I used this lens back in 2023 on my A7 II but sold it later. Ordered it again today because I hate to always bring along the rather big Tamron 28-75. Tiny lenses of 4-6 cm with nearly no weight may not be optical master class but they are very practical and make things easier. Going to pair this with the old 50/1.8 if I need a faster aperture. Both lenses are about 180g and you have a lot covered while being very compact.
20 REASONS A7C IS IMPORTANT: 1. crammed prior Sony tech into this smaller body 2. smallest FF camera on the market 3. weights only 1 lb. 4. full inputs/ports 5. battery FZ-100 from A7III 6. micro-HDMI port 7. single card slot 8. mic and headphone jack 9. A7III screen but flippy 10. better port doors 11. weather resistant 12. easy to use Fn button 13. 7 steps of AF transition speeds 14. 5 steps of AF responsiveness 15. eye-detection in video 16. one of Sony's best AF cameras 17. same 24mp still images/video as the A7III 18. almost same IBIS as A7III 19. better skin tones 20. good value
I own this lens, this a great and accurate review. I was pleasantly surprised as well. It’s definitely worth buying bundled in a kit, especially with the A7c.
Thanks for the review! I’ve got an a7r4 with huge g master lens and many times I get tired of lugging them around. The 24-70, 100-400, and 85 1.4. Many times I just want to go out with something inconspicuous and light to take some snap shots. I’ve considered getting something from the a6000 line for a light kit when I don’t want huge photos and a huge kit. But this new lens provides a way for me shoot without having to bring the other lenses along for day to day photos when I want something better than iphone photos.
Thank you very much, I was very eager to hear your opinion on this lens. If I had to buy a new camera and this was the kit lens, I think I would buy the kit. This is much more appealing than the 28-70. I do not think these will show up on the used market as much as the old kit lens, they are much more useful in my eyes. But for the retail price, I guess the Tamron 28-200 would be a much better invest, even if it is a lot bigger. I would have loved this to be a 20-50 mm lens, that would be a must-have for me.
If it were an APS-C lens it would produce the equivalent angle of view of 18-40mm and a depth of field equivalent to 2.6 to 3.8, very much like the famous Fuji 18-55. If you take that into account and the small size of the FF A7C, with its great sensor and low-light performance, this lens is an excellent travel kit lens for its size, quiet and fast AF, build quality, weather resistance, and price, especially if you buy it as a kit.
Very nice review as usual. Your reviews have helped me a lot and I rarely miss your videos. I will like to add comment about the oddness and rarity of the 40.5mm filter thread you point at 3:55 moment. Actually the 40.5mm filter thread is not very uncommon with Sony lenses. Τhe very very popular APS-C e-mount retractable powerzoom Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens has a 40.5 filter thread. Of course this kit lenses are intended for amateurs and most amateurs don't bother with filters. Also the special short lens hood of the full frame Sony Zeiss FE 35mm f/2.8 T* ZA has a 40.5mm filter threat and is sold with a 40.5mm lens cap that fits on the hood. Actually the lens itself has a 49mm filter threat but the lens hood has a 40.5 mm filter threat which is very useful with polarized filters. Finally the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS and Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS accept both drop-in 40.5 mm filters. Sony Zeiss, Hoya, B+W sell protecting, polarized and other types of 40.5mm filters at a similar price of the common 49mm filter.
Hi Achilleas, a few other readers have made a similar point about the filter size, but I will say this: I've reviewed nearly 200 lenses and I can't recall one other having a 40.5mm filter size. That makes it rare in my personal experience.
Thank u Dustin Great review reaffirming my experience- I’m stunned as have never seen this with any kit lensES - either Same here the 28-70 Sony kit lens is most pedestrian Phenomenal review again - Btw I never regretted my 28-300 Tamron purchase for Nikon which was based on ur review and recommendation - have sold all my Nikon now
Thanks for this helpful review. I'm glad to know that in spite of the obvious limitations this lens performs very well and probably is good to buy with the a7C - I'm still thinking about that camera but need to see its EVF in my hands! Regarding the filter size, as others have said they are about and indeed I have 3 such filters.
As I use this lens more, I can see that it is great in many circumstances. Thanks for your review, which I have once again found to be an accurate assessment. Compromises on the specifications of this lens are only an issue depending on what one wants to use this lens for. All lenses are compromises - large and heavy or small and light versus specific performance. The compromise of a smaller aperture to enable a more compact lens, is an issue if one wants to take professional looking portraits and artistic shots requiring out of focus backgrounds and bokeh. For that I will carry a larger and heavier zoom or prime f1.8 or f2.8 lens and my A7Riv kit. Even in many darker situations, when you want to use f1.8, you can't because of the depth of field limitations. But as a general travelling lens, taking family photos on holidays, landscapes, scenery, and even groups around a table, extra depth of field is needed to get everything you want in focus. So maximum f4 or f5.6 of this lens is fine much of the time. The restricted zoom focal range is more of a limitation to me, but that is a compromise I am willing to make to carry such a compact lens. It will be fine for the majority of shots when I take my A7C and kit lens, and sometimes I will have to carry a couple of compact primes to extend the focal range possibilities. Optical quality including corner sharpness I won't compromise on, and this lens is great.
15:00 😂 Hey! The 28-70 kit lens does have optical steady shot, (OSS), going for it which makes it serviceable as a handheld video lens. OSS is something not present in many Sony full frame lenses. Also, you get the 70mm at the long end of the zoom, (105mm using the APSC super 35 crop in mode), which can be handy. I can’t say I feel excited about $400 for it brand new but for $200 when bundled with a camera body I was able to pull some magic out of it!
Thank you for your review! Aside for the wider aperture, would upgrading to the Tamron 28-75mm or sigma 24-70mm make a big difference in IQ? Again, ignoring obvious differences like aperture speed, build quality/form, and focal length. Coming from m43, I love the compact size and don't need the extra aperture but I care about colors and sharpness.
If you're concern is just image sharpness at smaller apertures, then no, the bigger zooms aren't necessarily better at F5.6 or F8. They are obviously much more flexible lenses on a lot of other levels, though.
The 40.5mm Filter-Thread is pretty much the same you've got that comes with the SELP-16-50mm OSS that was available as a Kit-Lens for the a5000 to a6100.
I bought this lens based on this review for when I didn't want to carry around my wonderful but heavy Sony 24-105. It's a nice compact, light lens. I don't regret it....except maybe I should have bought a nifty fifty???
Dustin, thanks for this review. What are your thought of the 28-70mm kit lens over this? Is the 28-70mm a better performing lens? I see that aperture is better on the 28-70mm and coupled with the longer range, on paper it seems to be better than the 28-60mm.
I see in many of your excellent videos that you switch lenses when the camera is powered on. Is it a good practice? Does it cause any harm to the electronics on both sides of the mount? Can you please educate us? Regards Nikhil
I don't often do it on my own. It sometimes happens when I'm quickly switching things on camera. The biggest reason not to do it (particularly on Sony) is that the active sensor attracts more dust.
I would love if someone made a lens that would be maybe 24-50 or 24-55 f4, and be very compact. 24-45 f2.8 would also be lovely. But i guess I can keep on dreaming
Nice Video. As many reviewers generally skip or talk less on kit lens. It would nice if you can give some insight on best lens for sony A7c. Low light samples. Compare with other lens. Do you recommend it against sigma lens 24-70 2.8 or tamron 28-70 2.8.
Great review! Judging by this video and dpreview sample (and some of those are shoot on a7r IV), this looks like the best kit lens optically on any system. I'm quite puzzled why it's not praised more in other review, people tend to skip it. How would you compare performance to Tamron 28-200 on overlapping zoom range and apertures?
well I am buying this camera but the seller told me that they are out of stock the 28-60 and they told me that they have the 28-70 i am not sure if i should accept it?
I’d like to note the 18-50 apsc kit lens with the zoom rocker has a 40.5 filter size. Pretty wild they kinda scaled that old lens up. I wish kit lenses were a constant aperture. Even if it was at like f5.6, just a “nice to have”. when I dabbled with the kit lens I’d always leave it at f5.6 and shoot my video.
Well as you said, you always have the option to stop it down to the widest aperture supported by both ends of the zoom range so why cripple it? The 3.5-4 is dark but still brighter than 5.6 for dim lit shots.
I think George's point is valid, but I've often treated variable zoom lenses like you say. I set them at the smallest maximum aperture (in good lighting) and then you have less variability between shots.
I have recently bought an A7C with the kit lens (as my secondary camera), based on your and other reviews that this lens is much sharper edge to edge than other kits lenses, and makes a compact but sharp full frame kit to carry around. I myself test all the lenses that I buy, to verify that I have a good copy, and check reviewers test results. My 28-60 lens performed well, but I have had a few disappointments in the recent past. I have a question about testing methods. You and many others use a wall chart at a fixed distance as the main sharpness testing tool. I found that there can be sharpness differences (especially corners and edges), using near, medium and distant focal distances. Have you found that using a single focal distance wall chart, is a good indication of sharpness at all focal distances?
i full agree, lenses need to be tested at near, medium and distant focal distances because in some cases its optimised for a certain distance but not the other
parties are often dark so f4 aperture can degrade quality if there's not enough illumination, f5.6 even worse, btw f2.8 will let in 4 times as much light through a lens as f5.6, good lens though if size/weight/price is high priority
I have found that many times at parties, events, groups sitting around a table, etc even though I have an f1.8 lens on my camera, I still have to use f4 or 5.6 to get everyone sharp because of depth of field. The difference with the 28-60 is that you can use it wide open at f4 and 28mm, because it is so good optically. Most of the other f4 and variable aperture suffer optically when used wide open. And the A7C is very good when the ISO has to go up with the smaller aperture.
I appreciate your content. However, in the image examples I'm confused as to why you refer to them as "at a pixel level" when the examples shown are not "at a pixel level"? Maybe your intent was more "at a realistic print magnification level"?
imagine a 47% larger tennis ball VS a basketball, can play various games using either one but it will be a very different experience, not the best example but I hope you get the point
Hi, I liked your observations about Sony Cameras and other lenses, these are very very much realistic. according to one of your observations you asked to use SAMYANG Lenses. I am thinking of going for Sony A7C, for video shooting and content creation. I would really appreciate if you would suggest few wide-angle lenses from SAMYANG (with links).
Excellent review, as usual, Mr. Abbott. I would like to know, How would you compare this small zoom to its more expensive and sophisticated sony companion, the 24-70 GM, in terms of optical and autofocus performance? (known that build quality is far superior). Thank's a lot
It's hard to compare those lenses in some ways, as this kit lens has a pretty slow aperture, so optically it does different things. The GM is probably optically superior at equivalent apertures, but probably not by much. It can just do a lot more things
@@DustinAbbottTWI luckily they are quite cheap on the second hand market. i think people dismiss them because kit lenses are notorious of being mid to bad in the past. This one seem to be upper mid to good? I picked one up for $200
I can't remember for certain (I used to collect world currency). Very likely either from a swap-meet or purchased off a missionary visiting our church.
Dustin, excellent review! Again. I just got the A7C with the kit lens. It is exactly as you say. What combination of three Sony higher-end small primes would you suggest would pair well with the A7C camera for just general photography (I am an amatur, not a pro)? Thanks. S.
It is a very sharp lens, though obviously the aperture and focal length is far more limiting. This lens is fine if you tend to shoot at smaller apertures anyway.
Your chart is right on the money! At 1:00 it looks like there is dust inside the lens. Is it an issue, considering it is brand new? The filter size as the 16-50 for APC.
@@DustinAbbottTWI okay I see I’ve been doing 100- 3200 and noticed when taking a look at the video it looks fuzzy, but I am still playing around with it.
i dont know about that lense i buy a full frame camera because of that laser sharp deeth of field and that awesome bookeh. it should be at least f4 all the way to 60mm in my opinion
Thanks for another great review! It seems like Panasonic is the winner in this class of relatively small and cheap kit zooms. Their 20-60 mm is groundbreaking and looks really interesting with 20 mm at the wide end. Unfortunately, camera companies too seldom dare to break the conventions. However, as a Sony user, I am tempted by the smaller body and swiveling screen of the A7C, and if I got it I would most likely pick up the 28-60 mm as a light traveling zoom since the optical quality seems good. A7C also seems like a great match for my Samyang 45 mm, but unfortunately, the camera is too expensive to buy as a second body at the moment. So I will have to wait until the price goes down or my fortunes go up :-)
Imo the A7C is a really confusing proposition. Uses the A7III sensor but doesn’t really offer anything above and beyond the A7III, isn’t exactly very cheap, loses some key features.... frankly, I think this is an extremely niche product, meant for those who want a full frame camera but can’t really afford it.
I sure you know there is a lot of difference between 24mm and 28mm. This lens should really be 24-50(or60)mm similar to the Nikon Z mount, for me, it is a waste of opportunity for SOny to capitalise further on the FE mount. SO I am not interested in this lens.
I understand that you may not be interested, but going to 24mm adds a lot of complexity to a design. The design choice not only allowed Sony to keep the lens compact but of much higher optical performance than most kit lenses.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Nikon 24-50mm is also very compact. I think your argument falls apart. I am sure Sony's technology in lens making is not that much far behind from Nikon's. I am a Sony user and I am not just knocking SOny just for the sake of it. BTW not many people can BUY lenses whatever and whenever they like most users have budget constraints besides owning TOO many lenses floating around the house and too many choices when using lenses esp for non-professional like me.
Samyang tamron primes are much lower in price - also light weight - faster. I guess Sony had to bring out a lightweight kit lens with the 7c - keeping form factor in mind.
@@DustinAbbottTWI maybe desgned partially for a certain educational/cultural/ corporate market - web meetings -events and a travel around lens and all these new FF cameras have good low light sensitivity
I hate this lens, sorry, the idea that I can't zoom without shaking the lens as it moves in and out is hopeless. Perhaps my copy is a bad example but it's about as smooth as a staircase when zooming in or out
For a camera channel, you sure did have a lazy camera operator, or, you relied on AF that very obviously wasn't good enough, you really should've re-shot a scene or two.
I used this lens back in 2023 on my A7 II but sold it later. Ordered it again today because I hate to always bring along the rather big Tamron 28-75. Tiny lenses of 4-6 cm with nearly no weight may not be optical master class but they are very practical and make things easier. Going to pair this with the old 50/1.8 if I need a faster aperture. Both lenses are about 180g and you have a lot covered while being very compact.
I got A7C with this kit kens 2 weeks ago. Exactly it is a GREAT kit lens, light and sharp. Thanks for the review.
It really is!
20 REASONS A7C IS IMPORTANT:
1. crammed prior Sony tech into this smaller body
2. smallest FF camera on the market
3. weights only 1 lb.
4. full inputs/ports
5. battery FZ-100 from A7III
6. micro-HDMI port
7. single card slot
8. mic and headphone jack
9. A7III screen but flippy
10. better port doors
11. weather resistant
12. easy to use Fn button
13. 7 steps of AF transition speeds
14. 5 steps of AF responsiveness
15. eye-detection in video
16. one of Sony's best AF cameras
17. same 24mp still images/video as the A7III
18. almost same IBIS as A7III
19. better skin tones
20. good value
Nice list
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you sir
I own this lens, this a great and accurate review. I was pleasantly surprised as well. It’s definitely worth buying bundled in a kit, especially with the A7c.
Thanks for sharing
This is quite an eye-opening review. Thanks Dustin! Probably might get the kit lens bundle while there's a sale where I'm at
That's definitely the way to get it.
Thanks for the review! I’ve got an a7r4 with huge g master lens and many times I get tired of lugging them around. The 24-70, 100-400, and 85 1.4. Many times I just want to go out with something inconspicuous and light to take some snap shots.
I’ve considered getting something from the a6000 line for a light kit when I don’t want huge photos and a huge kit. But this new lens provides a way for me shoot without having to bring the other lenses along for day to day photos when I want something better than iphone photos.
That sounds like a great fit for you
Thank you very much, I was very eager to hear your opinion on this lens. If I had to buy a new camera and this was the kit lens, I think I would buy the kit. This is much more appealing than the 28-70. I do not think these will show up on the used market as much as the old kit lens, they are much more useful in my eyes. But for the retail price, I guess the Tamron 28-200 would be a much better invest, even if it is a lot bigger. I would have loved this to be a 20-50 mm lens, that would be a must-have for me.
That's a valid point about the Tamron and the retail price on this lens.
Finally, someone technical who really understands what's talking about. Congrats.
Thank you
If it were an APS-C lens it would produce the equivalent angle of view of 18-40mm and a depth of field equivalent to 2.6 to 3.8, very much like the famous Fuji 18-55. If you take that into account and the small size of the FF A7C, with its great sensor and low-light performance, this lens is an excellent travel kit lens for its size, quiet and fast AF, build quality, weather resistance, and price, especially if you buy it as a kit.
Definitely a surprisingly sharp lens.
Any third-party lens of similar size and better quality?
Best review I've seen on this lens. Thanks for being so thorough!
My pleasure!
This is an excellent kit lens it seems. I like how it looks too. Great review as always. Thanks.
My pleasure.
Incredibly detailed review, thank you a lot for this video!
Glad it was helpful!
Very nice review as usual. Your reviews have helped me a lot and I rarely miss your videos. I will like to add comment about the oddness and rarity of the 40.5mm filter thread you point at 3:55 moment.
Actually the 40.5mm filter thread is not very uncommon with Sony lenses.
Τhe very very popular APS-C e-mount retractable powerzoom Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens has a 40.5 filter thread. Of course this kit lenses are intended for amateurs and most amateurs don't bother with filters.
Also the special short lens hood of the full frame Sony Zeiss FE 35mm f/2.8 T* ZA has a 40.5mm filter threat and is sold with a 40.5mm lens cap that fits on the hood. Actually the lens itself has a 49mm filter threat but the lens hood has a 40.5 mm filter threat which is very useful with polarized filters.
Finally the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS and Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS accept both drop-in 40.5 mm filters.
Sony Zeiss, Hoya, B+W sell protecting, polarized and other types of 40.5mm filters at a similar price of the common 49mm filter.
Hi Achilleas, a few other readers have made a similar point about the filter size, but I will say this: I've reviewed nearly 200 lenses and I can't recall one other having a 40.5mm filter size. That makes it rare in my personal experience.
Thank u Dustin
Great review reaffirming my experience- I’m stunned as have never seen this with any kit lensES - either
Same here the 28-70 Sony kit lens is most pedestrian
Phenomenal review again -
Btw I never regretted my 28-300 Tamron purchase for Nikon which was based on ur review and recommendation - have sold all my Nikon now
Thanks for the nice feedback.
Thanks for this helpful review. I'm glad to know that in spite of the obvious limitations this lens performs very well and probably is good to buy with the a7C - I'm still thinking about that camera but need to see its EVF in my hands! Regarding the filter size, as others have said they are about and indeed I have 3 such filters.
Glad it was helpful!
As I use this lens more, I can see that it is great in many circumstances. Thanks for your review, which I have
once again found to be an accurate assessment.
Compromises on the specifications of this lens are only an issue depending on what one wants to use
this lens for. All lenses are compromises - large and heavy or small and light versus specific performance.
The compromise of a smaller aperture to enable a more compact lens, is an issue if one wants to take
professional looking portraits and artistic shots requiring out of focus backgrounds and bokeh.
For that I will carry a larger and heavier zoom or prime f1.8 or f2.8 lens and my A7Riv kit.
Even in many darker situations, when you want to use f1.8, you can't because of the depth of field limitations.
But as a general travelling lens, taking family photos on holidays, landscapes, scenery, and even
groups around a table, extra depth of field is needed to get everything you want in focus.
So maximum f4 or f5.6 of this lens is fine much of the time.
The restricted zoom focal range is more of a limitation to me, but that is a compromise I am willing to
make to carry such a compact lens. It will be fine for the majority of shots when I take my A7C and kit lens,
and sometimes I will have to carry a couple of compact primes to extend the focal range possibilities.
Optical quality including corner sharpness I won't compromise on, and this lens is great.
That's a fair assessment.
15:00 😂 Hey! The 28-70 kit lens does have optical steady shot, (OSS), going for it which makes it serviceable as a handheld video lens. OSS is something not present in many Sony full frame lenses. Also, you get the 70mm at the long end of the zoom, (105mm using the APSC super 35 crop in mode), which can be handy. I can’t say I feel excited about $400 for it brand new but for $200 when bundled with a camera body I was able to pull some magic out of it!
I'm glad it has had value for you.
excellent review- short, clear and very useful. thank you Dustin
My pleasure!
Thank you for your review! Aside for the wider aperture, would upgrading to the Tamron 28-75mm or sigma 24-70mm make a big difference in IQ? Again, ignoring obvious differences like aperture speed, build quality/form, and focal length.
Coming from m43, I love the compact size and don't need the extra aperture but I care about colors and sharpness.
If you're concern is just image sharpness at smaller apertures, then no, the bigger zooms aren't necessarily better at F5.6 or F8. They are obviously much more flexible lenses on a lot of other levels, though.
Dustin where is the standard review of the A7C - I can see the definitive only.
You can access it either from the text review or the link I put in the video, but it isn't available to the public until Friday.
The 40.5mm Filter-Thread is pretty much the same you've got that comes with the SELP-16-50mm OSS that was available as a Kit-Lens for the a5000 to a6100.
Certainly not a common size for after-market filters, though.
I bought this lens based on this review for when I didn't want to carry around my wonderful but heavy Sony 24-105. It's a nice compact, light lens. I don't regret it....except maybe I should have bought a nifty fifty???
A nice "nifty forty-five" to consider is the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8
Thanks, my lens goes not back. I see your video, all clear!
Glad it helped!
I just put this on my a7riv, and it's still very sharp
Not surprised. It's definitely sharp.
I’m considering this for my RIV, how has it been for you since?
Hi Dustin,
Thanks for this review. I want to know how does the 28-60mm v/s 28-70mm compare with this camera. Can you please help me.
I didn't really like the 28-70, myself. I feel like the 28-60 is a much sharper lens.
The APS-C kit lens also takes 40.5mm filters.
Yes, but my point was that I've reviewed around 200 lenses and never seen a 40.5mm filter on any other.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I chuckled a little. Several of the lenses for my Pentax Q7 take a 40.5mm filter, so I am very familiar with those.
Dustin, thanks for this review. What are your thought of the 28-70mm kit lens over this? Is the 28-70mm a better performing lens? I see that aperture is better on the 28-70mm and coupled with the longer range, on paper it seems to be better than the 28-60mm.
I actually think this 28-60mm is the sharper lens.
@@DustinAbbottTWI which do you think for video offers superior quality
Excellent review with good context. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I see in many of your excellent videos that you switch lenses when the camera is powered on. Is it a good practice? Does it cause any harm to the electronics on both sides of the mount?
Can you please educate us?
Regards
Nikhil
I don't often do it on my own. It sometimes happens when I'm quickly switching things on camera. The biggest reason not to do it (particularly on Sony) is that the active sensor attracts more dust.
You are incredibly talented
Thank you very much.
I would love if someone made a lens that would be maybe 24-50 or 24-55 f4, and be very compact. 24-45 f2.8 would also be lovely. But i guess I can keep on dreaming
Unfortunately there are certain aspect of physics hard to overcome.
Nice Video. As many reviewers generally skip or talk less on kit lens. It would nice if you can give some insight on best lens for sony A7c. Low light samples. Compare with other lens. Do you recommend it against sigma lens 24-70 2.8 or tamron 28-70 2.8.
I definitely would prefer the Sigma or Tamron in an absolute sense, but they aren't in the same class or price point.
Great review! Judging by this video and dpreview sample (and some of those are shoot on a7r IV), this looks like the best kit lens optically on any system. I'm quite puzzled why it's not praised more in other review, people tend to skip it. How would you compare performance to Tamron 28-200 on overlapping zoom range and apertures?
They are very close, but the Sony might be a bit sharper.
Damn! At first I thought I was watching a review from Steve Carrell!
I've heard that a few times over the years!
well I am buying this camera but the
seller told me that they are out of stock
the 28-60 and they told me that they
have the 28-70 i am not sure if i should
accept it?
Interesting travel lens very compact . Would you be happy using it in a 42 mp body as well ?
I don't see why not. It's very sharp.
I’d like to note the 18-50 apsc kit lens with the zoom rocker has a 40.5 filter size. Pretty wild they kinda scaled that old lens up. I wish kit lenses were a constant aperture. Even if it was at like f5.6, just a “nice to have”. when I dabbled with the kit lens I’d always leave it at f5.6 and shoot my video.
Well as you said, you always have the option to stop it down to the widest aperture supported by both ends of the zoom range so why cripple it? The 3.5-4 is dark but still brighter than 5.6 for dim lit shots.
I think George's point is valid, but I've often treated variable zoom lenses like you say. I set them at the smallest maximum aperture (in good lighting) and then you have less variability between shots.
The pz aps-c kit lens is 16-50. Pretty nice.
I have recently bought an A7C with the kit lens (as my secondary camera), based on your and other reviews
that this lens is much sharper edge to edge than other kits lenses, and makes a compact but sharp full frame kit to carry around.
I myself test all the lenses that I buy, to verify that I have a good copy, and check reviewers test results.
My 28-60 lens performed well, but I have had a few disappointments in the recent past.
I have a question about testing methods. You and many others use a wall chart at a fixed distance as the
main sharpness testing tool. I found that there can be sharpness differences (especially corners and edges),
using near, medium and distant focal distances. Have you found that using a single focal distance wall chart,
is a good indication of sharpness at all focal distances?
i full agree, lenses need to be tested at near, medium and distant focal distances because in some cases its optimised for a certain distance but not the other
Thanks for great review. Do you recommend it for family portrait and party?
It would work fine
parties are often dark so f4 aperture can degrade quality if there's not enough illumination, f5.6 even worse, btw f2.8 will let in 4 times as much light through a lens as f5.6, good lens though if size/weight/price is high priority
I have found that many times at parties, events, groups sitting around a table, etc even though
I have an f1.8 lens on my camera, I still have to use f4 or 5.6 to get everyone sharp because of depth of field.
The difference with the 28-60 is that you can use it wide open at f4 and 28mm, because it is
so good optically. Most of the other f4 and variable aperture suffer optically when used wide open.
And the A7C is very good when the ISO has to go up with the smaller aperture.
@@AB-pn1pr wow thanks for this comment! Learned something.
Ok, watching this video is going to be expensive for me, I really like the camera and the lens.
Yeah...I've been told that I'm an expensive habit :)
Great review, thank you!
My pleasure!
40.5mm filers - that’s the diameter of the ASPC a6xxx kit PZ18-50 lens.
Yes...but pretty much nothing else!
Can you run this vs a cheap 35mm f1.8 ? And then analyze how good it hold up ?
I'm afraid not. This was a loaner for this review and I don't have the lens available any longer.
I appreciate your content. However, in the image examples I'm confused as to why you refer to them as "at a pixel level" when the examples shown are not "at a pixel level"? Maybe your intent was more "at a realistic print magnification level"?
A pixel level refers to 100% magnification level, or a 1:1 pixel level.
Does F4 on FF outperforms new 47% larger sensor on iPhone 12 Pro Max ?
I've yet to see any phone camera yet that has the acuity of a full frame sensor and a quality lens attached to it.
imagine a 47% larger tennis ball VS a basketball, can play various games using either one but it will be a very different experience, not the best example but I hope you get the point
Hi, I liked your observations about Sony Cameras and other lenses, these are very very much realistic. according to one of your observations you asked to use SAMYANG Lenses. I am thinking of going for Sony A7C, for video shooting and content creation. I would really appreciate if you would suggest few wide-angle lenses from SAMYANG (with links).
I like the little Samyang AF 18mm F2.8, for one. bhpho.to/2WMUUv2
Excellent review, as usual, Mr. Abbott. I would like to know, How would you compare this small zoom to its more expensive and sophisticated sony companion, the 24-70 GM, in terms of optical and autofocus performance? (known that build quality is far superior). Thank's a lot
It's hard to compare those lenses in some ways, as this kit lens has a pretty slow aperture, so optically it does different things. The GM is probably optically superior at equivalent apertures, but probably not by much. It can just do a lot more things
Thank, the review was very useful
Glad to hear it!
Is this lens at 28mm wide enough for vlogging? I will use a Joby Gorillapod too.
I suspect it is, though the framing will be a little tighter than optimal.
Nice. Sunrise films
Thanks
Can you compare it to the Nikon Z 24-50? Which would you choose?
Hi Joachim - unfortunately I don't test Nikon, so I can't comment on that comparison.
thank you for great video!
My pleasure!
Can I use a apsc Nikon lens with an adapter or better to buy this kit lens?
I would not use an adapted APS-C lens, myself.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Would like to replace my 28-70 kit lens with it. Only obstacle the high price (500E were I live).
Fair enough.
I finally got it. Only problem, the fact that I can't find the lens profile in Camera Raw.
Is that the new Samyang 35 I see on your table? Been wondering when you'd get around to that!
It is...and my review comes next week.
@@DustinAbbottTWI cheers and thanks
It hasnt dropped a cent since this video. Anyway, i returned my 24-105 and got this instead, just for the travelability.
That's actually surprising.
@@DustinAbbottTWI luckily they are quite cheap on the second hand market. i think people dismiss them because kit lenses are notorious of being mid to bad in the past. This one seem to be upper mid to good? I picked one up for $200
Where did you find the 100 drahmas bill? Nice to remind me of ir
I can't remember for certain (I used to collect world currency). Very likely either from a swap-meet or purchased off a missionary visiting our church.
i just got this as new $200 from the shop, part of detached a7c kit, i think its a bargain
That's definitely a bargain.
So, at 28mm we get 5.6 iris and at 60mm 4? Right?
Other way around. Largest aperture is at F4.
Dustin, excellent review! Again. I just got the A7C with the kit lens. It is exactly as you say. What combination of three Sony higher-end small primes would you suggest would pair well with the A7C camera for just general photography (I am an amatur, not a pro)? Thanks. S.
The Sony 20mm F1.8 is excellent for the wide end. The 40mm and 50mm F2.8 lenses are both very good, and the 85mm F1.8 FE is another strong value lens.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you for your reply, Dustin.
I found this 28-60mm kit lens is even sharper than 24-70mm f2.8 GM. Can't believe it, is anyone noticed that?
It is a very sharp lens, though obviously the aperture and focal length is far more limiting. This lens is fine if you tend to shoot at smaller apertures anyway.
gute, solide Rezension
Danke
Your chart is right on the money! At 1:00 it looks like there is dust inside the lens. Is it an issue, considering it is brand new? The filter size as the 16-50 for APC.
No, that's just dust on the outside.
Thank you, excellent!
You are welcome!
I think the lenses is great for outside but once indoors it looks fuzzy to me
You may be moving into very high ISO levels, which will impact image quality.
@@DustinAbbottTWI okay I see I’ve been doing 100- 3200 and noticed when taking a look at the video it looks fuzzy, but I am still playing around with it.
I just bought one for use with my Sony a7rii, paid €299 for the lens.
That's good value.
i dont know about that lense i buy a full frame camera because of that laser sharp deeth of field and that awesome bookeh. it should be at least f4 all the way to 60mm in my opinion
That's never going to be a strength for a variable aperture kit lens. There's also no way they could have made it F4 to 60mm and made it this compact.
Thanks for another great review! It seems like Panasonic is the winner in this class of relatively small and cheap kit zooms. Their 20-60 mm is groundbreaking and looks really interesting with 20 mm at the wide end. Unfortunately, camera companies too seldom dare to break the conventions. However, as a Sony user, I am tempted by the smaller body and swiveling screen of the A7C, and if I got it I would most likely pick up the 28-60 mm as a light traveling zoom since the optical quality seems good. A7C also seems like a great match for my Samyang 45 mm, but unfortunately, the camera is too expensive to buy as a second body at the moment. So I will have to wait until the price goes down or my fortunes go up :-)
Your take makes sense to me.
I like this len because I can't afford a 16-35mm gm ii 😭
LOL - not quite the same focal length ;)
I'm surprised you didn't like the 28-70mm kit, it seems like a better lens.
Maybe it was just too bulky?
It's definitely NOT a better lens optically.
Great lens for "The Office"?
😃
Why not?
"zehn deutsche mark" LOL... Such a long time ago since i saw it the last time.
I hear that often. People miss their native currency in the EU, sometimes.
@@DustinAbbottTWI yes thats true! Thanks for the Review, but i still cant decide which one to buy... Right now i am your newest subscriber :)
Imo the A7C is a really confusing proposition. Uses the A7III sensor but doesn’t really offer anything above and beyond the A7III, isn’t exactly very cheap, loses some key features.... frankly, I think this is an extremely niche product, meant for those who want a full frame camera but can’t really afford it.
I do think Sony will have a bit of a challenge marketing this camera.
it offers above a7iii..better autofocus better color science ..better stabilization..flip screen..you need more?
@@katseazzz no time limit in video. Can use electronic microphone. Can flip screen into camera. Lighter less bulk. Better autofocus
Can I use it for video ❓
Of course
What's with the DUST? 1:02
That's macro photography and lighting - it shows off every flaw
Compare with the Tamron 28-75 and you see how absolutely ridiculous the price for this lens is.
It is definitely overpriced as an independent lens.
I sure you know there is a lot of difference between 24mm and 28mm. This lens should really be 24-50(or60)mm similar to the Nikon Z mount, for me, it is a waste of opportunity for SOny to capitalise further on the FE mount. SO I am not interested in this lens.
I understand that you may not be interested, but going to 24mm adds a lot of complexity to a design. The design choice not only allowed Sony to keep the lens compact but of much higher optical performance than most kit lenses.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Nikon 24-50mm is also very compact. I think your argument falls apart. I am sure Sony's technology in lens making is not that much far behind from Nikon's.
I am a Sony user and I am not just knocking SOny just for the sake of it.
BTW not many people can BUY lenses whatever and whenever they like most users have budget constraints besides owning TOO many lenses floating around the house and too many choices when using lenses esp for non-professional like me.
Samyang tamron primes are much lower in price - also light weight - faster. I guess Sony had to bring out a lightweight kit lens with the 7c - keeping form factor in mind.
I'm a fan of those lenses, but obviously Sony is not going to promote third party primes with their new camera :)
@@DustinAbbottTWI maybe desgned partially for a certain educational/cultural/ corporate market - web meetings -events and a travel around lens and all these new FF cameras have good low light sensitivity
I don't like it at all but I guess it's just for people getting into the hobby.
This type of lens is not for everyone, but as a kit lens it is pretty good.
lost me at under-engineered lol
:)
If only this lens went to 24mm or less.
Agreed, though that brings a whole other set of engineering challenges and compromises.
I hate this lens, sorry, the idea that I can't zoom without shaking the lens as it moves in and out is hopeless. Perhaps my copy is a bad example but it's about as smooth as a staircase when zooming in or out
Hmmm, I don't remember that being the case with my review copy.
@@DustinAbbottTWI OK, it may just be my copy then, I certainly can't adjust the zoom smoothly. Maybe I'll send it back
Not bad for a 279 dollar lens
True…and if you get it at that price, it is a good value.
Mmm churros.
:)
500 бачей ? почему так жирно ?) цена ему 210 баксов.
For a camera channel, you sure did have a lazy camera operator, or, you relied on AF that very obviously wasn't good enough, you really should've re-shot a scene or two.
It's the latter, and as this is not my full time job, I only have so much time to give to each project. I simply don't always have time to reshoot.
Worst lens. !
I've reviewed much worse, but it is hard for me personally to get excited about this type of lens.