Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Review

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Verdict

As a general purpose lens, a good 18-135mm is hard to beat on APS-C format cameras. The close focus and long reach lend themselves well to close ups such as flower studies. The 18mm wide angle can accommodate most architecture and landscapes. The close focus means small object photography is simple, and quality of results at these close distances are well maintained.

The Sony lens generally performs well, but with caveats. Central sharpness is fine until we reach small apertures of f/16 and beyond, but beyond that detail is soon lost. The edges are quite poor when longer focal lengths are used, although the centre still sparkles crisply. This in itself can be used creatively for portraiture and other close ups.

Although not perfect, the lens is still a very good choice for general photography and capable of delivering good, bright and sharp images.

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Pros

Excellent central sharpness at wider apertures
Low central CA
Lovely bokeh
Fast AF
Low distortion
Bright, colourful images
Compact and light

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Cons

High edge CA
No weather resistance
Soft at small apertures
Poor edges at 135mm

Features: 4/5

Handling: 4.5/5

Performance: 3.5/5

Value: 4/5

Overall Verdict

4/5

Specifications

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