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Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6

see the whole gallery in large	APS-C sized image Lenses that create APS-C sized image are designed for digital only. They cannot be used on cameras that have image sensor larger than the APS-C format. These lenses are not suitable for film cameras either. No Ultrasonic AF Lenses with ultrasonic focusing mechanism tend to be quiter and faster than traditionally focusing lenses. No Low Dispersion lens element is used Low Dispersion lens elements help to reduce chromatic aberration. Not stabilized Image stabilization helps to reduce blur caused by hand shake, especially at high focal length or in low light situations. Image stabilization can give 1 to 3 stop advantage over none stabilized lens, based on the reciprocal rule. Plastic mount Cheaper lenses are usually equipped with plastic mount, while more expensive, professional lenses have metal mount. In general, metal mounts are more durable, and a good thing to have when lenses are changed a lot. When a camera is used mainly with one lens, the material of the lens mount is not that important. No Internal Focusing Internally focusing lenses don't change their size while setting focus. No Internal Zoom Internally zooming lenses don't change their size while focal length is changing. The front lens is rotating The fixed front lens is not rotating during zoom and/or focusing. This allows the photographer to use petal shaped lens hood. Fixed front lenses also make the use of polarization filters a lot easier. Not Sealed Weather sealed lenses are protected from dust and water. While they are not water proof, these lenses can be used in rain and other humid environments. Some sealings only provide protection against dust or water, not both. Sealing is only available when the lens is used on a similarly weather sealed camera body. No drop-in filter support Drop-in filters are used in those lenses where either the front lens is too large, or the field of view doesn't permit the use of traditional filters at the front of the lens. Usually bright tele and ultra-wide angle lenses support this filter type.
This superb standard lens for the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera handles the full range of shots you’ll take most often -- but there’s nothing “standard" about its advanced optical design. In 35mm equivalent, it covers wide-angle 27mm to 105mm midrange telephoto for snapshots, portraits, interiors and more -- an excellent all-around lens to travel with.

see the whole gallery in large

This superb standard lens for the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera handles the full range of shots you’ll take most often -- but there’s nothing “standard" about its advanced optical design. In 35mm equivalent, it covers wide-angle 27mm to 105mm midrange telephoto for snapshots, portraits, interiors and more -- an excellent all-around lens to travel with.

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Sample Photos

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Specification

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Specification
Available mount(s)	Sony / Minolta A
Application(s)	Portrait, Closeup, Landscape, Wildlife
Category(s)	Standard zoom
Multiplier	1.5×
Stabilizer	no
Focal length	18 - 70 mm (3.9× zoom)
Lens construction	11 elements in 9 groups
Angle of view	35mm: N/A digital: 76-23°
Number of blades	7
Maximum aperture	wide: f/3.5 tele: f/5.6
Minimum aperture	wide: f/22 tele: f/36
Minimum focusing distance	38 cm
Magnification	0.25×
Filter size	55 mm
Size	∅ 66 × 77 mm
Weight	235 g
Notes
AF speed	0.3 sec. (from close up to infinity)
AF sound
Internal focusing	no
Internal zoom	no
Fix front lens	no
Mount type	plastic
Weather sealed	no
Drop in filter	no
Ultrasonic AF	no
APS-C sized circle	yes
Low dispersion lens element	no
Hard case	not included
Soft case	not included
Lens hood	SH006 (included)
Tripod adapter	not included

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Reviews

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 in the news

Other reviews

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 review at www.fotopolis.pl (Polish)
Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 review at www.dpreview.com (English)

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Owner Reviews

Most useful owner reviews from Amazon

An excellent lens for the money

May 18, 2007

I got this lens as part of a package with the alpha body. Most times, it appears this lens is extraordinarily sharp... a wonderful all around lens. It's wide enough for most use...great for group photos and such, and the long end provides beautiful, sharp portraits. A wonderful combination with the alpha body.

Good Lens

Aug 28, 2007

This is a much better lens than you would believe for the price. Stopped down a bit and in the middle ranges of the zoom it offers good sharpness! This is my Auto settings lens and when i need to hand the camera to my wife or someone who isnt familiar with DSLR but wants to take some pictures in a family setting for example. Using a tripod and a remote release also helps alot getting the most out of this lens. I would rate it 3.5-4 depending on the mm/stop. My next lens will be the Sony SAL1680 Carl Zeiss to replace this one.

A decent wide zoom lens, but you'll eventually want to upgrade.

May 27, 2009

I've been using this lens with an A300 for the last 6 months and it has worked reliably during this time and has taken some very nice pictures. That said, I've recently upgraded to a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 (~$500 new on Amazon) and there is a large difference in quality, but the Tamron is much more expensive.

The main problem with this lens is edge blur and soft centers at the wide (18mm) end and dull/low-contrast pictures at the far (70mm) end. The sweet spot is really around 50mm @ f8, but that does not work well for indoor use without an external flash. The Tamron has a larger aperture with more sharpness throughout its range, making it a more ideal lens for indoor/outdoor low-light use.

Still, if you're on a budget this is an alright lens and can really take some impressive shots within a certain zoom and aperture range. The lens is also very light for a zoom with this range and it is easy to tote around on your DSLR all day. But if you can afford it, I'd say to save up for a little longer and get a mid-level zoom lens from Sony or a third party manufacturer.

Outstanding!

Feb 7, 2009

Great lens, as expected.

Good all around lens for taking around with you when you need wide angle shots as well as good quality close up macro style shots.

Money well spent!

Bang for the Buck

Jul 25, 2009

I don't know why everyone complaint about kit lens???? it take great pictures for the price. Just make some few adjustment on the camera like saturation, sharpness and your pictures are perfect. What do most reviewer expect for less then $90 when purchased with camera as a kit??? if you want razor sharp then goes for carl zeis which cost $1700, if the budget is not a problem.

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Sample Photos

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Accessories

55 mm Filters

55 mm Polarizer Filters

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Lens finder

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6

APS-C sized image

No Ultrasonic AF

No Low Dispersion lens element is used

Not stabilized

Plastic mount

No Internal Focusing

No Internal Zoom

The front lens is rotating

Not Sealed

No drop-in filter support