Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS

Sony E

Review

The Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS is a versatile zoom lens designed for Sony's E-mount cameras, making it a fantastic option for photographers and videographers alike. With its impressive focal length range, the lens extends from wide-angle (18mm) to medium telephoto (105mm), which allows for a variety of shooting scenarios—from expansive landscapes to tight portraits. What sets this lens apart is its constant f/4 aperture, ensuring consistent exposure settings throughout the zoom range, which is essential during video recording as it prevents exposure shifts.

Build Quality and Design

The lens feels robust and well-constructed, featuring a combination of plastic and metal that gives it a premium feel without being overly heavy. Its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent travel companion, especially for those who prefer not to carry multiple lenses. The built-in Power Zoom (PZ) functionality is a notable feature that provides smooth and quiet zooming, which is particularly beneficial for video work. It also comes with OSS (Optical SteadyShot) image stabilization, which helps minimize camera shake, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS certainly delivers. The lens features advanced optical technology, including low dispersion glass elements that reduce chromatic aberrations and improve color accuracy. Images produced are sharp across the frame, with good contrast and minimal distortion at both the wide and telephoto ends. However, some users might notice slight softness at the corners when shooting wide open at f/4, particularly at the 18mm setting. Generally, stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 yields much better results.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus system of this lens is another highlight. It operates quickly and silently, which is particularly important for video shooters who need to avoid capturing distracting sounds during recording. The AF performs admirably in various lighting conditions, ensuring that you can capture sharp images even in challenging situations. That said, in very low light conditions, the autofocus may not be as reliable and can occasionally struggle to lock on, particularly with moving subjects.

Versatility

The versatility of the lens also stands out; it is suitable for a wide range of photography styles, including landscapes, portraits, and event photography. Its ability to maintain a constant aperture while zooming adds to its functionality, allowing for seamless transitions in exposure settings. Additionally, the zoom range caters well to both wide and telephoto shots, making it a handy all-in-one solution for manipulating compositions quickly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Constant f/4 aperture across the zoom range.
• Excellent build quality and lightweight design.
• Smooth and quiet Power Zoom feature.
• Impressive image quality with sharpness and color accuracy.
• Good autofocus performance in most conditions.

Cons

• Slight corner softness at f/4, particularly at the wide end.
• Autofocus can struggle in extremely low light situations.
• The zoom can be too slow for fast-paced action shots despite its smoothness.

Verdict

Overall, the Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS is a superb lens that delivers excellent performance for both photography and videography. Its versatile focal length, solid build, and consistent image quality make it an attractive choice for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as corner softness at wide apertures and occasional autofocus challenges in low light, its advantages far outweigh them. If you're looking for a reliable all-in-one lens for your Sony E-mount camera, this lens should definitely be on your radar.