camera gear, cinematography
Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS | a6000
Are you in search of a versatile lens that offers exceptional image quality and optimal performance for your Sony a6000 camera? Look no further than the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens, the perfect solution for all your photography needs. This lens is specifically designed for Sony mirrorless cameras and delivers excellent zoom capabilities, making it ideal for a wide range of shooting scenarios. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes or zooming in on distant subjects, the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens provides unmatched versatility and convenience. Join us as we explore the features, specifications, and the reasons why this lens is a must-have addition to your photography gear.
Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS | a6000
This article is all about the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens for the Sony a6000. This lens is a variable aperture lens, ranging from f3.5 to f5.6, but it does come with OSS (Optical SteadyShot) which provides nice stability. In this article, we will test the lens with video autofocus and also evaluate its image quality throughout the aperture range.
Who is this lens for?
The Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens is suitable for different types of photographers. It is a versatile lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths, making it ideal for travel photographers. Although it has a variable aperture, it can still be used by portrait photographers, although the bokeh may not be as pronounced. This lens is also great for people who want to shoot videos, especially for on-the-go and family videos, as it offers a nice zoom range and Optical SteadyShot to ensure stability.
Autofocusing Test
Let’s start with the autofocus test. We will test the lens at different focal lengths to see how fast and responsive the autofocus is.
At 18mm, the autofocus seems to be fast and accurate. It quickly focuses on different subjects and tracks them well. The same can be said for 50mm, with the autofocus speed being quite impressive. However, at 135mm, the autofocus seems to be slightly slower, but still performs well. The lens compression at 135mm provides a shallower depth of field, resulting in more pronounced bokeh.
Other Considerations
One downside of this lens is that it does not have weather sealing. While the Sony a6000 is not weather sealed either, higher-end models like the a6300 and above do have weather sealing, so it would be ideal to pair them with weather sealed lenses.
Additionally, the lens has a small filter thread size of 55mm. If you want to use filters, you may need to use step-down rings or purchase filters specifically designed for this lens.
Image Quality
Now let’s look at the image quality of this lens. We will evaluate its sharpness at different focal lengths and aperture settings.
At 18mm and f3.5, the center is reasonably sharp, but the corners are soft. Stopping down to f5.6 improves sharpness, and at f8, the lens reaches its peak sharpness. The contrast is also impressive at all aperture settings.
At 24mm and f4, the center is a bit soft, and the corners are also soft. However, at f5.6, the center sharpens up, and the corners improve as well. The lens reaches its peak sharpness at f8.
At 49mm, the center is very sharp at f5, but the corners are still soft. Stopping down to f8 improves sharpness throughout the frame.
At 135mm and f5.6, the center is very sharp, and the corners are also quite sharp. Stopping down to f8 maintains sharpness, but at f11, lens diffraction starts to affect sharpness and contrast.
Overall, the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens is a versatile lens that provides good image quality and allows for a wide range of shooting scenarios. While it may not have the fastest autofocus or weather sealing, it offers great value for its price range.
Frequently Asked Questions – Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS | a6000
1. What is the focal length range of the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens?
The Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens has a versatile zoom range of 18mm to 135mm, allowing you to capture wide-angle shots as well as zoom in for close-ups.
2. Is the Sony 18-135mm lens compatible with the Sony a6000 camera?
Yes, the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens is fully compatible with the Sony a6000 camera. It is designed specifically for E-mount APS-C cameras, making it a perfect match for the a6000.
3. What does OSS stand for in Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS?
OSS stands for Optical SteadyShot. The Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens features built-in image stabilization technology that helps reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper and clearer images, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld.
4. Can I shoot in low-light conditions with the Sony 18-135mm lens?
Yes, the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens has a maximum aperture of f3.5-5.6, allowing for decent low-light performance. Additionally, the built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) helps to minimize camera shake, which is particularly useful when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
5. Is the Sony 18-135mm lens suitable for capturing both photos and videos?
Absolutely! The Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens is versatile enough to capture both high-quality photos and videos. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or even recording vlogs, this lens provides excellent image quality and smooth video footage.
6. Does the Sony 18-135mm lens have a manual focus option?
Yes, the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens offers full-time manual focus override. This means that even when using autofocus, you can easily switch to manual focus without having to change any settings on the camera or lens.
7. Can I use filters on the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens?
Yes, the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens has a filter thread size of 55mm, allowing you to attach various filters such as UV, ND, or polarizing filters to enhance your photography and achieve different creative effects.
8. Is the Sony 18-135mm lens weather-sealed?
No, the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens does not have weather-sealing. It is recommended to use caution and protect the lens from extreme weather conditions, including moisture and dust, to ensure its longevity.
9. What accessories are included with the Sony 18-135mm lens?
When you purchase the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens, it typically comes with a lens hood to minimize lens flare and ghosting, a front lens cap, and a rear lens cap to protect the lens when not in use.
10. Is the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens a good choice for travel photography?
Absolutely! The Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS lens provides a versatile zoom range and excellent image quality, making it a perfect companion for travel photography. Its compact size and lightweight design also make it easy to carry around during your adventures.
I hope you find useful my article Sony 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 OSS | a6000, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
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