Playing With Lenses: The first one: Sony FE 3.5-5.6 28-70mm OSS SEL2870

Wednesday 13 February 2019

The first one: Sony FE 3.5-5.6 28-70mm OSS SEL2870

Cost: part of camera bundle (new market price $398)

OK, not the first lens review, but the first lens I will review on the Sony A7II. I must say, it's a pleasure exploring a new camera. Almost like a new car.. I wonder when the new car smell will wear off. Only one negative on the A7 so far. The placement of the custom buttons is just weird. I was used on the a6000 to quickly use the c button for a zoomed preview, but the buttons on the A7 are just on the wrong place, forcing me to look at the camera to find the button to press. Maybe I will get used to it...

After using so many manual lenses, I do miss an aperture ring. IMO it's is easier to turn a ring on the lens than to use the controls on the camera. Otherwise it's a pleasure to use this lens. Focus is snappy, although not always precise. More then just a few of out-of-focus pictures.

The lens is constructed solidly, but still fairly light weight for a lens this size. And a large size it is, but as I do not have to use an adapter, it's not to bad.

Image quality is not to bad. Rich color's and plenty sharpness if you get the focus right. Less sharp and some color friction in the corners. I did dee a tendency for blue in the pictures, but that might just have been the overcast day during the shoot.

Ok, as conclusion, not to bad as a kit lens. Better then others, but still a kit lens. If you want better, prepare to pay a hefty sum. But as a starter lens, it's a good combination with the A7II.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 28-70mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.5-5.6
Minimum Aperture: F22-36
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: E-Mount
Optics: 8 groups - 9 elements
Blades: 7
Focussing: Auto
Image Stabilisation: Optical Steady Shot (OSS)
Minimum Focus: 30cm
Filter Size: 55mm
Weight: 295g
Length: 83mm
Production: 2010 to current
Serial Number: 0705025

Made in: Thailand

More information on Sony Corporation

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