Description
The Sony AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 becomes a convenient, all-in-around compact zoom for flexable and convenient subject choices for both indoor or outdoor images. Especially created for Sony Alpha and the Minolta DSLR camera bodies. Ideal for acquiring far off subjects, sporting events, bold landscapes and close-up views.
The optics have been computer optimized for the APS-C smaller diameter image circle to provide the APS-C CCD image sensor employed on DSLR camera bodies with ultimate image capture. When used mounted on DSLR camera, the SLR equivalent focal length becomes 27-300mm.
When I first started shooting with this 18-200 lens my first thought was "What a fantastic resourceful tool and really reliable" Although after a little time I started noticing it's drawbacks. It's very slow, and even using the A350's built-in-camera stabilization, poor light shots were below par. A few reviewers talk about high noise issues at somewhat low ISO, although I very rarely found visible image noise because I didn't do any shooting in dark places using this lens. As I became more critical in evaluating my pictures had to acknowledge that edge sharpness was far from perfect and contained flare and chromatic aberration in many of the highlights, although this is typically only visable at print sizes over A4.
Not congruent with 35mm SLR or "full-frame" DSLR cameras (e.g. A900, or film camera bodies)
Superzoom
The term hyperzoom or superzoom is used to promote photographic zoom lenses with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically more than 4× and ranging up to 15×, e.g., 35 mm to 350 mm. The largest ratio for digital SLR cameras is held by the Tamron 18–270 mm, giving 15×. Some Digital Camera Review by Gene Wrights have even larger zoom ratios up to 35×. For movie and television use, Panavision holds the record with their 300X HD Lens.
While superzoom lenses have improved greatly in recent years, they still have a number of drawbacks in comparison with shorter-range zooms and prime lenses. Most notable is the much increased likelihood of significant distortions of the image at both extreme ends of the range. Other potential problems include smaller maximum aperture and poorer autofocus performance
Following is a list of superzoom lenses, used for 135 format in SLRs or for APS format in DSLRs. The minimal factor used here is 5×
or more. A 28–200 mm has a 75° to 12.3° angle of view, a 28–300 mm (or an 18–200 mm for an APS DSLR) has
an 11.1x 75° to 8.2°
Aug 29, 2011. Typical internet price $530.
Announced Jun 15, 2006
Alternative Superzoom Lenses
Features
Internal Focusing
Internal lens elements move, so the overall length does not change, creating a lens that focuses more quickly and doesnâ¿¿t change balance.
Aspherical Lens Elements
Three aspherical elements correct visual aberrations more effectively across the entire zoom range and help reduce weight.
ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
Two ED Glass lenses minimize flare and greatly reduce chromatic aberration, giving you sharp, clear shots even at full telephoto extension.
Circular Aperture
Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.
Lens Includes
• Sony SAL-18200 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DT Aspherical Autofocus Lens
• Front & Rear Lens Caps
• Lens Hood
• 1-Year Sony U.S.A. Limited Warranty
