Heavy |
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comment: |
My working horse that never has disappointed me. I'm hoping for a F2.8 version of this lens. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 18mm-70mm. |
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price paid: |
750.00 |
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positive: |
Very sharp lens. Colors are outstanding. Sharp through 24mm and a little soft at 16mm. |
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negative: |
For the price the lens could be faster. |
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comment: |
I love this lens, I needed a wider lens and it fits the need perfectly. In good lighting it is as sharp as my Sony 50 1.8. I have only had it for a couple of weeks,but plan to use it primarily for group shots and Landscape scenes. It is a great walk around lens. The kit lens doesn't compare in any way to this lens, after all it is a Carl Zeiss lens. |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 18-55 3.5-5.6 |
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price paid: |
950 USD (new) |
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positive: |
- color |
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negative: |
Slight barrel effect on the wide end. |
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comment: |
I bought this lens about a month ago, though it's pretty expensive here in Moscow. Till now I'm mostly happy with this lens. Combined with the f42am flash it becomes a kind of universal walk around stuff - both for indoor & outdoor situations. |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Tamron 17-50 2.8 |
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price paid: |
650 EUR (new) |
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positive: |
Sharpness |
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negative: |
No AF hold button |
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comment: |
Sharpness: |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Tam 17-50mm f/2.8 |
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positive: |
Light & compact. |
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negative: |
CA - not bad for a zoom lens though. |
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comment: |
No argument needed for image quality and range. |
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sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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compared to: |
Sony 16-105mm |
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price paid: |
750 CAD (New) |
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positive: |
Sharp |
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negative: |
A bit slow aperture, for the price... |
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comment: |
A really great DT lens, offering well-balanced optical qualities for lightweight travelling. To be honest though, there are more satisfying options available for cheaper prices in the overall Alpha-mount heritage... Sony's own 16-105mm is as sharp as the 16-80mm in most real-life situations, a bit slower, but has better flare control and warmer Minolta-like colors; that particular Tokina AX-T 270 AF Pro "I" 28-70mm is sturdier, faster, even sharper, with glossier colors; and the old Minolta 35-105mm, queen of saturated colors and pleasing 3D effects, isn't as wide, but offers a handy Macro mode! |
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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:24MP |
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compared to: |
-Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 |
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price paid: |
650.00 used |
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positive: |
-Lightweight |
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negative: |
-feels a bit cheap in the build |
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comment: |
I do mostly nature landscape photography and was looking for an excellent quality wide angle zoom. My previous lenses were the above mentioned, which all have their own strengths and weaknesses. |
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sharpness: 4.5 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:24MP |
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compared to: |
Tam 28-75 mm 2.8 |
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price paid: |
260 € (used) |
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positive: |
It's mm range |
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negative: |
Price new |
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comment: |
After hesitating and looking .... for something better than the kit-lens in this mm-rang, with some better aperture |
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 18-70mm kit lense |
|
price paid: |
400 CAD (used) |
|
positive: |
Light, very nice colours and sharp |
|
negative: |
build |
|
comment: |
Delivers great colours. Don't notice any distortion. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 |
|
positive: |
Sharpness |
|
negative: |
Build |
|
comment: |
I bought this lens to replace the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 as a walk around lens and was very happy with the sharpness, colours and general performance apart from vignetting at 16mm with a slim circular polariser attached and lens creep while holding the camera downwards. Dissappointingly I noticed that the AF was way off only three weeks out of the 12 month warranty. To their credit Sony Center Service in Wales are repairing it under warranty as a good will gesture and are awaiting replacement parts but build quality lets this Carl Zeiss lens down. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
positive: |
Quality and solid construction. |
|
negative: |
Nothing. |
|
comment: |
I use it on the A700 and 85% of the time is the 16-80 on this camera. |
|
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 17-50 DI2 F2.8 |
|
price paid: |
599euro |
|
positive: |
A very sharp lens |
|
negative: |
Build quality is not the best I ever seen, |
|
comment: |
I will not recoomend this lens mainly due the build quality out-inside. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 2 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 18-250 |
|
price paid: |
575 USD |
|
positive: |
Sharpness |
|
negative: |
inner barrel wobble |
|
comment: |
Bought this second hand with CZ CPL to replace my 18-250. I do not regret it one minute. Great sharpness, contrast and colors. Very decent portraits at 80 mm wide open. The negatives listed above are known issues, but no deal-breakers for me. I did not list color fringing as a negative because it is vey easy to remove: it does not bleed but is sharply defined hence easily removed without residual fringing. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
KM AF DT 18-70/3,5-5,6 (D) |
|
price paid: |
620 USD (used) |
|
positive: |
16-80 is perfect range for APSC |
|
negative: |
worse build |
|
comment: |
Good focus range and low weight makes this lens perfect for traveling. It is very sharp and also colors are nice. Its build isn´t as good as I would expect from Zeiss lens. What I do not understand at all is filter thread. 62 mm is very small for 16 mm and CPL (slim frame) can be used only with at least 77 mm reduction to prevent dark corners. In my opinion this design issue can be fixed very easily and the lens value would than be higher. |
|
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 50/1.7 |
|
price paid: |
£560 |
|
positive: |
Sharp (mostly), good range, great contrast, never had an issue with flaring. |
|
negative: |
Vignetting at 16mm, disconcerting movement in barrel |
|
comment: |
It is a great lens, but there's a wobbliness in the build which worries you for a while, then you get over it and realise it's all fine. I would have liked to have given it 3.5 for build but that's not an option. |
|
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
28-135mm |
|
price paid: |
649 new |
|
positive: |
colors are very accurate and nice, sharp throughout |
|
negative: |
major distortion at <20mm (Made people in group shots at edge of picture very distorted.) price, not built like the other Zeiss lens for alpha |
|
comment: |
Nice lens with good qualities, but I expected slightly more out of it for the price. It is a nice walk around lens, but lacks performance indoors. For the money I still prefer the 28-135mm other than for wide angle coverage and MFD. Sharpness of zeiss is a little better, but color and 3-d effect of 28-135 are better. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
beercan |
|
price paid: |
650euro (mint) |
|
positive: |
-Sharp: I think it would have what with the density of the glass, you can catch up so much details ! |
|
negative: |
-Build: not THAT cheap but feels (and IS) wacky |
|
comment: |
I have this for over 2 years and this lens stay on my a700 90% time. It lacks of character somehow, it's not a really landscape/portrait/or wildlife lens, and certainly not the best in any specific field. |
|
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 1 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
18- 70 sony kit lens |
|
price paid: |
685 Euro (new) |
|
positive: |
sharpness |
|
negative: |
manual focus ring |
|
comment: |
I purchased this lens after kit lens 18-70 for my A 200. My camera improved with this lens. The only negative was the balance because the lens was a bit heavy for my A 200. Later I purchased A700 and it became a good pair with the zeiss. I was very happy with this lens until the day when it stoped focusing. The focus ring was stucked. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
550 (like new) |
|
positive: |
Quick AF |
|
negative: |
Zoom creep |
|
comment: |
Great lens, I kinda had some backfocus problems with it but that was only when I was at the 16mm end. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
- Sony 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens |
|
positive: |
- very sharp at all focal length and apertures |
|
negative: |
- a bit of distortion at 16mm |
|
comment: |
This lens has an extremely useful zoom range! In terms of resolution power, its performance is on par with many prime lenses. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 17-50 f.28 |
|
price paid: |
500 USD mint |
|
positive: |
Sharp, Great color, Perfect balance on A-700, good focal range on APS sensor. really nice bokeh |
|
negative: |
manual focus is rough, a bit slower than some third party lenses |
|
comment: |
I had been considering purchasing this lens for a while. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
$600Aus 2nd hand |
|
positive: |
Great auto-focus |
|
negative: |
Zoom creep when hang around neck. |
|
comment: |
This lens is always on one of my cameras - it gets used more than any other lens I own. It's sharpness is unmatched right from the get go - no need to stop down. It feels great, on and off camera. It looks great fully extended (with hood). This lens has a reserved and special place in my kit bag. In every sense it is my 'work horse' lens. The auto-focus is spot on and never misses. The manual focus is appalling and you will never want to use it - but you shouldn't have to ... it really is just terrible. Turning the manual focus ring is disconcerting to say the least - it feels as if the focus clutch is engaged and if you turn 1mm more you'll ruin it! It has a very 'clunky' feel and ... just feels so wrong. I thought there was something wrong with my lens for months - until I cruised some forums and discerned that it was just the design of the lens that was the problem. Alot is made of the manual focus and so it should be, but do not let this dissuade you from purchasing this lens. Also any lens with the hallowed name of ZEISS should feel .... more like a ZEISS lens! This lens does not. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II APO EX DC HSM |
|
price paid: |
450 EUR (used) |
|
positive: |
focal range |
|
negative: |
vignetting and distortion at 16mm |
|
comment: |
The focal range, sharpness (even wide open), colours and flare control make this an excellent allround lens. However, at 16mm vignetting and distortion are clearly visible. The bokeh is also good in my opinion. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
km 28-75/2.8 |
|
price paid: |
700 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
- sharp at all FL and apertures |
|
negative: |
- I got nothin |
|
comment: |
I really think sony/zeiss hit a homerun with this lens as an upgraded standard zoom for aps-c. zoom range is perfect. it's not an f2.8, but it's really pretty fast compared with other similar zooms, and it is sharp even wide open so that helps make it functionally fast. colors are almost unrealistically vivid, but I like the effect (and it can be managed via camera controls and in PP). |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
sony 18-250 DT |
|
price paid: |
550 USD used |
|
positive: |
Very sharp |
|
negative: |
Manual Focus ring |
|
comment: |
Excellent lens, Like it so far. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
|
|
price paid: |
550 USD (New) |
|
positive: |
Sharp throughout entire range. |
|
negative: |
Like stated before for the price build quality could be improved a little bit. |
|
comment: |
I enjoy using this lens and it rarely comes off my A700 body ever since I purchased it. It is the ultimate walk around lens for me. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 70-300 |
|
price paid: |
650 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Sharp at any aperture |
|
negative: |
Zoom becomes loose over time |
|
comment: |
I picked up this lens with my a700 purchase trying to match the quality and focal length I was accustomed to from my Sony R1. The lens met my expectations in that regard. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 18-70mm |
|
price paid: |
500 USD used |
|
positive: |
Colour |
|
negative: |
Build quality isn't Zeiss-like |
|
comment: |
I like this lens very much for its sharpness and colour but, |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony Kit Lens, Minolta and sony prime lenses, Tamron ultra wide zoom. |
|
price paid: |
750 usd(New) |
|
positive: |
Fast accurate focus on a700 |
|
negative: |
It doesn't look like a CZ the plastic extension tube says it all |
|
comment: |
Have this lens for several months now and it is my goto lens. It may not always be on my camera but it is always in my bag. From that Owl in the tree in my yard to a landscape with train going by i capture this with just one lens ie. as long as its a low tree its good not magic. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
minolta 18-70 |
|
positive: |
Sharp over a very broad range |
|
negative: |
rubber grips worse than i thaught possible |
|
comment: |
I have finally baught this lens as a package with an A700 after much thaught and saving. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 28-75 f/2.8 |
|
price paid: |
660 |
|
positive: |
CZ IQ, |
|
negative: |
Zoom Creep, |
|
comment: |
This lens is one of the best Sony lenses for APS-C cameras. The only real negative is the horrible zoom creep and distortion when using ordinary UV filter. If you want a CZ and use APS-C sensor Camera, Just go for it. You won't be disappointed with IQ. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
CZ 16-35 |
|
price paid: |
$500 USD (used) |
|
positive: |
Range, Colors, Weight |
|
negative: |
Little expensive for aperture range |
|
comment: |
This is the only lense ever on my A500. It does its job very well and at times takes photos that pop more than my 850 with CZ glass. I wish it was a little larger aperture range so i could use inside, but all and all it was worth the price paid used. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony DT 18-70, Minolta 35-70, Minolta 28 f2.8, Sigma 28-135 |
|
price paid: |
L285 Used A1 con |
|
positive: |
Good range, sharp, size, |
|
negative: |
CA when used in studio environment with flash's firing. Barrel distortion at 16 and 80mm, Price |
|
comment: |
I've had this lens now for about a month and used it a fair amount. I got it to replace my DT 18-70 kit lens and have been impressed with its performance in most environments. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 18-70 (kit lens) |
|
price paid: |
600 USD (used) |
|
positive: |
Universal zoom range, |
|
negative: |
vignetting, |
|
comment: |
Very universal lens, sharpness is perfect, nice colors. Bokeh is ok, but not perfect. Too dark for low light/indoor shooting. |
|
sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 18-70, Tokina ATX Pro 28-75 f2.8 |
|
price paid: |
600 EUR |
|
positive: |
Very sharp, nice range, building quality. |
|
negative: |
Expensive |
|
comment: |
Paid new in Feb. 2009 |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Konica Minolta Maxxum AF 28-75 F2.8 (D) |
|
positive: |
Sharp optics, Good Neutral Colors, Good Contrast, Rather good Flare Control, Pretty good build, Zoom and Manual Focus Rings smooth and well dampened, has Focus Ring Clutch to prevent turning during AF, Fast AF mechanism with fast AF Lock |
|
negative: |
Only a minor wobble when extended to 70-80mm, having a Zoom Lock would have been nice, at wider angles it tends to miss focus, mild vignetting but not very noticeable |
|
comment: |
This lens is really darn good optically. It can and does produce sharp images even wide open. It does vignette, but very little. It really depends on the scene that you are shooting to be noticeable or not. With my thin UV filter there is no added vignetting like with a regular filter. It has good neutral colors and good contrast. I have heard some say that the colors may be too cold. I do not think so. Flare control is rather good as well. Go ahead and shoot with the sun in or just outside the image. It doesn't cure Flare, but it is resistant to it. Images are contrasty. However, I find them to be too contrasty at times. I find all to often I have to tone down the "lights" slide in Adobe Photoshop RAW converter a bit to bring out more detail in the "bright" areas and sometimes need to lighten the darks a bit (though not usually do I touch the darks) to help make the image look a little more natural to my eye. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
- Tamron 17-50 |
|
price paid: |
499€ |
|
positive: |
- Color |
|
negative: |
- vigneting |
|
comment: |
I bought this lens after two years with the tamron. Only to compare both lens and decide with wich one stay. I had read a lot about the CZ but in my opinion is too expensive for what they offer and isn't better than tammy. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
18-55 mm kit lens |
|
price paid: |
€299 (used) |
|
positive: |
-sharp |
|
negative: |
-poor indoor performance |
|
comment: |
found this lens by accident on a local photography shop. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Tam 17-50mm f2.8 |
|
price paid: |
L375 |
|
positive: |
Very sharp |
|
negative: |
minor green CA |
|
comment: |
The CZ is a little sharper than the Tam 17-50mm and overall produces a more pleasing image with nicer colour & bokeh. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
sig 10-20mm & 24-60mm f2.8 |
|
price paid: |
L499 [new] |
|
positive: |
very sharp esp under the 80mm setting. |
|
negative: |
distortion @16mm |
|
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. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 18-70 kit lens |
|
price paid: |
650$ C (new) |
|
positive: |
Color |
|
negative: |
Zoom creep |
|
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. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony DT 18-70 Kit Lens |
|
price paid: |
660 (used) |
|
positive: |
+ Very sharp |
|
negative: |
+ Build Quality |
|
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 |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL1870 |
|
price paid: |
870.00 (new) |
|
positive: |
Fast Focusing |
|
negative: |
Zoom Lock should be featured |
|
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. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 24-85 |
|
positive: |
sharpness |
|
negative: |
cannot be used on full frame |
|
comment: |
Incredible colors! But vignetting even with a slim filter (this was not a problem with the Minolta 24-85 for full frame) |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 24-135 |
|
price paid: |
part of kit |
|
positive: |
sharpness |
|
negative: |
slightly expensive |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
-KM 28-75 2,8 |
|
price paid: |
€ 500 in A700Z combo |
|
positive: |
-very sharp |
|
negative: |
-zoom creep, fixed with rubber band |
|
comment: |
Bought the A700Z combo as soon as the A700 came out in oktober 2007. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
17-50 Sigma 2.8 |
|
price paid: |
L560 |
|
positive: |
|
|
negative: |
Price |
|
comment: |
Finally bite the bullet to replace the kit 18-70. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL 18250, Sigma 17-70, SAL50 1.4, Tamron 70-200 2.8 |
|
price paid: |
699 EUR |
|
positive: |
Excellent colours and sharpness. |
|
negative: |
A bit less well built than expected |
|
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. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 28-70 2.8 |
|
price paid: |
680 CDN |
|
positive: |
Great colours |
|
negative: |
Only starts at 3.5 |
|
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. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
70-300 F4.5-5.6 G SSM |
|
price paid: |
550 USD (used) |
|
positive: |
Great color |
|
negative: |
Doesn't "feel" solid |
|
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. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
18-70 f3.5-5.6 DT |
|
positive: |
Image quality |
|
negative: |
Manual focus control |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 3 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
18-70mm kit lens |
|
price paid: |
600 USD used |
|
positive: |
-Good Range |
|
negative: |
-Vignetting in corners wide open |
|
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. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL 18250 |
|
positive: |
Sharp |
|
negative: |
Manual Focus ring |
|
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). |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
kit lens |
|
price paid: |
550 Euro (new) |
|
positive: |
Range |
|
negative: |
Soft wide open |
|
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!!! |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
KM 28-70 f2.8 |
|
price paid: |
710.00 CAD New |
|
positive: |
Range. |
|
negative: |
Nothing so far. |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 2 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron 17-50 Sigma 28-70 |
|
price paid: |
630 euro |
|
positive: |
|
|
negative: |
|
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL 18200, CZ2470, SAL50F14 |
|
price paid: |
630 USD |
|
positive: |
This is a OK lens. |
|
negative: |
doesnt live upto the Ziess name attached there. |
|
comment: |
its a OK value lens, compared to other offerings from Sony or third parties. for the 5x zoom they sacrificed many things. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 16-105 |
|
positive: |
Sharp all over. |
|
negative: |
Build should be better, like 70-300G. |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 100mm Macro 2.8 |
|
price paid: |
US$500 used |
|
positive: |
Sharp |
|
negative: |
None really |
|
comment: |
Sharp lens with good Boket in right conditions |
|
sharpness: 1 color: 1 build: 1 distortion: 1 flare control: 2 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
CZ 24-70 SAL 70-300G |
|
price paid: |
650 |
|
positive: |
NONE |
|
negative: |
|
|
comment: |
Poor QC. Always in repair. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
tamron 17-50 |
|
price paid: |
629 euro |
|
positive: |
sharp |
|
negative: |
plastic |
|
comment: |
|
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
- sal18-250 |
|
price paid: |
750 SGD (used) |
|
positive: |
- Sharpness across the whole frame |
|
negative: |
- Not as sharp as expected for this price |
|
comment: |
Bought this lens 2 months back but sold it off within a month at no loss. :) |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
- 18-70mm (kit lens) |
|
price paid: |
800 SGD (used) |
|
positive: |
- sharp |
|
negative: |
- dusts love my rubber ring |
|
comment: |
A happy owner of CZ 16-80mm, this lens cover 90% of my needs. Build quality (especially the rubber ring) is only negative I can think (uhhhm maybe f2.8?), but the image results remind me no regret to have this lens. |
|
sharpness: 3.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
- Minolta and Sony 24-105/3.5-4.5 |
|
price paid: |
700$ (used) |
|
positive: |
+ Universal all in one lens for APS-C cameras. |
|
negative: |
- Not great sharpness at wideend |
|
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 at any system. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
- sigma 17-70. |
|
price paid: |
500 euro (used) |
|
positive: |
- sharpness |
|
negative: |
- build quality |
|
comment: |
When my Sigma 17-70 broke, I looked for a replacement. I found the 16-80 secondhand. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
70-300G SSM |
|
price paid: |
€550 (new) cash back |
|
positive: |
+ Great Colors & contrast |
|
negative: |
- Build quility not what i expected |
|
comment: |
Great walk around lens in combination with my A350 and my new A700. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 28-80 4-5.6 |
|
price paid: |
L479 new |
|
positive: |
Crisp |
|
negative: |
Small amount of vignetting at the widest angles. |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 2 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 28-75mm |
|
price paid: |
550 EURO |
|
positive: |
sharp |
|
negative: |
distorsion |
|
comment: |
I own the 28-75mm and the 17-35mm and was happy so far with this lenses. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL1870 |
|
price paid: |
520 USD (used) |
|
positive: |
Contrast |
|
negative: |
A bit slow AF |
|
comment: |
i buy this lens because of the contrast and color. but a bit expensive for the price paid. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
CZ 50mm f1.7 (Contax mount)** |
|
price paid: |
Part of a700 kit |
|
positive: |
Sharpness |
|
negative: |
Zoom creep* |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Tammy 17-50/ 2.8 |
|
price paid: |
629 USD (used) |
|
positive: |
longer focal length than Tammy 17-50, that's it. |
|
negative: |
Vignettes at 16mm, soft at wide open. not a good indoor lens/ night photograph lens. |
|
comment: |
traded in the Tammy for this lens, thinking this would be a better one because of the name. It's not. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
28/2,8 |
|
price paid: |
450€ used |
|
positive: |
- sharp enough |
|
negative: |
- quite vineting at 16 mm |
|
comment: |
I think visible upgrade from a kit lenses. Its light, compact. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony - DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6 |
|
price paid: |
619 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
+ Light weight |
|
negative: |
- Distorsion |
|
comment: |
This is a must-buy lens for upgrading from Kit lens. High quaility with affordable price. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Kit Lens |
|
price paid: |
999 AUS (new) |
|
positive: |
Light |
|
negative: |
Build |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sony 16-105 f3.5-5.6 |
|
price paid: |
700 USD |
|
positive: |
Almost perfect as a walk around lens |
|
negative: |
Nothing worth noting other than a little more reach would be nice |
|
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. |
|
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 28-70 G |
|
price paid: |
699 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
Excellent replacement for kit lens. |
|
negative: |
|
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta 17-35/3,5-4,5 |
|
price paid: |
500 EUR (used) |
|
positive: |
Very useful focal length, reasonably fast, fast and quite silent focusing, quite sharp at tele end |
|
negative: |
Distortion at wide is strong and so is CA and vignetting |
|
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). |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
DSC-R1 |
|
price paid: |
650 euros |
|
positive: |
- perfect range for travel |
|
negative: |
- distortion at 16mm |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 17-70, Sony 16-105, Tamron 18-250 |
|
price paid: |
600USD |
|
positive: |
Fast-ish aperture compared to similar lenses |
|
negative: |
Expensive |
|
comment: |
I stupidly acquired a bunch of lenses at the same time- the 17-70, 16-80, 16-105 and 18-250. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
18-70 kit lens |
|
price paid: |
650 euros |
|
positive: |
- Super sharp |
|
negative: |
- Vignetting wide open!!! |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL18-250 |
|
price paid: |
$550 USD (Used) |
|
positive: |
Color, sharpness |
|
negative: |
Uhh.. not a 2.8? |
|
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. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 |
|
price paid: |
800 USD (new) |
|
positive: |
+ sharpness |
|
negative: |
- built quallity is very good, but can be better for this price |
|
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Tamron AF 2,8 17-50mm |
|
price paid: |
L 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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
10-20mm Sigma |
|
price paid: |
L479 |
|
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 L600 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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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: 1 color: 1 build: 1 distortion: 1 flare control: 1 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
compared to: |
24-70SIG |
|
price paid: |
650 USD new |
|
positive: |
Rating all ones because if it doesn’t work it doesn’t matter how sharp it is |
|
negative: |
Sharp piece of junk, the focus ring became lose so I sent it to Precision Camera for repair and they said it would be cheaper to purchase a new lens than repair. And a new one is $850 |
|
comment: |
Do not recommend build quality is terrible, haven’t abused it in any way and three years later have a door stop, as Precision Camera said it would cost more to fix than a new lens costs. |
|
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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. |
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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 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
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 |
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tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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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. |
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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:24MP |
||
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: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
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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. |
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price paid: |
660USD |
|
positive: |
Great brilliance, clarity, sharpness. |
|
negative: |
Dirt trapping grooved rubber zoom and focus grips. |
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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 a700 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. |
|
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:24MP |
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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. |
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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:24MP |
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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 |
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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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
SAL1870 |
|
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
Minolta AF 2,8 17-35 mm |
|
price paid: |
729 Euro |
|
positive: |
|
|
negative: |
|
|
comment: |
|
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 1 distortion: 3 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
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 and the plastic on the zoom ring is very loose three years in. |
|
comment: |
I had read tests that showed that this was the sharpest standard zoom out there in MTF tests and it is indeed excellent optically. Stunning corner to corner sharpness 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. Does distort a lot at 16. |
|
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 |
||
tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP tested on full frame:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
compared to: |
17-35/2.8-4 Minolta AF D |
|
price paid: |
690 euro |
|
positive: |
*Sharp |
|
negative: |
*expensive |
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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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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:24MP |
||
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. |
|
