SonyE PZ 18-105 mm f/4.0 G | APS-C, Power Zoom Lens (SEL18105G)

This lens seems to be the preferred mid-range zoom for Sony e-mount APS-C sensor cameras and I can see why. I already own Sony's 18-135mm manual zoom lens, which is lighter, smaller and covers a longer zoom range. Both lenses are the same price, approximately.Reviews of this lens against the 18-135mm lens show that both are of comparable sharpness - one lens wins at some focus distances and zoom settings, then the other wins at other settings so they're pretty comparable and I can confirm this is the case.This lens is a huge step-up from the kit 16-50mm lens in terms of sharpness, and it does carry Sony's "G" lens designation which is reserved for its high-end performers.The other benefit is power zoom, particularly if you're a videographer. The lens' constant aperture of f/4 may not lend itself to low-light filming, but you may find the power zoom feature particularly useful.The zoom switch is a variable-speed slider, and despite other reviewers stating that a slow zoom speed can't be achieved, it is actually possible. You just have to roll your finger around at the base of the switch to achieve a very small movement of the slider off the zero position, and the lens will start to zoom extremely slowly. The same can be achieved going back to a wide shot. The zoom speeds that can be achieved are incredibly slow, taking tens of seconds to traverse from 18mm to 105mm or vice versa. Much slower than the 18-200mm power zoom lens (which is a very old lens now) even on its slowest setting.One caveat for me is that if you turn on "clear zoom" in the camera (which is Sony's proprietary digital zoom extension with enhanced apparent resolution) then there isn't the same continuity of zoom range as there is with the 18-200mm lens. Using the 18-200mm lens, the digital zoom starts immediately once the optical zoom limit is reached so you can't tell in footage where the optical zoom stopped and the clear digital zoom took over. There is a glitch in zooming out but not during zooming in. With this lens, there's always a noticeable glitch when the optical zoom range is reached and digital clear zoom starts, which is a shame as clear zoom can add between 1.7x and 2x zoom on top of whatever the lens is capable of.Overall though, it's the sharpest mid-range zoom you can get for Sony APS-C cameras and it's well worth the money. This could be your only lens if you're being strategic about achieving a camera set-up that has maximum value/quality for money, or it's a nice lens to have as part of a collection particularly if you've thinking about full zoom range coverage and need something to fit in the middle between a short range zoom or wide-angle lens and a long zoom lens such as Sony's 70-350 (which also has the "G" designation).

Reviews should be about the merits of something and not a comparison to other things, and that’s why this lens gets 5 stars. It doesn’t have the bokeh or super sharpness of a fast prime, but it is incredibly versatile and more than sharp enough to produce beautiful and varied images. I bought this lens to take on holiday to cover a wide range of focal lengths and subjects and I was not disappointed. It’s the perfect lens to take when you only want to carry one. I’ve attached shots from Ibiza and The Lake District from trips where this was my only lens with the a6700.

In addition to its versatility, the Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4.0 G lens excels in its optical performance. The advanced lens construction, featuring multiple aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements, effectively minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortions. This results in sharp, vibrant images with stunning detail, even at the edges. Whether I'm shooting in natural light or low-light conditions, this lens consistently delivers excellent image quality, allowing me to focus on creativity rather than technical limitations.✅Pros✅One of the standout features of this lens is its power zoom mechanism, which offers smooth and quiet operation. This is particularly advantageous for videographers, as it allows for effortless zoom adjustments without introducing distracting noise. The lens also incorporates a zoom lever, providing intuitive control for precise framing. Whether I’m shooting a dynamic event or capturing a serene landscape, the ability to zoom in and out fluidly has transformed how I approach my compositions.The Sony E PZ 18-105mm build quality is another reason I’ve made it a permanent fixture on my a6400. It feels solid and well-constructed, which inspires confidence during shoots, even in challenging conditions. The lens is also weather-sealed, offering protection against dust and moisture, which is invaluable for outdoor photography. Knowing I can rely on this lens in various environments allows me to push my creative boundaries without hesitation.⭕Cons⭕However, there are some downsides to consider. The constant f/4 aperture, while versatile, may limit low-light performance compared to lenses with wider apertures. Additionally, the lens can feel a bit bulky for those who prefer a more compact setup, especially when attached to smaller cameras like the a6400. Some users might also find the power zoom feature less responsive compared to traditional manual zooms, which could affect quick adjustments in fast-paced shooting situations.⭐Finally, I appreciate the compact and lightweight design of the lens, which complements the a6400 perfectly. This combination makes it easy to carry on long shoots, ensuring that I’m always ready to capture the moment. Whether I’m on location or exploring new scenes, the E PZ 18-105mm f/4.0 G lens has proven to be an indispensable tool in my photography arsenal. For anyone serious about their craft, this lens is a worthy investment that delivers on its promise of performance and versatility.

Good lens overall with a few drawbacks. Comparison to my Zeiss 18-70mm.IQ is decent across the lens but not as sharp as the Zeiss in the 18-50 range. The Zeiss is also brighter.That said, it’s built well and has the extra reach if that suits. However, it’s too big and heavy for an a6300/6500 body IMO.The main issue I have, which meant a return, was the focus by wire zoom. It’s laggy so there’s a delay in starting and stopping zooming - this is the same with the zoom ring and the power zoom controls. Zoom to 70mm and let go and you end up at 76mm or a little closer than you want. Same zooming out. This means you always need to fine tune which wastes time. I’ll take a well produced manual zoom every day for speed and accuracy.Sure the Zeiss is more and doesn’t reach as far but it’s a much brighter compact lens with a better zoom implementation. Which all adds up to better shots. If you can pick one up used (a good copy without the known issues) then it’s in the same range as this and worth the extra.

One of d best lens, though its old but its great