Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera
The Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera is a can-do lens--an 11 x 27-300mm (35mm equivalent) zoom that can handle everything from wide landscape photos to portraits to sports, action and even wildlife photography with the telephoto up to 300mm. And the results will be brilliant, with four aspherical elements that correct visual aberrations across the entire zoom range, a quiet AF motor for improved sound recording with video, and optical Steady Shot image stabilization (with Active mode) for steadier handheld shots while on the move. A circular aperture provides more pleasing out-of-focus areas. This lens is not recommended for use with full-frame DSLRs.
- Internal Focusing System
- Internal lens elements move when focusing, so the overall length does not change -- creating a lens that focuses more quickly and doesn't change balance.
- 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.
- Aspherical Lens Elements
- Four aspherical elements correct visual aberrations more effectively across the entire zoom range and help reduce weight.
- Quiet Autofocus
- Quiet AF motor for cleaner sound recording.
- Image Stabilization
- Optical Steady Shot image stabilization with Active mode for steadier handheld shots while on the move.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
18 - 200 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 27 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/22 - 40 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony (E Mount for NEX) |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 76° - 8° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.0' (30.48 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.27x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.70 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/15 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization |
Yes
1
Please Note:Optical Steady Shot image stabilization with Active mode for steadier handheld shots while on the move. close |
| Autofocus |
Yes
2
Please Note:Autofocus for Movie Capture close |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.0 x 4.0" (7.62 x 10.16 cm) |
| Weight | 18.5 oz (524 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 80 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (41)
- Improves picture quality (39)
- Compact (20)
- Strong construction (17)
- Easily interchangeable (16)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (16)
- Heavy (11)
- Slow focus (4)
Best Uses
- Shooting outdoors (42)
- Close up filming (20)
- Landscape/scenery (15)
- Upgrade (15)
- Shooting indoors (13)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (21), Photo enthusiast (9), Casual photographer (7), Parent (7), Film professional (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (70), Yes (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Very Sharp and Outstanding Build Quality
First and foremost, you should be aware that you'll need another lens aside from the 18-200mm, to take flash pictures. The 18-200 lens barrel obstructs the lower part of the flash output...Read complete review
First and foremost, you should be aware that you'll need another lens aside from the 18-200mm, to take flash pictures. The 18-200 lens barrel obstructs the lower part of the flash output at anything less than ~50mm. Sony made a big mistake here in not supplying a 'flash extender' with the lens and at this time of writing, it is not available for purchase either. Moreover, it would have nice if Sony included a lens pouch or carrying case for the lens while it awaits its use. Yet, something else you'll need to purchase if you want to keep the lens in it's pristine condition. BTW, the NEX/18-200mm combo doesn't sit flat on the table either; the bottoms are not even.
Then we have the lens size and the integration with the NEX body. Suffice to say, it is reminiscent of the older Sony 707/717 models where a much bigger lens is coupled a smaller body. Difference is that with the NEX, the body doesn't twist/tilt like the 7x7 models but only the LCD tilts, which helps with stability. It's a big lens if you're comparing it to the compact superzooms but it's not given the size of the NEX sensor. It is comparable to the 18-200 of the DSLRs and the 14-140 zoom lenses of the m4/3s. The dichotomy is that for the folks who bought into the NEX for its dimunitive size are now faced with less than compact setup.
On first use, the NEX/18-200 combo seems like a joke. Clearly, this is a one-handed operation for a very short time only; the NEX body itself don't have much of a grip and the front heavy lens is going to tip the balance. This is worsened in its fully exended zoom length. To zoom, you will need to use your left hand to hold the bottom of the lens barrel while using its two finger tips to rotate the zoom ring. Likewise to manual focus.
However, the quality of this lens is just plainly superb. The distant test scenes from backyard I normally take with new lenses and cameras were outstanding and possibly one of the best I've ever had. The stabilization system works very well and I have no issues handholding the combo and getting clear pictures. The lens stops down to f6.3 at the max zoom length but this is compensated with the NEX's low-noise high-ISO.
I have also not heard it focusing either. In the few 1080 videos I've made, I have not heard any focus noise which can be extremely distracting during viewing. The 18-200 makes for an excellent video lens as well.
The build quality of this lens is also outstanding. The zoom ring is firm but rotates smoothly and likewise with the focus ring. I thought this Sony lens is better built than the similar 14-140 Panny lens which has free play in its lens mount and a inconsistent zoom movement. I have not even used the zoom lock switch once as I have not experienced any zoom creep yet while carrying the lens.
Overall, an outstanding lens.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Expensive for mediocre results
Focus is slow, image lacks crispness for an [$] lens. Focus by wire on this lens is overly sensitive, preventing effective follow focus. The effective (APS-C) focal length between 27mm and ...Read complete review
Focus is slow, image lacks crispness for an [$] lens. Focus by wire on this lens is overly sensitive, preventing effective follow focus. The effective (APS-C) focal length between 27mm and 300mm is good for general shooting conditions, but overall there are better options considering the cost.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 80 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
- Versatile for Many
Cons
- Bulky Design
- Slow focus
Best Uses
- Good Landscape Shots
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
The lens is quite versatile, I've already taken it out to take some landscape shots as well as the night shots. Sharp and good manual control most of times. The only downside being that it is quite slow to focus, if you are looking to shoot continuously, this might not be the best choice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
I took the E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera by Sony 20 miles into the wilderness. The lense enabled me to capture some fantastic wildlife photos.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- All-in-1
- Easy To Use
- Good feel to controls
Cons
- Bulky Design
- Needs flash extender
- Silver finish
Best Uses
- Travel
- Upgrade
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
I got this as I missed the reach of the 18-200 I had on my Nikon D70 DSLR when I replaced it with a NEX. Works well. Image quality is certainly good enough. Lens shade included but no case (but it will almost always be on your camera anyway).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Interfaces Well With Camcorder
Cons
- No Increase In Performance
Best Uses
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
Focus is slow, image lacks crispness for an [$] lens. Focus by wire on this lens is overly sensitive, preventing effective follow focus. The effective (APS-C) focal length between 27mm and 300mm is good for general shooting conditions, but overall there are better options considering the cost.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
This lens has made a huge difference to the utilization of the Sony camera. Love this lens and its abilities.
The negative would be that it can't be used with a viewfinder.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Interfaces Well With Camcorder
Cons
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
This lens is what I expected from Sony - Very good quality for a reasonable price. Works well with my FS-100 camcorder. Fairly slow though.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
- Interfaces Well With Camcorder
Cons
- Potentially fragile
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Panoramic Filming
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
I own a Canon 5D, with many canon lens and by comparison, the new Sony 18-200mm attached to a new Sony NEX5n, performed extremely well last weekend when I was shooting video in poor light at a Church concert. The lens is so light that I was able to hold the camera and lens at shoulder height without difficulty, for an hour of video shooting. The lens image stabilizer worked well in poor light right up to full zoom at 200mm as did the autofocus. My only concern with this excellent lens is that I expect that it is relatively fragile if dropped or struck at a bad angle.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Interfaces Well With Camcorder
Cons
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
I would say that this lens is made to match with Sony new Fs100. i get very good results out of his lens. AF is silent and fast too. I would not say this is the one, there are many more lenses out there. Expecting more E-mount lenses from sony..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Panoramic Filming
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
Pros:
- Reasonable size with the range of 18mm-200mm is amazing
- Produces crisp and sharp pictures when the light is good
Cons:
- Expensive
- A bit slow, specially in low light conditions
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
- Quality that rivals Leica
Cons
- Bulky Design
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Panoramic Filming
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
Owned many Nikon Nikkor ED lenses and some Leica lenses and found the quality for this is similar or exceed some of those I have. Amazing for its price and quality. Though it is a good size lenses but the small frame of the body makes it feels good
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
The lens is great on the camera and can get some great shots! One problem though is the lens is a bit heavy (bigger than the camera) so you get alot of blurry photos due to movement.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great for stills videos
- Great range of focusing
- Very well-built
Cons
- Bulky Design
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- General Purpose Lens
- Macro photography
- Panoramic Filming
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
I use this as a general purpose lens, as a part of a second camera system. When I travel, mainly for nature and wildlife photography, I carry one camera with a long telephoto lens and another smaller all-purpose lens (i.e. an NEX-5 camera equipped with this lens).
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Upgrade
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
Great add for the pics, but a bit too big for the camera size. Go for it if you want a professional approach with a medium size camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Excellent Build Quality
Cons
- No scale window
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
My first foray into a removable lens camera since my film days.
I am a zoom shooter and this lens suits me down to the ground and covers a great zoom range.
Now some things I like and some I don't.
Like:-
1. Quality of the build is excellent, metal construction, smooth zoom and focus action. No lens creep.
2. Quality of the photos are excellent especially at full zoom of 200mm.
3. I love the bayonet fitting, so much easier than a screw fitting.
Dis-like:-
1. The rubber ribbing on the zoom and focus rings is too fine a texture to easily feel. I may get more used to where it is as I use the lens more but I find myself fumbling around sliding my finges over the metal body instead of the focus ring especially.
2. I would have liked a scale window on the top of the lens. I suppose for old time sake for when I shot film. ;)
All in all I am very happy with this lens as it allows me to cover virtually all of my photographic needs without chopping and changing lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
Body structure built solid & quiet auto focus
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
- Interfaces Well With Camcorder
Cons
- Too slow
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
For the price, this is a pretty good lens. Although, if you are already planning on spending $5,000 on the fs100 might as well get some cine lenses.
Good image but extremely slow, but then again...great price!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Zoom ring
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
I bought this to go with my Nex5... this is a very nice lens. The zoom range makes it very versatile... so far I've left the lens on as the main one to use for most shooting situations. I have removed it and put on the stock 18-55mm a few times only because it is a bit big if you don't need the zoom for anything.
I am just a hobby photographer so I am tickled to have such a great camera outfit... it's a small system with big capabilities. So far I am super happy with this camera and lens.
Because it is so much bigger and heavier than the camera itself I find myself holding the lens and not the camera in most situations... which brings me to a gripe: When zooming you have to support the camera much more with your right hand and in doing so the palm of your hand tends to push some of the buttons on the camera... frustrating. I wish Sony would have made just a little larger grip area with no controls with this zoom in mind but maybe this zoom wasn't in mind at the time...
The other silly thing that Sony should have considered is this: The zoom ring on the 18-55mm lens is the inside ring and the outside ring is for manual focus... on this lens it's reversed... the outside ring is the zoom... so each time I switch the lens I have to re-learn which ring to use for zoom... silly, no reason not to buy, just a silly design.
I considered the adapter and another lens brand but then I wouldn't have a compact system so all in all I am satisfied.
If you have a Nex camera I would suggest this lens mainly because of it's versatility and the fact that it really does make a compact system which I imagine is the reason most people are buying this camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
- Bulky Design
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Panoramic Filming
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
i use this lens to take night shots from a far ditacne is very good and the price is not bad
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
Have used this lens under a variety of lighting conditions. Tack sharp and makes the NEX-5 package a wonderful travel camera system. First class RAW shooting with great optics in a small easy to carry system. Video is beautiful as well. I could use a faster lens but this will do for now.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
Comments about Sony E-Mount 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera:
Very easy to assemble and use
clear precise shots
easy to download
beautiful resluts and very professional even for a beginner like me..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $25.00
- Price: $31.99
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
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