Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS
Announced August 27, 2013
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
Good
Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS offers a versatile zoom range and steady f/4 aperture that makes it a popular choice for video creators and hybrid shooters. That said, the lens is physically bulky and relies heavily on digital corrections to manage significant distortion and edge softness.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Versatile zoom range with a constant f/4 aperture
- Effective optical stabilization and silent power zoom ideal for video
- Solid, high-quality build with internal zooming and focusing
- Strong central image sharpness
- Fast and quiet autofocus performance
Cons
- Limited performance in low light and for macro photography
- Significant distortion and vignetting requiring software correction
- Soft image quality toward the edges of the frame
- Large and heavy design that can feel unbalanced on smaller camera bodies
- Lack of weather sealing
- Launch price $599 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 18-105mm f/4
- Mount & coverage Sony E APS-C
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 45 cm (0.11x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 427g (15.1 oz) · 78 x 110 mm (3.07 x 4.33 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 20 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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On the downside, the lens is significantly larger and heavier than the kit zoom, and the quality can be soft in the corners, but for me it remains a good choice for anyone who wants a step-up over the 16-50mm kit zoom and who can exploit the motorised zoom.
- OpticalLimits 5/10
The resolution characteristic varies a bit but it is actually good where it counts.
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Of all the standard zoom lenses for Sony's APS-C mirrorless cameras, I'd say that this is probably the most attractive to me, the best of a fairly average bunch.
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Those shooting stills may be wary of the poor performance towards the edges of the frame at the telephoto end of the zoom, and the wild distortion that is present, as well as the high levels of fringing present.
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It's too big and heavy for comfortable use on some of the smaller Sony camera bodies, though, like the A5100 that we tested it with, being better suited to the A6000 or similarly-sized model.
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The Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS lens has a long zoom range and a power zoom design that's great for video, but it makes some optical compromises.
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Not only is it sharp in the centre at the most important apertures, it also has a very versatile zoom range that suits anything from landscapes to sports, and even though its fastest aperture is only f/4, it is constant throughout the zoom range.
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The Sony E 18-105 is perfect for those who need a not too expensive zoom lens for video shooting.
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I think that if you are looking for a single lens to get you through a large portion of shooting, the 18-105mm is a great pickup.
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This is a very good value in my opinion for the dollar because you have a really nice range.
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The Sony E 18-105mm f/4 is a great option for people looking to use one zoom lens for a variety of subjects. Sure, it’s not the perfect lens for any one subject but it’s an overall good performer for a wide range of uses.
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So yeah, anyway, so this lens is probably one of the most versatile lenses for the price for your APS-C Sony camera.
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This is the one, like I said, that I recommend if I could only have one lens, so I think everybody should definitely be at least considering having a good zoom lens like this one in their arsenal.
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So my conclusion is that if you can only have one lens, this is the lens to go. If you want a zoom lens, this is a great zoom lens.
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It's a decent and versatile lens with some extra features and for that reason I give it four stars.
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There's no question the 18 to 105 is the lens I'm putting on my camera. It's a better lens, it has a better look, it has a consistent f-stop, and it just has a slightly dreamier look to it than that kit lens.
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Let’s recap: The Sony 18-105 is a very versatile lens - that's its great strength.
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In my mind, if there was in fact one kind of do-it-all lens video photography, this would be it without a doubt.
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Now that the pros and cons of this lens considering the price, I think it's a great buy. It might be a little pricey for some of you but it's gonna serve you well.
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As a hybrid shooter for myself, this is perfect.
