Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver)
The E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver) from Sony is designed for use on Alpha NEX digital cameras. This standard zoom lens has a 35mm format equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens. Covering angles of view from 76 to 29 degrees, this wide to medium zoom lens is ideal for a variety of subjects including portraits and landscapes. Plus, with a short focusing distance of only 9.7" (0.25 m), you can get in tight for interesting close-ups.
The Sony SEL 1855 is built with 11 elements in 9 groups with 4 aspherical surfaces so you get clear images without aberrations or distortion. Its internal motor allows for smooth and quiet autofocusing, which you will love even while you are capturing images in the camera's HD movie mode.
The compact size (only 2.4", 6.0cm) of the lens and light weight (6.9 oz, 194g) perfectly complement Sony's Alpha NEX cameras which incorporate a huge image sensor into a very compact frame. The results are high-quality still and HD movie captures without the extra size and weight of standard DSLR cameras.
- Designed to match your Alpha NEX camera, the SEL 1855 standard zoom lens is lightweight and features smooth and silent autofocusing while offering an all-purpose focal range for beautiful shots.
- In the 35mm equivalent, this lens covers subjects from wide-angle (27mm) to midrange (82.5mm); ideal for capturing subjects such as close-up portraits to expansive landscapes.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
18 - 55 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 27 - 82.5 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 - 32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony (E Mount for NEX) |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 76° - 29° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.84" (25 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.3x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.3 |
| Groups/Elements | 9/11 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 49 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.44 x 2.36" (62 x 60 mm) |
| Weight | 6.84 oz (194 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (11)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (8)
- Easily interchangeable (6)
- Strong construction (6)
- Consistent output (5)
Cons
- Poor in low light (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (11)
- Low light (7)
- Night photography (4)
- Sports/action (4)
- Weddings (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (7), Casual photographer (4), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
Improves Camera over 16 mm
Sharpness with this lens is good. It does not make the NEX5 excessively large. It fits very nicely in a Lowpro Apex 100AW case like the case was made specifically for the NEX5 and ...Read complete review
Sharpness with this lens is good. It does not make the NEX5 excessively large. It fits very nicely in a Lowpro Apex 100AW case like the case was made specifically for the NEX5 and this lens, the little flash unit, a spare battery, a filter or two and an SD card in a very small well padded space.
I see little of the color fringing of bright edges that shows with the 16 mm wide angle pancake lens. The reversing lens hood supplied works very well.
In bright light the LCD is a difficult to use. I use a sun hat with a wide brim that I have painted flat black on the bottom side of the front of the brim with acrylic paint. There have been a few times I have missed the ability to "peek through the hole" on a regular DSLR in strong sunlight.
At actual pixels the images look quite good, which is what I was wanting so I could make 18x24 inch prints from this camera with careful composition. Compared to a Canon 7d with an L series lens it is of course in second place in sharpness, but excellent for the money and fantastic on the size and weight. Overall the images seem a tiny bit "soft"on the NEX5, but in a good way.
Of the three lenses available for the NEX5, this seems like the best buy, though the 16 mm certainly is compact and WIDE, but limited compared to this lens. The zoom is just essential if you are after making every pixel count with tight composition in the camera itself. A few times I have missed the always ready little flash on the Canon G11.
Does seem to outperform the G11 due to larger sensor, but I love the G11 layout. The NEX5 LCD tilts some but not as wide a range as the G11. The retractable lens on the G11 is hard to beat for compact size and "always have with you" camera, but the NEX5 in the LowPro case is very compact and seems to be producing images with improved large print potential vs the G11. (Keep in mind I LOVE my G11 so swapping it out for the NEX5 was a big decision)
I use a small wrist strap on the NEX5 to help ease it out of the case and avoid drops. It is a bit of an adaptation to learn how to hold it with this lens, but not as awkward as it may look.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Decent and very usable zoom.
This is my most commonly used lens, because of size and portability. A bit more applicable to diverse shooting situations, and is great with the video capabilities.
I come from a ca...Read complete review
This is my most commonly used lens, because of size and portability. A bit more applicable to diverse shooting situations, and is great with the video capabilities.
I come from a career using a 1D MkII and a bag of L glass. It would have been nice if Sony offered say a 24-70mm f2.8 similar in quality to its beautiful 18-200 f3.5. I would have bought it immediately, as I did with the 18-200 zoom.
It seems like Sony wanted to capture converting point and shoot people first, and the 18-55 is excellent in that regard. For a more sophisticated user, the 18-55 might fall short of expectations, but will still yield good-if not great images.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 17 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-17
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
The lens is lightweight and the 18-55 focal length is an effective 27-82 range is very functional. I didn't find the lens to be as sharp as I would have liked.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
On the whole, I'm happy with this camera, with the following. The pictures are sharp & show considerable depth. However use is limited largely to evening & indoor times as the sun makes it hard to see the LCD screen, even with the right WB setting. A sun hood would be a huge help. Also the flash gun that comes with the camera doesn't stay put. Happily I'm not all that into flash so when I inevitably lose or damage the flash gun, I won't be all that bummed out either.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
This is a must have for run and gun type work because it is one of four lenses that have auto focus for the Sony FS100
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Distortion
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
I bought this camera because it is so portable and the photo quality is acceptable. Largest aperture is alright, but F7.1 or F8 seems to be sharper.
But I hate its distortion at 18mm.
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
I love this lens. As a casual photographer the Nex-5 camera is great and the 55 mm lens is a must. Smooth action, great design, excellent quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
... get this one right away !The lens opens up a whole new world. I thought that it wouldn't really matter because the Nex camera is all ready a very good camera to begin with. The zoom quality is great, easy to click on and it makes a very crisp image. One of the best things I ever bought for a camera. The only con I can think of is how far you can zoom with it but that is just a feature and not really a con. [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
I bought this lens as part of a 2 lens kit for the Sony Nex 5 camera. The lens produces excellent photos, has good image stabilization built in, is relatively compact when paired with the tiny next camera body. Quality all metal design. Feels good in the hand.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
For most of the common pictures of my children.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
If you're looking at getting into the Sony NEX camera and you can only choose one lens, go for this 18-55mm over the 16mm. The lens, in my opinion, gives a sharper image & more can be used in more situations than the pancake lens. The quality of this lens seems very solid & like the 16mm, you can set the NEX to 7x or 14x zoom for focusing by turning the lens' focusing ring.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
This is a good all around lens for this small camera. It allows you to carry it while walking through the city or during a run. The quality of the shots is good. No major negatives yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fairly consistent output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- F2point8 please
- Not quite sharp enough
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
This is my most commonly used lens, because of size and portability. A bit more applicable to diverse shooting situations, and is great with the video capabilities.
I come from a career using a 1D MkII and a bag of L glass. It would have been nice if Sony offered say a 24-70mm f2.8 similar in quality to its beautiful 18-200 f3.5. I would have bought it immediately, as I did with the 18-200 zoom.
It seems like Sony wanted to capture converting point and shoot people first, and the 18-55 is excellent in that regard. For a more sophisticated user, the 18-55 might fall short of expectations, but will still yield good-if not great images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not sharp
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Pocket camera on a NEX st
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
This lens is OK but don't expect a top result from it. I still suggest it's worth it's price and I don't regret bying it. Just be aware if you hope to use it combined with the fish eye converter (which I was hoping to do). It just doesn't work, the picture get shaded at the edge of the circle and the quality is just too bad (too blure). You have to buy the flat 16mm lens to be able to use the fisheye. That works fine, with accepable picture quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
This is a typical kit lens: light, easy to use, mediocre image quality.
My unit was a bit "rough" when zooming in and out, almost like it wasn't lubricated properly. I've returned it to B&H & am waiting for a replacement.
Sony really needs to get out good lenses for the NEX series.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
I got this lens in a kit with the NEX5. It's a nice lens for the price. I will probably use it more often than the 16mm. Just be careful when taking off the lens cap. This is how I scratched it a bit, so I recommend getting a protective UV filter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice match to camera
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
Sharpness with this lens is good. It does not make the NEX5 excessively large. It fits very nicely in a Lowpro Apex 100AW case like the case was made specifically for the NEX5 and this lens, the little flash unit, a spare battery, a filter or two and an SD card in a very small well padded space.
I see little of the color fringing of bright edges that shows with the 16 mm wide angle pancake lens. The reversing lens hood supplied works very well.
In bright light the LCD is a difficult to use. I use a sun hat with a wide brim that I have painted flat black on the bottom side of the front of the brim with acrylic paint. There have been a few times I have missed the ability to "peek through the hole" on a regular DSLR in strong sunlight.
At actual pixels the images look quite good, which is what I was wanting so I could make 18x24 inch prints from this camera with careful composition. Compared to a Canon 7d with an L series lens it is of course in second place in sharpness, but excellent for the money and fantastic on the size and weight. Overall the images seem a tiny bit "soft"on the NEX5, but in a good way.
Of the three lenses available for the NEX5, this seems like the best buy, though the 16 mm certainly is compact and WIDE, but limited compared to this lens. The zoom is just essential if you are after making every pixel count with tight composition in the camera itself. A few times I have missed the always ready little flash on the Canon G11.
Does seem to outperform the G11 due to larger sensor, but I love the G11 layout. The NEX5 LCD tilts some but not as wide a range as the G11. The retractable lens on the G11 is hard to beat for compact size and "always have with you" camera, but the NEX5 in the LowPro case is very compact and seems to be producing images with improved large print potential vs the G11. (Keep in mind I LOVE my G11 so swapping it out for the NEX5 was a big decision)
I use a small wrist strap on the NEX5 to help ease it out of the case and avoid drops. It is a bit of an adaptation to learn how to hold it with this lens, but not as awkward as it may look.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
Entry level lens. Did what it suppose to do. Results are very good on Nex-5 in daylight shooting. Thanks for the exellent design of low light performance of camera itself.
If money is not issue, get the 18-200 f2.8 lens.
Pros
- Light Weight
- Small Size
Cons
- Imbanlanced on NEX-5
Best Uses
- traveling
Comments about Sony E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver):
Small and light compared with my bulky DSLR lenses. Excellent for traveling and everyday carry.
Displaying reviews 1-17
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $7.09
- Price: $27.95
Cases & Wraps
-
- Original: $11.99
- Save: $1.20
- Price: $10.79
Care & Cleaning
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
Color Balancing / Lens Calibration
- Price: $79.95
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $24.95
Posing Equipment
- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- Front Lens Cap
- Rear Lens Cap
- Lens Hood
- 1-Year Limited Warranty (Parts & Labor)
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