Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs
-
Discontinued
Not compatible with 35mm or "full-frame" digital SLR cameras
This Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Lens is usually the first and sometimes the only lens a Sony Alpha camera owner will buy. This "kit" lens has an equivalent focal length of 27-82.5mm in the 35mm/full frame standard. In other words: this is an inexpensive, compact wide angle to short telephoto zoom for the emerging photographer.
Its cost, design, and overall size all lead the tyro to comfortably accessorize their kit lens, and begin developing a library of optics for their camera.
- This compact 18-55mm lens is an excellent general purpose, all-rounder lens for most photographic situations.
- Sony's Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) quietly operates the lens system.
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 - 36 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony Alpha, Minolta AF |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.84" (25 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.34x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2.94 |
| Groups/Elements | 7/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 55 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.74 x 2.72" (6.96 x 6.91 cm) |
| Weight | 7.41 oz (210 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
86%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (9)
- Lightweight (9)
- Easily interchangeable (7)
- Consistent output (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (7)
- Weddings (5)
- Low light (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Item came quickly and securly packed, easy to put onto camera and use immediatley. Great lens, very happy with purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Decent field of view
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Price
Cons
- No lens hood supplied
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Was really excellent for landscapes with the wider field of view than my old mini and large Minolta Beercans and the images appear excellent. The fact that there was no lens hood supplied was a little poor - local Sony has them listed for $59.95 but are not in stock. The Construction is a little light but appears to be OK.
Cannot give more info at this stage as I received the lens Thursday, dropped the camera with the lens attached on Friday. Now waiting to see damage report!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Minimal CA
- Sharp at all focal length
Cons
- Plastic casing
Best Uses
- Indoor decent light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
General walk around and indoor use
It is very lighweight, fast to focus as well as rather silent. Sharp in the center wide open and stopped down across the frame. Minimal CA. Good contrast and color rendition.
OK, so it's plastic and not metal. Don't let that fool you it is quite capable. Work the focal length barrel cam a bit to loosen it up as it tends to be tight mid range
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
I've only been able to use it inside so far, but it is just what I need. Wolf Cameras in Pleasant Hill, CA recommended it to me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
I thought that I was going to have problems with the new product because it is different from the one that I had but I found it easy to use. I can't stop taking photos.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
I first used the lens while hiking in the hills above Malibu CA. The sun was going in and out and I was shooting trees, rock formations, scenery, and flowers. Great versatile lens - nice distance shots and really good close ups of flowers in macro mode. I use the lens with a Sony A33.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Perfect for starter user and photographers, tourists and Great to learn with!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Can't think of any
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
This lens came when I bought my Sony Alpha a330 camera and even though I've bought more lenses for my camera since, I use this lens much more than I do the other lenses. It has excellent focus in both automatic and manual modes. I also own a Minolta Maxxum 7000 camera and use the lens on this camera as well and it fits both cameras very well. I'm only a student of photography but would recommend this lenses as basic for anyone's collection of lenses for photography no matter where you're taking pictures.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Sharp Focus
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
I am an amatuer photographer and currently using a Sony A200 which comes with the standard 18-70mm DT zoom lens. I considered getting the 18-55mm lens after going through the reviews on SLRgear and never regretted my decision to make the purchase. There is a marked improvement in image sharpness over the kit lens but there is a reduction in focusing speed and the SAM motor sounds horrid and does not seem to add to the focusing efficiency. Do look in SLRgear for a very detailed and accurate review of the lens, and if they are correct, which I think they are, the output quality of this lens will come close to matching those of the lower end Carl Zeiss zoom lens.
Displaying reviews 1-9
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $20.85
- Price: $18.95
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $11.99
Protection/Camouflage
- Price: $4.99
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $26.95
What's in the Box
- 1-Year Sony Limited Warranty
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