Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS

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Ive spent the last 3 months researching the A6000 and all of its lenses, and this has to be the most capable lens available--bar none. Let me clear the air first.... This lens does NOT beat every other lens in every single focal range and aperture. But, to be fair, that lens just doesnt exist. However, it does everything I want and need well enough that it spends 95% of the time on my A6000. Ill explain the other 5% at the end, if youre not bored out of your mind by then. A little backstory. Im a peeper... a pixel peeper that is, and I want every photo crisp and sharp.... thats just me. So I spent days setting up my test bed, taking test photos, compiling them, and comparing them in Photoshop to see how they all stack up and attached a test photo with my results. SHOT SETTINGS: ISO100, Manual Focus, Focal length: 18/19mm, Noise Reduction: OFF, SteadyShot: OFF RESULTS: The SELP18105G at least matches the Sigma at f4.0 It blows the SELP1650 out of the water (Just check the shots and youll see why) THOUGHTS: If a zoom lens can zoom 87mm and still hold its own (and in some cases win) against a well regarded prime lens, then why buy prime? So, you can get more exercise?! This was at the lenss widest too! At F5.0 it most definitely matches or beats the Sigma in sharpness all across the image. I took way too many photos to share here, but trust me this lens is way worth it. TIPS: I checked this lens at every focal length with every F-stop, and it is SHARPEST at F5.0-F5.6 (depending on focal length). If you own this lens, set it to aperture priority F5.0 and you should get the sharpest image this lens can produce at the given focal length. I compared this against the SEL55210 and found it to be sharper than it as well at comparable focal lengths (but obviously it had an extra 95mm range). Lastly, the only other lens I use (that 5% I mentioned earlier) is a Rokinon/Samyang 12mm f2.0 for astrophotography. Dont get me wrong, the SELP18105G can do that too, but the extra FOV and two stops of light are worth the trouble of swapping lenses and having to manually dial everything in. My whole camera kit is made up of just those two lenses and I couldnt be any happier with the results I get from them. OTHER STUFF: OSS: This lens has optical image stabilization which is a must for video IMO and important towards the telephoto end of the lens (70mm+) PS: I Bought and reviewed the "International Version" to save the 100+ bucks but it should be exactly the same as this version.

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Compared this for several weeks with the Zeiss 16-70mm. This lens meets the Zeiss in image quality for half the price and way more zoom. Bokeh is awesome, the OIS works perfectly even when zoomed in to 105, and doesnt look any different in the end than the Zeiss! This one is a no-brainer to me.

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Fantastic all-around lens. Extremely versatile focal range. Excellent bokeh at F4 and the constant aperature is a nice plus. Sharp images. Distortion is non-existent on the Sony A6000. Zoom is steady and dead silent. A great upgrade from the kit lens. The 18-105 range covers 95% of my shooting. Attached total eclipse photos were taken with an A6000 at F5.6, focal length of 105mm. No photoshopping whatsoever, just a slight crop to center image.

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I have seen some critical reviews of this lens. I suppose if you are professional photographer there might be some merit in the critical review. I have taken in excess of 5000 shots with this lens on multiple trips in the US and Europe. I find the lens on the Sony A6000 to be an excellent all around lens. It is well balanced and covers the range one desires in a single lens for travel. I do not experience the excessive distortion that some have reported. Two excellent feature of the lens are the f4 throughout its zoom range and the lens does not "extend" when zoomed. The manual zoom, OSS and excellent balance allows me to quickly frame and shoot in all situations. The 2X digital zoom extension on the A6000 covers the full wide angle to telephoto I need for all situations. The fast focus and the excellent performance of the lens on the A6000 makes it my "go-to" lens. During my last trip to Paris, Amsterdam, Germany, Austria, and Budapest, I never took this Len off my A6000. Several full frame DSLR users kelp switching lens from wide to tele to get shots that I could just point, manual zoom to frame and shoot. Often, they missed the best shot switching lens. The only area I have found to be critical of is in Video of a performance. The Sony RM-VPR1 Remote Control with Multi-Terminal does not allow a fast enough zoom to be useful. This may be a function of the A6000 and/or the Sony RM-VPR1 Remote Control with Multi-Terminal.

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SELP18105G: This lens is a good value for the features and cost. For $600, the lens has f-4 max aperture, standard OSS optical stabilization, 6x zoom (27-157mm 35mm equivalent), internal focusing (lens length remains constant for easier handling), power zoom (smoother focusing for videos and can be controlled by the free PlayMemories app), and good weight of 15.1oz (< 1 lb). Yes, there is mild chromatic aberration and distortion, but both of these can be compensated. The chromatic aberration is not always noticeable (depends on the scenery), and is virtually gone by reducing the aperture to f-5.0. The distortion only shows up in RAW images, and any decent photo editing software can correct it with one click. SEL18200: This lens costs $250 more, but has 2x more zoom than the SELP18105G, but 1.3 higher f-stop at max zoom (smaller aperture, > 2x less light). Its about the same size as the SELP18105G, but weighs 18.5oz (3.4oz more). This lens does not have internal focusing or power zoom, but does have a relatively better stabilization that Sony dubbed Active OSS. SEL18200le: This lens has the same featues as the SEL18200 lens, but costs $100 less because it only has the regular OSS, not the Active OSS. Due to that fact, it weighs in at 16.3oz and is 1cm shorter and 1cm smaller diameter than the SELP18105G. The issue with this lens is that critics noted its basically a rebranded Tamron 18-200mm lens, so you are paying a premium just for the Sony name. SELP18200: This lens is like combining the SELP18105 and SEL18200 lenses because it has the internal focusing and power zoom (indicated by the "P" in the model #), while providing 200mm zoom and Active OSS. See the above descriptions for benefits of these features. However, you are paying $1100 for this lens. SEL55210: If you have the kit lens (SEL1650 or SEL1855) and are on a budget, then this lens is the best option for you since its only $300. However, you will have to swap lenses whenever you cross the 50mm zoom boundary, which may cause dust to settle on your image sensor. Also, it does not have internal focusing or power zoom, but does have regular OSS. SEL1670Z: This lens is Sonys premium lens with Carl Zeiss (indicated by the "Z" in the model #) AR-coated optics and f-4 max aperture, but costs $1000. But it has relatively weak zoom (24-105mm 35mm equivalent), and some reviews noted focusing issues. It has internal focusing and regular OSS, but no power zoom. For $1000, the lens should not have focusing problems, and the zoom needs to be stronger (at least 6x). Comparing Sonys E-mount APS-C lenses, this lens (SELP18105G) is the best value for the price. I tested this lens on my Sony NEX-6 camera.

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I was initially going for a 2.8 zoom lens for Sony but the prices were way out of my budget. Although a f4 lens, it gives you a wide range which is helpful if you are on a trip with family and friends. It is not so heavy as you would expect from photos or reviews, but if your camera is on a selfie grip or tripod, you may feel the setup a little front heavy. In my testing, it is a bit softer at f4 mostly in the wider ranges 18mm -35mm but it seems to be the sharpest between 50mm to 85mm at f4, otherwise just stop it down to 5.6 for slight improvement. There is a fall off when you zoom all the way to 105mm, so just test the ranges out before you do any shoot or anything professional. For me, since photography is just a side hobby, this lens fullfills my needs. For this range and price, I am happy with f4. Hope this lens has worked well for you all! Cheers!

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This is not going to be a technical review on this lens as there are other very in-depth reviews already so if you want to read that, this isnt for you, BUT if you want to know how this works for me and how it can work for what you do keep reading. I bought a Sony a6300 and did a lot of research on lenses and I bought the Sigma 35 mm 1.4. I would say I am an amateur photographer and I needed another lens to replace the kit lenses 16-55 which was f 5.6 on the longer end, this one is f 4 throughout and while that may be slow for 18mm but it is a great lens. Is has OSS so you get smooth footage. I do car photography and have found that the bokeh at the telephoto end is pretty good, while at 18 you dont get much. I found that this lens is sharp and it one of the best all-around lenses, so if you want an all in one that does video recording, photos this is a great lens and even better than the Sigma 16-70 because of the price. This has so many uses for what I use it for, I dont have to switch lenses as often because this is a great lens, its a great buy especially for the price!

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Awesome lens! I came from the Canon side of the fence. Sold all my gear and went SONY mirrorless with a6000.This lens is very sharp edge to edge, has color reproduction and detail comparable to a Canon L lens. F4 is a compromise to keep the price low. At F2.8 this lens would have probably cost twice as much and likely be larger too. I havent found that to be a problem though. I can still get a nice portrait at 105mm with blurred background and nice subject isolation. It produces gorgeous landscape shots though. Zoom is silky smooth and perfect for video. I actually started shooting more videos because of this lens. Focus ring is also smooth. Construction is solid, it has a quality feel to it. I am very happy: very high image quality at fraction of the weight and cost of high end Canon.

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Purchased this lens and the Zeiss 16-70mm to see which one to go with over the kit lens on the a6000 and I was underwhelmed by this lens for photos but blown away on its abilities for video. So I ended up keeping both lenses but which one I mount depends on if I am going to be shooting video or photos. First the barrel distortion is out of control and must be fixed in post theres just no way around it if you shoot in RAW. Shooting in JPEG it seems the a6000 automatically adjusts for most of the distortion but doesnt eliminate it. Secondly its the same size as my full frame Zeiss 35mm f1.4 lens and the same weight as my full frame Zeiss 16-35mm f4 lens. Its literally a full frame size (72mm front element) and weight lens for a camera system that was designed to be light and compact. I get the additional reach with the 105mm but IMHO this lens defeats the purpose of buying/using the Sony NEX/a6XXX series camera for any type of photography. Unless your goal is to shoot 100% videos (power zoom works great and is silent) I highly recommend you find a used Zeiss 16-70mm on eBay (make sure its been tested for decentering). I found my used flawless Zeiss 16-70mm copy on eBay for $635 so for marginally more money I am able to get a much better lens system with 2mm additional wide angle (makes a bigger difference than youd think) that actually looks and feels like it belongs on the Sony a6XXX camera. Conclusion: If video is your goal then theres no better option for the Sony a6XXX series camera. However, if your goal is to maintain the compact, inconspicuous, portable profile of the Sony a6XXX and take high quality photos look to find a used and tested copy of the Zeiss 16-70mm for nearly the same price. For videos, however, I go with the 18-105mm every time.

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I’ve been wanting to update my review of this simply terrific, sterling lens. I’ve had it now for almost a year and it has become my absolute go-to lens. It is wire sharp at all focal lengths (equivalent 27 mm to 158 mm) plus holds f/4.0 throughout its range, making it the perfect walking-around lens for pretty much any purpose you can think of. It is a chunk, big and heavy owing to its impressive range plus f/4.0. It’s actually heavier than the APS-C bodies, but it is so superb in performance that it is THE lens I will have on if I go out with just a body, lens, and spare battery. I have a set of inexpensive but fully automatic extension tubes that couple with the zoom and allow it to be used as a zooming macro. I also have an E-mount Sony 30mm macro which is only marginally better than using the big zoom with extension tubes. I’ve added some new pictures to demonstrate. I would say that for most purposes, if you have only one lens, this one performs so well it replaces a bagful of primes. Yes, it is “only” f/4.0, but the APS-C sensor tolerates some stratospheric ISO. I have used my 18-105 to cover an indoor flag football game at ISO 12,800. Most of the noise was mitigated in Lightroom alone (shooting only raw), and only a few needed Topaz de-noise. I personally think it’s a myth that you must have fast lenses in low light, especially with mirrorless EVF that is bright no matter the speed of the lens.

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