Sony 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 DT ( SAL-1870 ) - Review / Lab Test Report
Lens Reviews - Sony Alpha/NEX (APS-C)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis

Review by Klaus Schroiff, published December 2007

Introduction

The Sony 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 DT is the bottom end standard zoom lens of the Alpha systems. It is usually not sold separately but in camera-lens "kits". As a designated "DT" lens it can only be used on Sony/Minolta APS-C DSLRs. Its field of view is equivalent to 27-105mm on full format cameras - a quite attractive 4x zoom ratio covering wide to moderate tele range.

The build quality of the lens is relatively decent for a kit zoom lens although it is a plastic construction down to the lens mount. The very broad, rubberized zoom ring operates smooth whereas the tiny focus ring at the very front of the inner lens tube feels rather cheap and it is obvious that Sony does not expect anyone to use it seriously. Consequently the front element does also rotate during focusing. The fluted rubber of the zoom ring provides lots of grip but it also tends to collect quite a bit of dust. As you can see below the lens extends slightly towards the long and the wide end of the zoom range. It has its shortest length at about 35mm.

Similar to the Zeiss 16-80mm the Sony lens does still rely on the conventional focusing system driven by the camera (via a slotted drive screw). The AF produces a moderate degree of noise during operations but it is very fast and accurate (on the Alpha 700).

Specifications
Equiv. focal length27-105 mm (full format equivalent)
Equiv. aperturef/5.3-f/8.4 (full format equivalent, in terms of depth-of-field)
Optical construction11 elements in 9 groups inc. 1 aspherical and 1 AD elements
Number of aperture blades7 (rounded)
min. focus distance0.38 m (max. magnification ratio 1:4)
Dimensions77 x 66 mm
Weight240 g
Filter size55 mm (rotating)
Hoodbarrel-shaped, snap-on, supplied
Other features-



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