Sony18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C E-Mount Zoom Lens

I bought this for my Sony a6400 camera which I bought with the kit 16-50 mm Sony lens. From a picture-taking point of view, this lens is more versatile, easier to use, and takes equal or better pictures. Versatile: It can capture closer/bigger images in macro mode and the zoom range offers just that extra nudge that I wanted. I’ve been mainly using it for hiking, where I’m using it to capture small flowers, critters, landscapes and a fossil or two. Easier: This lens doesn’t need to power open like my 16-50 lens does when I turn the camera on making it quieter (and lighter on the battery) to use. The zoom and focus rings feel great in my hand and the switch to put the lens in manual focus is convenient.Cons: This lens is heavier and more obtrusive than the 16-50. It’s not a big deal in my pack but the heft is noticeable when I hike with the camera on my neck. Additionally, I feel the weight when shooting. By obtrusive, I mean that the size makes some people/subjects uneasy — there’s no mistaking that they are the subject of the image. The 16-50 is more discrete. That said, the silent and instantaneous power up does let me quietly raise the camera when I see a shot.I am happy to have both lenses. This one for when I’m all about taking pictures. Though it’s my go-to for now, I’ll probably use the 16-50 for travel, parties, and when I’m out with others hoping to get a few snapshots.

If you are looking for a single versatile lens with a good range and great image quality, look elsewhere. Good size and decent wights that does not adds too much bulk. Quick manual zoom and ability to switch MA/AF. Very satisfied with the quality compared to the kit lens (16-50, 55-210), and especially the versatility and ability to move easily across a 18-135 zoom range w/o the need to change lenses.

Initial Review January 1, 2022This is an APS-C E Mount lens for Sony cameras.I already had the popular Sony 18-105 lens but was looking for something smaller for travel or general walk-around. I purchased this 18-135 and spent a few weeks comparing the two.Much has been written about these two lenses. It isn't easy picking one over the other. In my estimation they are equally sharp so that wasn't a factor.Sony 18-105 advantages and disadvantages.- Advantage: Power zoom for those who shoot video- Advantage: Constant f/4- Disadvantage: Size and WeightIn my opinion if you don't care about size and weight the 18-105 would be the best choice.Sony 18-135 Advantages and Disadvantages- Advantage longer reach. The 135 over 105 really isn't much different so not a factor for me.- Advantage Smaller and Lighter. As travel and walk around is the main use for me this was a deciding factor.- Disadvantage: f/3.5-5.6. For me, a photo shooter, this really isn't too much of a disadvantage. Zoomed to 18mm the f/3.5 aperture is actually better than the 18-105. Zoom out a little and it is at f/4.0 so equal to the 18-105. Zoom out more and it gets worse than the 18-105. Only if I shoot in a darker environment will the f5.6 be an issue. For bright environments this isn't an issue.So on balance, in my case, I choose to keep this 18-135 and I sold the 18-105.Your conclusion may be different. They really are quite similar.I recommend this lens

Let me get this out of the way - this lens is awesome. It’s light weight, and high quality. I can’t believe Sony managed to engineer an 18-135 lens this size and weight. My A6300 and this lens fit into my Zing pouch (L) with space to spare. The image quality is an improvement over the kit lens and more than enough for my hobbyist needs. I also have the SEL50F18 lens which complements this nicely. The pictures online of this lens dont really do it justice - it’s a beauty

I have this lens mounted on my Sony A6500. I also have the SEL1018, SEL50F18, SEL35F18, and the kit SELP1650 (which I never use). I find I use this lens (SEL18135) 90% of the time now and just find it really easy to carry around and get a decent range with good quality. I use for stills as I don't really do video. I'm purely an amateur photographer, so not using this lens for anything other than my hobby so take that into account. These opinions are purely subjective - no technical measurements. Pros are: light weight, small size, good image quality, quick focus in good light. Cons are: sometimes hunts for focus in low light, vignetting on wide angle end, doesn't obey the in-camera focus setting (have to use the AF/MF switch on the lens). Regarding vignetting, I shoot everything in RAW and when you apply the lens adjustment for this lens in Lightroom it fixes it automatically, so not a big deal. See the driftwood shots for example of before and after. In short, I like this lens a lot and would definitely buy it again. I attached a few photos. Most have been edited in Lightroom.

I was a little hesitant to purchase this lens because of the negative reviews but please look past them if you are a novice photographer or someone who enjoys taking photos as a hobby like I do. Unless if photography pays your bills, this lens is perfect. It really is versatile. Its not a ultra wide or a super zoom lens. Its an all around lens. Its lightweight.. I was debating between this lens and the Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS. Most Amazon and YouTube reviews said the same. This lens is better for pictures while the Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS was better for filming. I have a Sony a6000 and am only interested in photography so this lens was perfect. I was tired of carrying the stock lens for the a6000 and my Sony E 55-210mm F/4.5-6.3 OSS.

Very nice lens. A little pricey, but much better than the 16-50mm that came with my ZV-E10 11.Honestly, no comparison. It is a manual lens and doesn't zoom out by hitting any buttons. But stilla great all-around lens.