Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Announced January 4, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is a compact, lightweight, and versatile zoom lens that serves as an excellent all-purpose travel companion for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Although it lacks weather sealing and struggles with corner sharpness and distortion, its effective optical stabilization and fast autofocus make it a significant upgrade over standard kit lenses.
Weighted from 21 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance
- Good central image sharpness and contrast
- Compact and lightweight design ideal for travel
- Versatile zoom range with effective built-in optical image stabilization
- Convenient physical autofocus/manual focus toggle switch
Cons
- Significant distortion and vignetting requiring software correction
- Soft corner performance, especially at the telephoto end
- Lack of weather sealing or dust protection
- Variable aperture that reaches f/5.6 quickly
- Build quality feels plasticky or less premium
- Launch price $600 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Sony E APS-C
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 45 cm (0.29x)
- Filter thread 55mm
- Autofocus motor Linear motor
- Weight & size 326g (11.5 oz) · 67.2 x 88 mm (2.65 x 3.46 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 21 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
The 18135SEL exceeded my expectations, although I hoped for the best based on this website's intial review. IQ is really quite good across the board - rare for such a long range zoom.
-
[F]or the money the E 18-135mm is a no-brainer for all A6000, A5000 and NEX owners looking for a compact general-purpose zoom or an upgrade from the 16-50mm.
-
On the wide end of things, there are better portrait or telephoto options, there are better low light options in this lens obviously, but at the same time, for a jack of all trades, I can easily recommend the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens.
-
If you're on the market for a little super zoom lens for your Sony camera, then I can recommend it.
-
As a general purpose lens, a good 18-135mm is hard to beat on APS-C format cameras.
-
The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is a big step up from the kit lenses that ship with Sony's APS-C mirrorless cameras, at a price that won't break the bank.
-
Stretching from good wide-angle coverage to strong telephoto reach, and with the inclusion of Optical SteadyShot, this all-purpose lens works for a myriad of photo opportunities. Its handling, image quality and all-round performance make it a smart buy at the price.
-
The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is a compact zoom lens with excellent optics, stabilization, and a broad range of coverage.
-
The Sony E 18-135 is a versatile zoom lens for mirrorless cameras with a Sony E mount and an APS-C sensor.
-
At the end of the day, I must say this is a great lens. It's fairly reasonably priced at 598 considering the range.
-
It really depends on what you photograph or what you film, but it is a very versatile range, you've got 18 to 135 so it covers pretty much every single basis that generally a normal photographer or videographer might need.
-
This Sony 18-135mm is a tiny little wide-range zoom that does just about anything, and is light enough to carry everywhere all day, every day.
-
The 18-135mm has proven to be versatile, robust, and an all-around good performer for us.
-
[T]his is a fun, small and light travel all around zoom lens with a nice image quality (in the center) intended mostly for shooting in good lighting conditions.
-
Now, what I love about this lens is that it's super small and compact, especially when you compare it to its DSLR counterparts. [...] I would also say it makes for a perfect match for the A6000 series cameras.
-
[I]ts versatility and price point make the E 18 135mm f 3.5 5.6 OSS one of the best lenses for Sony camera users.
-
[I]f you guys are looking for a replacement for your kit lens, something that's gonna do decent all-around [...] and make sure that you're not too picky about the corners at 18 millimeters, definitely check this lens out.
-
It's a great little performing lens with the perfect size and weight for travel or for convenience when you're just bombing around town.
-
There's not really much more one can say about this lens other than if you are looking for a fantastic value travel lens, then this is absolutely one worth considering.
-
Folks who are traveling and they want a better lens in their 16-50 kit lens, that's what I would recommend.
-
While this won't take the place of intentional portrait lenses or fast prime lenses, it does a very good job in a tight little package and can definitely be a all in one kind of lens for somebody on the go.
