Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsA solid 'do it all' lens
Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2022
I'll be honest, I was skeptical spending almost as much on a lens as I did on my camera body; but I must say I'm thoroughly impressed with this lens. The ranges that it covers is perfect for general wide to general zoom.
Pros:
- Very solid build. The zoom mechanics feel smooth and articulating. The focus ring is smooth to turn. I haven't done extensive manual focus tests, but in my quick attempts, it feels consistent and learnable.
- Auto focus is strong, consistent and predictable. I haven't noticed any major focus breathing as long as you're in properly lit scenes. (Sony a6100)
- Focal range is solid for every-day, non-niche work.
- Minimum focus distance is impressive. You can get macro-inspired shots with this lens. Of course it won't be AS good as a true macro, but it will allow you to explore a similar vibe and see if that style of photography inspires you. It'd be a solid test before spending a bunch of a macro specific lens.
- Stabilized lens allows for lower shutter speed photos. The stabilization helps for video, but I'd still recommend using a stabilizer as there still will be mico-jitters. ** This is WITHOUT IBIS.
- f2.8 is quite fast for a zoom lens. It's decent is low-ish light, and creates a fairly decent background separation and bokeh. Of course it won't be as solid as a prime lens; but for an every day walk around lens, it's quite impressive!
- Very crisp photos, not a lot of chromatic aberration or distortion. It feels consistent regardless of focal length.
- Very random, but the lens cap for this lens is very solid. It speaks to the overall quality of the build.
cons / neutrals:
- Fairly large and heavy for an APS-C lens. For me this isn't a negative, but I figured I'd mention it if you're used to very small lenses and are doing a lot of gimbal / glide-cam work. It does get a bit heavy when it's fully rigged out. Personally I enjoy the weight of it as it helps with hand-held shots. If you're used to full-frame glass, this will be a breeze.