B_P_2015_04_

aPril 2015 Better PhotograPhy

The lens exhibits

excellent overall

sharpness at f/5.6 and

distortion at the edges is

well controlled.

Exposure: 1/50sec at f/5.6

(ISO 3200)

F I N A L R A T I N G S

Features

Close focusing distance of 28cm, no FTM

16/20

Performance

Less vignetting and distortion, noisy AF

30/35

Build Quality

Made up of polycarbonate, feels average

20/25

Ergonomics

Light, MF ring rotates during AF operation

11/15

Warranty & Support

Wide service network, two-year warranty

3/5

Value for Money

Who should buy it? Sony APS-C DSLR users looking

to shoot lot of interiors and architecture as this offers good

wide angle range.

Why? The lens offers a constant minimum focusing

distance of 0.25m and distortion is well controlled.

OVERALL

80%

Raj Lalwani

The distance scale has metres marked in
white, and feet marked in orange, which is
helpful. There is no DOF scale, but since it
is a wide angle lens, one can do without it.
The zoom ring is placed close to the
camera body and is only slightly wider
than the focusing ring. This offers better
grip, especially while shooting at slow
shutterspeeds. On the other hand, I
would have preferred the focusing ring
to have been narrower as it rotates during
autofocus. A narrower focusing ring
would also be ergonomically better as it
would allow for more space between the
two rings. This would mean smoother
functioning of the focusing ring during
autofocus, and would also minimise the
chances of damage.
The overall rotation of the focusing ring
is about 90°, in which it covers the entire
focusing distance. The zoom ring, on the
other hand, does not need to be twisted a
lot to cover the entire focal length.

Performance
While I tested the lens on the latest Sony
body, the AF mechanism employed on the
lens is similar to the ones found in Nikon
D-type lenses. The AF motor is built in to
the camera body and mechanically couples
with the lens to achieve focus, which slows

downs focusing and also makes it louder.

This AF noise is easily picked up by the

inbuilt microphone during video.

The lens hood does not reduce flare as

it should, and you can see a hint of the sun

even when it is at the corner of the frame.

Additionally, the onboard flash casts a

noticeable shadow at all focal lengths,

except 18mm, even without the lens hood.

In terms of sharpness and contrast, the

lens is excellent across all focal lengths,

but the best balance is achieved at f/5.6.

However, if you are looking to avoid light

falloff at the corners, then my advice is to

use f/8 at all focal lengths.

While distortion is well controlled, some

barrel distortion is visible at 11mm, but

becomes less apparent 14mm onwards.

Conclusion

Priced at Rs. 44,990, the Sony DT 11–18mm

f/4.5-5.6 is the only wide angle zoom lens

for Sony’s Alpha series of APS-C cameras.

The cheapest option available in the

market for Sony users, it is a good ultrawide

companion to the standard DT 18–70mm

kit lens. If you are on a tight budget, then

despite some distortion and light falloff, it

is a lens worth considering. But there are

also third-party options available, if you

are willing to increase your budget.

Shridhar Kunte