We are adding sample images from this lens. The review will follow.
We are adding sample images from this lens. The review will follow.
The Sony 10-18mm or SEL1018 is a fairly large high quality zoom lens for the Sony NEX E mount system. The lens is a constant F/4.0 throughout the zoom range. The lens ships with caps, a petal shaped hood, box and a one year warranty in most juristrictions. It is compatible with all Sony NEX Cameras.
The lens specifications are as follows:
Lens Type : E-mount 10-18mm F4
Lens Mount Type : Sony E-mount
Aperture : f/4- F/22
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 15-27 mm
Lens Construction : 8-10
Minimum Focus Distance : 9.84″ (0.25m)
Angle of View : 109°-76° (APS-C)
Aperture Blade : 7 blades (Circular aperture)
Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) : 2-7/8 x 2-1/2″ (70.0 x 63.5 mm)
Distance Encoder : Yes
Filters
The lens has a threaded filter diameter of 62 mm. We tested the lens with a 6mm B+W MRC Circular Polarizer with no vignetting evident at the 10mm setting.
Lens Weight
Sony’s reported weight is 8oz (225g), I am going to assume that this number is without caps, hood, etc… My scale shows this, and I call this bag weight:
We tested this lens on a NEX5n and the results were very very good. I think that it will be even better on the NEX6! This is a small, light zoom that covers the 35-70mm range for full frame. On a NEX crop it becomes 53-100mm equivalent. This lens demonstrates little lateral chromatic abberations, little fall off, and excellent colour contrast. You can expect the famous contax “look” and sharpness. Critical to any adapted lens is the adapter. We used a Kipon type adapter that allows the lens to reach infinity focus at the correct point.
This is a superb lens! You can expect extraordinary sharpness right from wide open. Smooth Bokeh and no, and I say again, no chromatic aberrations. The lens distinguishes itself by having excellent separation of the subject from the background, it’s very 3D. Colour contrast is high and images need very little processing when coming from dng files. The lens has a very special look, especially at mid-distances. Close up performance is also very good, due to the floating element. Close up images still retain interesting bokeh as well. Check out the parrot shot below. Vignetting also serves to enhance image quality ( I know that some will disagree), but I really like this lens and its output.
I am working on the review of this wonderful lens, that is sadly discontinued by Leica. It is a very light small lens ideally suited for travel. The nearest modern alternative would be the 90mm F/2.8 Summarit. The F/2.8 Elmarit is available on EBay and if one is careful, you can pick up a very good copy.
A great lens, not quite as good as the new Leica 18mm, but much, much cheaper. This test was done on a Sony NEX 5n, so it will not represent true corner performance on a full frame. You can get an ides of the lenses characteristics though. The lens itself is tiny, it weighs 350g and is 71mm long. Distortion is well controlled, you can expect some lateral chromatic aberration in the corners, but it is easily corrected. Specs:
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