Sony AF 24-105mm F3.5-4.5 A-mount lens review by Rusty

Rusty#9138 date: Jun-15-2011
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.5	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I used to own this lens
compared to:	Tamron 17-50 Sony 18-70 kit Sony 16-105
price paid:	200 USD(used)
positive:	- Compact - Light - Range - Build - Competent performer on film/FF - Sharp when stopped-down a bit - Focus ring does not turn in AF - front element does not turn when focusing
negative:	- Obvious vignetting at the wide end, even on APS-C - Bokeh - Soft wide-open
comment:	I use this as a walk-around and for vacations when I need to pack light. The range is really useful, but 24mm is a tad too long on APS-C sometimes. At half the price of the wider 16-105, I manage with 24mm ;) I would compare the build and IQ to the 16-105, they feel and look pretty much identical in many aspects. Build is good and solid with tight tolerances. Nothing wobbles like on the 18-70 kit Sharpness is not that good wide-open, but very nice when stopped-down to f/5.6-8. Good sharpness for quick landscapes at small apertures. Bokeh is quite buzy and distracting, especially at the wide end. Flare control is not the best, but not that much of an issue if you don't shoot right into the sun. I've had the zoom for a little over a year now, and have used it a lot. either as a walkaround or on a second body when I have a prime on the a700, never regretted the expense.