Sony 85mm F2.8 SAM A-mount lens review by foo_machi

foo_machi#10773 date: Dec-11-2012
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 4.6	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I own this lens
compared to:	Tamron 17-50 Sony 16-50 Canon 85 1.8
price paid:	350 USD (new)
positive:	Sharp, relatively cheap, lightweight, and compact
negative:	So-so build
comment:	This lens is sharp wide open. Very capable and reliable. It makes an excellent complement to either a Tamron 17-50 or Sony 16-50 mounted on another body. That's like 16-85 in 2.8. Perfect for events and all around shooting. I only wish it was made a little better. I paid quite a bit more since I bought it locally (should have gotten it in the US!). The outer plastic material is quite prone to scratches, the flat black finish easily exposes fingerprints and smudges. The lens barrel/ focus ring has a little play to it, but should not raise any concern optically. Compared to the competition's (canikon) offering, this lens is rather slow. However, what I value is the fact that it becomes stabilized when mounted on our Alphas. It makes a lot of difference in real world shooting. Over all I'm a satisfied customer.