Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 Sony E
Review
The Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens is a versatile and compact zoom option designed for Sony's E-mount cameras. This lens is well-suited for everyday photography, ranging from landscapes to street photography, making it a good choice for those who want a lightweight solution for various shooting situations.
One of the standout features of this lens is its slim profile. Weighing just around 167 grams and measuring only 45mm in length when retracted, it is easy to carry and well-matched for travel and casual shooting. Additionally, the retractable design means that it doesn't take up much space in your bag, making it convenient for on-the-go photographers.
The optical performance of the Sony FE 28-60mm is impressive for its class. The lens features four aspherical elements and one ED (extra-low dispersion) element that help reduce aberrations and improve sharpness across the zoom range. At the wider end (28mm), images are generally sharp, and flare is well-controlled. The maximum aperture range of F4 to F5.6 is decent for versatility but does mean lower light performance is limited compared to faster lenses.
As for autofocus capabilities, the lens utilizes a linear motor for quick and accurate focusing, which is essential for both stills and video. It performs admirably in various lighting conditions, although in darker settings, you might notice some sluggishness in the autofocus speed.
However, the lens does not come without its drawbacks. The constant F4-F5.6 aperture limits your ability to achieve a shallow depth of field, resulting in less separation from the background compared to faster lenses. Additionally, some photographers may find the zoom range a bit limited, especially if they are used to lenses that offer longer focal lengths.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design, ideal for travel
- Good optical performance with sharp images
- Quick and accurate autofocus
- Versatile range suitable for a variety of photography styles
Cons
- Variable maximum aperture limits low-light performance
- Limited zoom range may not meet all photographer's needs
Verdict
Overall, the Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens is an excellent option for those looking for a compact, everyday zoom lens for their Sony E-mount camera. While it has some limitations in terms of aperture and zoom range, its lightweight design, solid image quality, and fast autofocus make it a worthy addition to any photographer's kit, particularly for casual or travel photography. If you're looking for versatility in a small package, this lens should definitely be on your radar.