Sony 18-250mm f3.5-f6.3
Lens Review for the Alpha Mount
Tested on: Sony Alpha A700
(sample images on last page)
Preamble:
The Sony 18-250 is one of the newest lenses offered under the Sony brand name. It is an exciting optic, in theory giving the DSLR photographer a very high quality “one lens solution” for travel, or lighter packing/convenience situations and more. Basically, the Sony is an slightly upgraded and rebadged version of Tamron’s 18-250, but there are key differences worth noting. For about $50.00 more you get a lens that focuses a bit faster, has better build quality (externally), and has rounded aperture blades for better out of focus performance or “Bokeh”. It is a very compact and handsome lens and could turn out to be one of the best deals going on the market for the Alpha Mount-considering you would have to buy at least two lenses to get the same range and quality that the Sony does all in one. Up till now, “superzoom” lenses featured convenience with a sacrifice in image quality thru the range. The Tamron, and subsequent upgraded Sony version, seem to blast thru that barrier finally with a lens that offers the widest focal range of ANY mount. But just how good is this lens? Read on…
Sony Tweaked it!
It is good to hear that they gave the lens a workout, and for once, this is a case where the tweaks are worth the extra price over the tamron. Esp AF speed, I wonder at times if tamron are a tad lazy with screw driven lenses they release, thats a lot more turns on the drive..no wonder the sony feels faster all round.
Sony 18-250 review
Thanks for the great review! Will this lens accept Sony 1.4 or 2x teleconverters?
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
Yes you can attach one, but remember that it's best to use a TC on a lens 50mm or more in focal length.
Also, the lens is a 3.5-6.3 lens. So at 6.3 you are stopping down one full stop past most camera's AF max range of 5.6 already. Add a 2x TC and that brings you two full stops past 6.3 due to light loss (3 stops total). So using the lens/camera at 5.6-6.3 with a 2x TC there are no guarantees the AF is going to work :).
A700 might squeak by, it is very sensitive, but I guarantee in anything but super bright light the A100-A350's aren't going to lock.
Just keep that in mind :)
Carl
Great 18-250 review
Carl,
This is the first lens I bought on your recommendation (second one the Tamron 90)and I am well satisfied with it. If I had to pick only one lens for my A700 this would be the one, without a question. Taveling light and the 18-250 go together in the same breath - a perfect lens for vacations or trips where lugging a camera bag would be difficult. There is little compromise with this lens. It takes wonderful closeups - almost macros, and reaches out to grab distant subjects, while not compromising image quality at any focal length.
Thanks for a great review. Keep em comin!
Dick
Sony 18-250mm f3.5-f6.3
New to the site. I have read most of the reviews. My question is, if I were to buy this lens, I could sell my two kit lenses? The 18-70 and 70-300. I have an A100. I went to a KM Z1 after my Minolta X-700 went on the fritz. Trying to get back to the real world after years of point and shoot. I'm way behind and could use the advice. My budget would automatically keep me away from the top lenses but, I'm not afraid to make an investment if it makes sense.
Thanks,
SKB
SKB, welcome!
On your lenses, do you mean the 75-300 minolta? Or the 70-300 tamron or sigma?
I always like to know what photographers are going to shoot most of before I make a recommendation. If you could help me there, I would love to try to help you in any way I can.
Carl
Now you made me think :)
On the lenses, they are the Sony kit lenses.
What I am going to shoot most is a good question. Since I have the newest camera, I have become the family photographer. Birthdays, Holidays, cookouts, etc.. My wife and I ride our bikes a lot so the camera has become part of my gear for riding. We will be traveling to Denver and there will be a lot of outdoor scenery shots. Sometime in the future when I'm brave enough, I would like to be the #2 photographer at weddings. Try to make enough to pay for some of these toys. :) The Sony 18-250 looked like it could fit the bill for most of what I want to do without buying a lot of lenses.
Thanks for any recommendations you have.
SKB
I bought this lens!
Carl,
Ordered this lens based on your review. Your question on what I planned to shoot most helped me make up my mind. After I have had it a while, I will make up my mind on whether to keep the Sony 75-300 or sell it.
Thanks for providing such excellent reviews.
SKB
SKB
Glad to help (and ashamed I didn't reply to your post earlier).
You know, you really can't go wrong with it. For a do it all, its the best do it all'er :). You will find later it has limitations, but always appreciate it's versatility. I just love it to death.
Congrats to you. (and thank you).
Carl